What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I will first listen. I can not teach anything honestly at the first session since I do not know what the student needs. I will listen keenly and ask viewpoint questions to build a mental profile on how I can help the student help themselves.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

One can become an independent learner if given the tools and tricks to break down a problem and issue. Instead of teaching how to solve a particular problem or issue, a student should be taught how to break down problems in the given topic and apply the tools acquired to solve the specific problem. This will enable them to solve problems they haven't seen since they are able to teach themselves how to overcome it.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Motivation is truly from within. If one does not learn to be self-motivated, they will not go far since outside motivators can change at any second. I will help a student see that success starts from the mindset within. One can not be helped if they do not want to truly be helped. So, if a student has a clear picture of what they will become if they stay on the path they are on, they can have the motivation to either continue or change the path.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I will first try to learn all the interior and exterior hindering blocks in the student's way so we can remedy them, if not fix, so the student can then tackle the specific concept. If the issue is not the time of dedication in overcoming the skill or concept, then something else is blocking the student. That something else needs to be sought out and dealt with.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Practice is key. As one builds their arsenal in vocabulary, they will have a wider range of comprehension if they continue to repeatedly practice reading and learning new words, they will increase their comprehension skills. Also, understanding why they do not have decent reading comprehension skills is key and will need to be addressed first. A language, confidence, or even a disability issue will need to be answered, and then the needed remedy can be applied.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Listening to learn who the student is. Nothing happens in a vacuum, and many times, outside unrelated factors hold someone back. So if I learn or have an understanding of who they are, I can better help myself help themselves.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

My attitude or vibe to teaching the subject is key. If I have a lack of interest or my gestures give an impression of a lack of interest, they could loose or not develop an interest in the subject.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

If a student can teach a child the material, they understand it. Every subject possible can be reshaped to be understood in a simplified fashion if the one reshaping it sufficiently understands the complex form of the subject. I always ask my students to reshape the subject and teach it back to me.