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

In a first session, I will get an idea of where a student is struggling and what they are mastering. With this information, we can work together to make a plan leading to being confident in all aspects of a concept--in no time!

How would you help a student stay motivated?

From first-hand experience, students are motivated by learning something that they previously struggled with. Each step that is mastered should be celebrated and recognized in order for a student to build confidence and stay motivated.

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

Practice problems are great for checking understanding. However, I like to ask a student to explain steps or the "why” to check for deeper understanding.