I think it's important to go at the pace of the student. Each student has a different learning style and personality, and, as a tutor, it is important to be aware of those characteristics.

During the first session, I would get some basic background information about the student by asking about their favorite subjects and hobbies.

I would try to get the student to tell me as much as they know about the subject, which increases the student's confidence. Then I would get the student to work on a topic or problem without intervening.

I think praise is the answer to helping a student stay motivated. Congratulating them on solving a problem and staying energetic, while making the topic interesting, is the best way to keep the student's attention.

Go through the problem step by step to figure out where there is a misunderstanding. Also, make sure that the student is relaxed and focused. Students can become overwhelmed and stressed due to the amount of work they are given, but slowly taking a step back can become really helpful.

I think it's important to set some time aside to practice reading comprehension. It can be difficult to understand what is being read, especially since there are many different writing styles. Practice will help improve the student's understanding.

I find that highlighting a student's strengths is the best way to make the student become more successful. Also, letting the student know that it is absolutely normal to have difficulties with subjects. Not every student is going to understand and comprehend every class or subject. Lastly, I think it's important that the student is comfortable because it leads to better communication between the student and the tutor.

One way to help a student become more engaged is to use examples that the student is interested in. When a student can relate to the subject, it becomes easier to understand and comprehend.

Once the student has thoroughly practiced the material, I would have the student tell me as much as he or she knows about the topic. If the student is confident enough to explain the subject to another person, then that illustrates that the material is understood. I would also ask questions that are similar to the original problem to make sure that the student is knowledgeable of the material.

It's important to acknowledge how far the student has come in terms of learning a subject, and to applaud the student for working so hard. Sometimes a student only looks at what he or she doesn't know instead of looking at how much has been learned throughout the process.

I think it's important to look at the way in which the student goes about studying and practicing a subject. This is one of the easiest ways to address a student's needs. After looking at the different learning styles and techniques that a student uses, changes can be made in certain areas to better assist the student.

I would observe the personality of the student. Some students are shyer than others, which may require more motivation and patience from a tutor's perspective. Other students may not know how to communicate their needs, so it's important to find other methods to help the student express a certain issue.