The goal of teaching should be to assist the student in reaching the answer on a general level, and I think the best way to instruct students is to create analogies to simple concepts. Usually if they can understand why the methods are what they are it helps them remember and understand more complex application of the methods.

First I'd like to ask the student what they want to get out of this tutoring, whether it’s preparing for a certain test or trying to practice for the subject in general. If it’s for a particular test I'd want to go over provided materials by the teacher and identify where they are strong and weak. If it’s for a subject area then I'd want to use some practice examples and do some memory practice for subjects that require that. Also I'd want to know where their weak area in the coursework is (homework/classwork/tests) and focus on that.

Teaching concepts over specific examples, as well as using analogies to help students understand the basis to different concepts, so that it’s easier for them to understand the more complex problems.

Oftentimes I find a student wants to get engaged in a class but just doesn't feel confident enough in the class, so helping them understand and correct problems typically motivates them. I was always motivated by interesting real world applications, and I think I could use examples like that to encourage a student to take an interest in the subject.

If there's other work to do as well, I would take a break from the concept they are having difficulty with and switch to the other work. Once the other work is completed, we would begin to revisit the concept. I would try to use the most simplistic examples, and possibly a different method of explaining it if that's applicable.

I would encourage them to begin using sticky notes when they read each chapter to summarize the chapter. This will help them later on to refresh their memory without reading the chapter, and summarizing the chapter will help them remember.

Using a benchmark style tutoring seems the most effective when first tutoring a student. We complete some practice problems to really identify the student’s weaknesses and then go on to tutor in the areas they struggled with.

Create more engaging, typically applicable, practice problems. I find that one of the main reasons students don't want to study a subject is because they don't feel like it would be worth anything, but showing them real world application can re-inspire. Also with AP classes, typically showing the minimum requirements to get a 3 can help them relax and feel more confident.

Practice problems. They are the key to mastery. You move from multiple choice to short answer to extended response, and assist them along the way as they need.

Don't ever put pressure on getting the correct answer but rather understanding why the answer is correct. Also always ensure you practice concepts they understand clearly as well so they don't feel discouraged with only difficult problems.

Benchmark tests and student/ tutor conversation.

Typically, I like to ask the student what method they think would be most effective for them, however if it's not showing progress, I usually will switch to my method of test and correct. If that is not effective, I'll typically then switch to classroom style teaching to give them the base to work off of.

The tutor platform's practice question database is a very effective tool for tutoring. If I'm tutoring an AP course then I will typically also use past exams, as that material is most indicative of the possible exam material.