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

Typically, when I meet a student for the first time, I come armed with a lot of work, prepared to get down to business. But it usually doesn't go that way because while I am turning on my computer, shuffling worksheets, and getting ready to begin, I give my students lots of opportunities to talk about what subjects they like and why, the subjects they dislike and why, and how they are feeling about math this year and why.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

How can you help a student become an independent learner? I help students become more independent by identifying their trouble spot(s) and working with them to find ways to build on what they already know. I often prompt them to take the lead when we are problem solving, especially when I see that they are almost at master level of the concepts at hand.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

A person's motivation can vary over time. I find it helpful to have the student reflect on the work they have done so far and feel encouraged by their improvements. Sometimes, it is also helpful to think about where they would like to be grade-wise and personal achievement-wise, and readjust short term goals if they feel it's necessary.

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

If a student has difficulty with a particular concept, even after going back to fundamentals and trying other approaches like talking through the problem, drawing, manipulatives or video, I find it helpful to move away from that concept and on to something else, especially if I see that the student is getting frustrated. This time away can sometimes help to overcome the mental block, if not it give me time to prepare more highly specific practice material for the next session.