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

I like to get to know the student first. "If you have a kid's heart, you have his head." I also start off with basic material for the course to gauge where the student is.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

My classroom is entirely self-paced. Students move through material once they've mastered the previous topics. Students find independence through choice. I offer my students a choice between worksheets or online work, reviewing alone or reviewing with me. Some choices are better than others and eventually students learn that!

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. I would only suggest questions within the students reach so that he or she would feel confident when answering.

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

I would review the topics necessary to be successful with that skill or concept. So much of math builds upon previous knowledge. I would find what was impeding the students' learning and work from there.

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

I find that a positive and encouraging attitude goes a long way. I praise the student for whatever he or she is doing CORRECT, instead of condemning him or her for what he or she is doing wrong. I often tell students how easy they make my job.

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

My positive attitude usually inspires others to work hard and engage in the material. I have a good repertoire of real-world events that relate to math.

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

I often ask students to verbalize the steps they took to solve a problem. Many students can go through the motions, but being able to articulate and justify every move shows true understanding.