Teaching is a science, just as much as it is a humanity. Thorough, well-planned, and detailed lessons are essential to teaching success. These elements must also be complemented with cultural/personal awareness and emotional intelligence in order to achieve long-term success.

In a first session, I would focus on building a relationship with the student and his family, discussing different methods of teaching that are preferable to the student, plan a course of action, and if there is time remaining, beginning the first lesson.

Independency in any educational area must be preceded with an understanding of fundamentals and an awareness of available resources to assist along the way. As this is the ultimate goal of a tutor, I will aim to recognize and discuss these indications with the student, and go from there.

Learning, especially in a subject someone is experiencing frustration with, is a difficult task, and easy to lose motivation in. As a teacher, I've learned that diversifying methods of teaching, adding excitement to lessons, and providing positive encouragement throughout the process helps offset this problem.

When a student is having difficulty learning a skills or concept, I would first seek to identify the exact area of challenge. Then I would change the originally method of teaching, with another method (perhaps moving from text to visualization). If this does not work, then I would reinforce previously learned concepts and work back up to the point.

Reading comprehension is an important skill, especially since it is a major component of standardized tests such as the SAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, etc. Answering this question requires more information as to the age and background of the student, and the particular goal (analyzing a poem or literary piece may be taught differently than analyzing legal document). For the most part, however, I would focus on structural elements, vocabulary, summarizing, and annotation.

I have found that visualization of difficult concepts can sometimes facilitate a major breakthrough in understanding for a student. I also have found that a mutual trust and relationship between the student and teacher, makes it easier for a student to ask questions or share he/she is having trouble with a certain skill.

In trying to get a student excited and engaged into a subject, I would try to recognize first what generally excites and engages the student, in or out of the academic setting. I would try to use this information to tailor lessons that may be more related to the student. I also naturally try to add excitement to teaching through humor.

In assessing a student's understanding of the material, I would use a wide-range of assessment (multiple choice, writing, verbal, project, etc.). In the end, regardless of the method of assessment, my goal is to ensure an understanding of the material.

Confidence is built through understanding. I will work with the student to find methods of teaching that facilitate academic improvement. These improvements will in the long-run build up into a confidence and intellectual curiosity.

Of course, first, I would ask the student this question. It's usually not just that easy though! Sometimes a student does not necessarily know his/her needs with regards with a particular subject. In this case, I will regularly assess areas of potential improvement, and seek to fill those gaps.

Every student has different needs, just as every human has a different mind. Adapting lessons to a student's needs requires, of course, an understanding of student needs. Once this is possible, I will work with the student in recognizing different teaching methods that will accommodate those needs.

In general, I will have a textbook, laptop, utensils, iPad, and any other relevant materials handy during a session.