"If you can't explain it to a six year old, you don't understand it yourself." -Einstein A teacher has to be able to explain concepts to his or her students in many different ways in order to help every student understand the material. The more you can explain certain subject matter, the greater your mastery of it.

I would introduce myself in a friendly manner and take the first few minutes to get to know my student. In my opinion, this helps to create and maintain a more personal, low-stress atmosphere that encourages mutual respect and boosts productivity.

A good way to encourage independent learning is to provide study tips, strategies, and even practice exercises for a student to complete. The best way to get them started is to first demonstrate then watch the student do it themselves.

I would encourage the student to set goals, as many or as small as necessary. A set of goals must also be paired with some form of reward system. For example, when reading a dense textbook, some have found that it is helpful to place a small piece of candy at the end of every few paragraphs. Once the student finishes the passage, they may eat the candy. Every met goal requires a comparably significant reward.

I try to find as many different ways to explain the concept as I can, often making use of analogies. As the concept begins to make more sense, I then focus on application.

A good way to develop the reading comprehension skill is to drill it excessively, yet patiently. I like to have a student read aloud from a book. Every so often, I will ask comprehension questions about the main idea, supporting details, and any major characters or topics.

Know the material by reviewing it before meeting with the student. Try to be encouraging and reassuring to keep stress levels low. Have several ways of explaining a concept. Most importantly, have fun. When studying becomes tedious, it can be difficult to keep learning and being productive. I like to remember to try to work in a small break every now and then.

Many students disengage with a subject because they do not know of its significance. Providing interesting examples of practical concept application can help spark interest in that subject.

My first step would be to explain the material in as many different ways as possible. I like to use analogies to provide the most basic level of understanding. Providing examples of practical everyday application helps keep the material interesting. Afterwards, the best way to make new material stick is to drill it repeatedly.

I would have the student practice that subject's concepts on a regular basis, first working examples with the student, then letting them work independently.

Taking an assessment of a student's skills in a certain subject can help me see what areas that student struggles in. Many students have needs in more than just their studies, however. These needs can often be met and evaluated simply by talking to the student and getting them to open up to you. Often, what they need is a kind word and an open ear.

The more I know about a student, the better I can assess their needs. I can quickly realize how and why I am not reaching a student and have an arsenal of tactics at my disposal. I can work with visual examples or analogies, depending on the type of learner I am working with. I realize when I need to slow down or when I need to break down certain concepts if pacing becomes an issue. I recognize when it's time to take a break. I have many ways to help keep my student on task and motivated.

I come prepared with enough scratch material, including paper and pencils, for me and my student. I bring my laptop in case I have a need of outside resources or have resources I would like to share. I have a timer to ensure that time is being used efficiently. I also have hands-on materials such as counting chips that I use specifically to teach multiplication and division.