I believe every individual has unique talents and the ability to learn. Unlocking those talents and abilities is magical. A teacher or tutor needs to pay careful attention to their student(s) to see what is and is not working. The entire student must be addressed, including their mood, their physical state, their personality, and their likes and dislikes.

I would need to ask them to tell me their personal history with the subject: How has it been going? Do they like any parts (subtopics) more or less than others? When do they seem to feel overwhelmed or lost? How do they learn best? Listen to their responses and try to act accordingly.

Teach them to take notes, to be organized, and use their notes as needed. Help them to come up with memory joggers (ways to remember important information or formulas).

Remind them of successes I have observed. Also, stress that feeling lost and confused is a big part of learning. It is normal. Remind them that parts of math are just tedious, but they CAN do it.

I would try first to break it down into smaller pieces. Make sure they understand the vocabulary and basics and build from there. Ask them to tell me what they are thinking as they work. If that is not working, I would try to approach the topic from a new angle.

I have them read slowly to me and I ask them what key words mean to them. I try to refine and fine-tune their understanding of vocabulary and then help them understand the term within the context.

Working slowly, step by step is helpful.

I would show them how and when they are successful.