Show them processes by which to study and learn on their own. Every student will have a style of learning that doesn't come as easily or naturally to them, but after learning the fundamentals of that subject, they'll be able to eventually succeed on their own What might you do in a typical first session with a student? I would spend a few minutes speaking with the student to gauge what exactly they were having trouble with and where exactly they want to be. I would then do some exercises with the student to figure out their strengths and weaknesses, including understanding of the fundamentals of a subject.