Ask your learner about her interests and hobbies. It may take a few sessions to get the whole picture, but it will come as you begin to build a relationship of trust. The purpose of your personal discussion is to guide instruction. It helps you to get to know your learner and the areas where you can help her. You also learn about her interests, which will help you decide what materials are relevant and meaningful in building her skills.
Use open-ended questions. When your learner shares important information with you, remember it. Be sure to tell the learner about yourself to help her feel safe and comfortable in this new relationship.
You may need to be careful when asking about family, especially if she may have unpleasant or traumatic family experiences.
Some things your learner tells you may be confidential. Be sensitive and respectful of the information she shares with you.
Use your first meeting to begin the process of getting to know your learner.
Handout 4.1