Here are some simple and effective guidelines when tutoring:

1. No more yes or no. A yes or no answer to “Do you understand” means very little. You need to probe further. Physiologically people want to answer “yes” to that question, even when it is not true. 
2. Propose specific questions. Be sure to check for understanding in meaning full ways. Ask specific questions about the subject at hand that require some level of understanding to answer. This will give you insight into your student’s progress.
3. Let the learner fill in the gaps. To learn complex ideas, you must break them down into simple steps. However, learners and subject novices get tripped up making all the proper connections. As you guide a student through a more complicated subject, check to make sure they can perform the simple parts. Keep the student involved and don’t just do the problem for them. 
4. Let go of the pencil.  Walk the learner through the process, but let them write. It helps in so many ways. The student will develop a deeper understanding, remember the session better, and you as a tutor will get a much clearer picture of what the get and what they do not. 
5. Ask for articulation. Have the learner explain problems, concepts and procedures. If they cannot explain something, they probably don’t understand.  
6. Teach self evaluation. Most people can learn most subjects. A common problem in learning is lack of self evaluation. Teaching the student how to honestly access their abilities while they remain confident and practice so they can improve is much of the battle to good tutoring.