Right, I really dislike when people say generally "I don't get it". I have no idea where I need to re-explain something, and I end up starting over from the beg

Right, I really dislike when people say generally "I don't get it". I have no idea where I need to re-explain something, and I end up starting over from the beginning a different way. Sometimes, after a couple rounds of this, I just have to stop and say, "I'm not sure what you're confused about, why don't you help me a little in clarifying what you need info on?". I quickly lose patience (and respect) for someone who doesn't take an active role in understanding. Conversely I have no problem going over something N times with someone if they can help me map out their (not)understanding of something, because then progress can be made. Even if you aren't sure what you don't understand, narrowing your questions or explaining your reasoning on things you do understand (or think you understand, sometimes we all are wrong on some key assumption that changes everything) can help your tutor fill in the bits that help explanation. Further, this sort of exercise is an example of metacognition, which teaching theory suggests is a very vital part of directed learning.