Top Tips for Effective Maths Tutoring
When one asks children what the most feared subject in school is, it is likely that they will name maths. It is indeed a tough subject, but with the right maths tutoring and guidance, the child can become a true maths champion.
The first task of the parent is to do some research to identify a good home maths tutor. One must check the knowledge and experience they boast of. Note that this will have a great impact in the long run on the effective tutoring of the child.
In case one wishes to appoint a maths tutor, check whether they are proficient in dealing with and educating children. Quality of the tutor matter greatly. Given that most kids are afraid of maths, one must check whether the tutors have creative strategies to make the subject simple and interesting. Also, since the future of the child is at stake, check the credentials and certifications of the tutor in detail.
Another factor is one’s budget. One must, therefore, identify a tutor who charges reasonable rates. Therefore, one must check the rates of tutors and identify one that works for one’s budget.
In case one is dealing with a tutorial agency, ascertain whether they have good channels of customer support. This is so that one need not struggle to get answers to doubt and queries. Ideally, they should be available 24 x 7.
After one has hired a home maths tutor, one must regularly ask the following questions to him as regards the process of tutoring and its results:
Is the child being taught maths in a way that she will remember it all her life?
A true understanding of the subject works at two levels: One- Memorizing formulae and their application and Two-Understand the ‘why’ behind the concept. The child should also learn multiple methods to solve a problem.
For this, ask questions like- Have you explained the why behind every maths concept? Are you explaining the relationship of the concept to real-world applications? Is the child learning various strategies of problem-solving?
Have you personalized the mode and content of instruction for the child?
Ensure that the tutor is always hyper personalizing the learning plan of the child. The tutor should know the knowledge level of the child, what help she needs, and what she struggles with while working independently. The instruction and content must be modified to suit the child.
For this, ask the following questions- How do you decide on topics to be handled in the tutoring session? Do you know what the child is learning in school class? How do you judge whether the child has mastered the concept and is ready to move on to the next?
How do you help the child with maths problems?
It is frustrating to the child when she does not get help when she needs it. Frequent feedback and timely help reduce the chance of a child getting stuck with a maths problem.
For this, ask questions like: How fast will you offer feedback to the child on solving problems? How do you deliver this feedback-only during tutoring sessions, or are you available every day? How will you help reduce frustration at points of learning?
These are some top tips to make the best out of maths tutoring for your children.