How to Tutor Math
To tutor math, the tutor needs to be very familiar with the area of math that he is tutoring, whether it is algebra, geometry, calculus or another area. The tutor also needs to make it clear that math subjects cannot just be memorized and regurgitated. Learning math requires the student to actually learn mathematical operations as he works through his courses because they build upon one another. A student cannot cram for his math exams and expect to be successful by the end of the term, nor can a tutor work this miracle for him.
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Instructions
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Teach math terminology. Math has terminology that a student must learn to be successful, such as integers, real numbers and binomials. Make sure that the student has good mastery of what these math terms mean.
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Assess knowledge of foundational mathematical operations. The student needs to have a working understanding of the mathematical operations taught in prerequisite classes. Make sure he understands those math operations before moving on to what he is learning in his classroom.
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Emphasize that math operations build upon one another. A student cannot study for a math test in one night. Each math operation builds upon the next. When you tutor math, stress that the student must keep up with the lessons as they are taught in the classroom so that the tutoring time for a math test is a review rather than learning new information.
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Make sure the student has mastered the mathematical operation. Because math operations build upon one another, a student should never move forward with a new element of math before mastering what he has already been taught.
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Review the student’s notes. Make sure that the student comprehends what he wrote down in his notes (versus just copying information off the board). When you tutor math, ask questions based upon the student’s notes, and explain any of the math concepts that the student does not appear to have grasped.
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Assign homework. Once you identify areas in which the student needs a deeper understanding, assign some form of homework to help the student reinforce what you covered during a math tutoring session. Check the homework, and make sure the student grasped the math concepts.
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Tips & Warnings
Go over old tests with the student when you tutor math in preparation for upcoming tests. By reviewing old tests, you can also identify problem areas for the student.
Some math textbooks include a solutions manual, which works through how to work out each problem step by step. Walk the student through the math solutions to help him understand how the math operations work.
