How to Tutor Algebra
There is nothing more frustrating than to have a child who is struggling in school, especially if it's in algebra. Many parents will offer help but will soon realize that unless they were a whiz in algebra when they were in school, they may struggle along with the student. The best solution is to hire a tutor. However, that can become expensive. The following steps below will help aide parents in helping their children with algebra homework.
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Instructions
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How to Tutor Algebra
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Sit down with the child first and find out from them what their struggles are. Often parents will sometimes forget to look at the problem through their child's eyes. Try to place yourself in their shoes and pinpoint areas of frustration.Talk to their teacher and get their input. Oftentimes teachers see their children's struggles, because they are with them week after week.
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Remember that not all students grasp information in the same manner. So in order to have a successful tutor session, you may need to tweak your approach to teaching algebra. For example: Some students are more visual learners. They learn better if they watch someone demonstrate the problem for them before they try to tackle it on their own. Other students are hands-on. They learn better by allowing them to do the problem as you guide them along each step.
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Teach the student from the same workbook that they have in school. That way you can help them with problems that will be coming up in the near future. In most cases, this will not be an issue. However, depending the school, some schools will no longer allow books to be taken home. Other alternatives will need to be explored in some cases, you can go online and find a copy of the book and download workable examples. It may not be the exact same problems, but they are doable to be able to teach the student. (See Resources below.)
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Don't try to teach more than one section at a time. If they are dealing with fractions, then stick with fractions. Don't mix word problems with the lesson, unless the word problems have something to do with fractions. Explain each step and have the student repeat it back to you. This will help the student retain the information you are trying to teach them.
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Encourage proper study habits and give homework on areas they are still struggling. Though it may seem like extra work, it will cause them less work in the long wrong having to redo homework and/or tests they may have failed because they didn't understand it.
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Try to stay one step ahead of their studies. Talk with their teacher and find out what their lesson plans are. Most teachers are eager to help you, because they want to see the student succeed.
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Never teach a student more than an hour before giving them a break. Their attention span loses focus and they won't be able to concentrate on their studies. Studies have shown it's better to take several breaks during long study sessions. It keeps the mind alert, rested and focused. Prolonged study times will be ineffective and a waste of both yourself and the students time.
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Never criticize or raise your voice to a student for getting a problem wrong. This will cause the student to mentally shut down and lose interest in learning the subject. If you must offer a constructive criticism use a low, soft tone. You will reap more favorable results and they will be more willing to receive correction from you.
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Always give a great deal of positive re-enforcement in all the areas the student excels in. If you only share with them what they are doing wrong, you will destroy their self-esteem. The student is already struggling and many feel ashamed that they have to be tutored (even if they don't tell you) and adding more criticism without positive reinforcement, just adds fuel to the fire.
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Tips & Warnings
Patience is very important when tutoring a student. Never assume that all students learn at the same rate and speed. Each student learns at a different level. The key to a successful tutoring session is patience, persistence and positive re-enforcement.
Resources
- Photo Credit your-tutors
