How to Train Math Tutors
Elementary, junior high, high school and college students alike often have difficulty understanding mathematical concepts. Algebra, advanced math, calculus and trigonometry are often taxing on the brains of students who dislike or don't comprehend math. Thus, tutors are often needed to help students succeed in leaning math concepts, since tutors can spend more time with one or two pupils at once than a teacher with a classroom of 30 students. But math tutors need training to help them to provide beneficial instruction.
Instructions
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Teach the math tutor to be patient with each student. If a math tutor is necessary, chances are the pupil is already having problems in math class. Any additional anxiety brought on by a math tutor's frustration with the student will stunt his learning more than help it.
Being patient involves reviewing the material in the curriculum, double-checking the way each problem is set up before continuing with solving, listening to the student's every concern or misunderstanding and being willing to help him work through the solution step by step.
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Guide the math tutor in knowing when to refrain from helping the student figure out the problem. According to Boise State University, math tutors must recognize when an insecure student needs to start applying what she's been taught without as much help. If she gets to the point of frustration, ask questions that will help her recall what she's just been taught. However, never take over the solving process for a student in order to reach the solution quickly.
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Train math tutors to follow correct protocol when teaching students how to work through a problem. Nothing could be more frustrating to the student who might learn one method in the classroom only to be taught a separate or "short-cut" method by the math tutor. The Access Center for K-8 students says a consistent instructional approach should be used whenever teaching new formulas or concepts.
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Teach math tutors how to deal with a student's math anxiety. This syndrome is often brought on by being afraid of getting an answer wrong, doing poorly in class and fear of being called to the board to solve a problem in front of other students. Math anxiety can cripple a student's ability to solve problems if it is addressed the wrong way.
Boise State University suggests avoiding statements like, "This is easy," or "This isn't a difficult concept to understand." These only make the student feel worse about their capabilities or lack thereof. Instead, use encouraging statements, such as, "You're a smart person; you can do this!"
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Encourage or require math tutors to keep a log book of their tutoring schedules. The log should Include what concepts the student learned or reviewed that day, how well he progressed, what areas he still needs to work on and where he is excelling.
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Tips & Warnings
Advise math tutors to bring up points of excellence to a student. Although a tutor shouldn't lace the entire lesson with praise, making a student aware of his progress helps him to build confidence to move on and become committed to finishing his math problems skillfully.
