Math contains some pretty difficult concepts for children to learn. Try using these methods to tutor math that will make the lessons effective and enable understanding throughout the entirety of the math concepts.
One of the main reasons that parents choose to enroll their children in tutoring sessions is the difficulty that comes with understanding complex problems and solutions. Many tutors develop unique methods of enabling understanding in children.
When tutoring math, it is crucial that the child learn the vocabulary associated with the methods, as this can provide understanding of the problems that are being asked. Even if the child is unable to recall the formula, the vocabulary associated with the problem can give insight to solving it.
Gauge the level of the child and where their questions lie. Do this by asking open ended questions such as “Where do you think that we should start?” and “What are the steps to working out this problem?” Asking these questions will promote the child to think on their own and formulate the process required to solve the problem in their head. Not only will this help the tutor to gauge the level of the child and determine which concepts require review, it promotes the child to think about the concept at hand and become confident with the steps required to solve the problem.
Next, listen – Although this step may sound as if it is the easiest, listening is a talent that many tutors need to work on. Listening will allow the tutor to assess the communication and skill levels of the child they are tutoring. Listening is the only way, aside from witnessing the problems being solved, to gauge the comprehension of the child.
Math is a complex subject to learn and should be approached with drawings and diagrams to promote understanding. In complex diagrams, have the child label points such as types of angles, sizes of angles and solutions to problems.
And finally, remember to reinforce the child’s main educational school program with similar concepts. You can always provide some refreshers on the basics, but don’t get too far ahead of what they’re studying in school.
Posted under Math Tutoring, Teaching, Tutoring
This post was written by Diane Palumbo on February 24, 2009
Great points. I think open ended questions are a key component. Verbalizing the problem helps a child to see the problem from the outside and move toward it. Of course, as you point out, being a good listener–which means being patient and interested–is also critical.
Diane, I especially liked one of your last points — using drawings and diagrams. Visual learning is so essential for some students!
Good advice for tutors. Always tailor to the child’s learning stratgies and diagrams and pictures often help alot.
Good advice! It’s also extremely important when teaching Math to determine from the start what the student’s primary learning style is; whether it be visual, audio, kinesthetic/tactile. I have learned from over 9 years of working one-on-one with students, for example, a child who learns primarily visually often has a difficult time understanding and following directions given verbally. Likewise a student who learns primarily by hearing usually has a hard time comprehending material that is presented in a written format only. And with the kinesthetic learning style, most of these students must have either music, drawing, dance or some other type of “movement” incorporated into their instruction to learn effectively. It’s amazing what students can learn (and learn quickly) when emphasis is placed on the way that they learn best!