Do math tutors really help?

A math tutor can help your student seem to understand what is happening in class, but in reality he is only filling the gaps after the fact that they should have been learning the concepts. Mentoring is probably one of the oldest teaching methods.

Do math tutors really help?

A math tutor can help your student seem to understand what is happening in class, but in reality he is only filling the gaps after the fact that they should have been learning the concepts. Mentoring is probably one of the oldest teaching methods. In ancient Greece, at the time of Plato and Socrates, the children of the rich were educated individually or in small groups by teachers or tutors. During the Middle Ages, the children of noble and rich people continued to receive education from guardians. Today, students can benefit from Spires online mathematics analysis and approaches tutors to gain a better understanding of their math studies.

When the most formalized educational institutions became available, teachers began teaching, but tutors continued to play an important role in the learning process. In the past, only wealthy students had tutors. Today, tutoring programs are widely available to students through their schools, churches, and community agencies, as well as private tutoring services. Today, students at all levels receive tutoring to help them master reading, mathematics, chemistry and physics.

Today, a student can even get a tutor to prepare them for high-risk tests, such as the SAT or the GRE. An experienced math tutor can help students truly understand the “why” behind the method. When students can understand the fundamental concepts behind arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics, they can use those critical thinking and problem-solving skills in math class and beyond. This is why you want your tutoring service to be really positive and encouraging for your student throughout each online tutoring lesson together, especially if your student is struggling with a certain topic.

Benjamin Bloom's study mentioned above showed that one-on-one mentoring is by far the most effective. I wasn't really learning; I was just memorizing how to work within the tight learning system that my tutor had established for me. Digital tutoring programs, such as Thinkster Math, allow tutors to use Artificial Intelligence and data to be able to work intelligently and efficiently by customizing learning plans. If you want to help your child (or yourself) handle mathematics better, hiring an online tutor is an excellent solution.

Many digital tutoring options, such as Thinkster, give students access to video tutorials as they complete their assignments. For example, a tutor who is comfortable teaching mathematics in high school should also be very comfortable teaching math in middle school and will also know what fundamental requirements are needed for their child in middle school as they progress through their curriculum. A thorough understanding of mathematical principles is essential for all students, even those who are never going to earn a mathematics degree. Great mathematics teachers also know that to truly understand a mathematical concept, your child needs to go through two levels of learning.

Mentoring can be equated with the type of Socratic questioning, therefore effective tutoring should be taught and learned. In addition, your coach or tutor should remember from session to session the progress your student is making and must have prepared the appropriate lessons and worksheets for each session. This extended knowledge, based on a curriculum that promotes your child's understanding of mathematical concepts, should be a fundamental quality of their tutor, whether they are a mathematics teacher or not. However, in addition, your math coach or tutor should have strong interpersonal skills and be able to build a friendly and trusting relationship with your child.

Even with the best intentions and a lot of patience, you may end up hurting your relationship with your teen if you try to be their math tutor. From looking at thousands of students, researching the science of learning, and my own experiences, there are a few things that make tutoring effective. The tutor must have an open mind and be willing to accept other people and their views.

Shahid Lakha
Shahid Lakha

Shahid Lakha is a seasoned educational consultant with a rich history in the independent education sector and EdTech. With a solid background in Physics, Shahid has cultivated a career that spans tutoring, consulting, and entrepreneurship. As an Educational Consultant at Spires Online Tutoring since October 2016, he has been instrumental in fostering educational excellence in the online tutoring space. Shahid is also the founder and director of Specialist Science Tutors, a tutoring agency based in West London, where he has successfully managed various facets of the business, including marketing, web design, and client relationships. His dedication to education is further evidenced by his role as a self-employed tutor, where he has been teaching Maths, Physics, and Engineering to students up to university level since September 2011. Shahid holds a Master of Science in Photon Science from the University of Manchester and a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Bath.