10 ways to get the most out of math tutoring

When you see a math tutor you want to get the most benefits possible. After working with many students here are some suggestions based on the students that get the most out of tutoring and how you can too.

1. Attempt some or all of your homework for that day before your session. This way if you have questions that you don't understand you can have them cleared up right then and there.  Furthermore, tutoring is so much more than helping one with their homework.  This may encompass a small part of the session but should not be the primary focus.
2. Be prepared. By this I mean have everything ready when your tutor arrives: book open to the chapter you are working on, pencils, paper, calculators, compass, old worksheets, quizzes, tests, etc. 
3. Keep a list of questions.  In between sessions, circle/highlight problems you don't understand and write down on a sheet of paper things you would like help on.
4. Take notes. While being tutored keep a sheet on the side to write down notes and things you want to memorize or remember. You can review this sheet after the session to solidify in your memory important points.
5. Review previous sections.  Even though you are on section 5.3 take a few minutes to go back over 5.1. and 5.2 with your tutor to try a few problems and go over the important concepts.  This helps you to remember and prepare for upcoming quizzes and tests in an ongoing way.
6. Preview upcoming sections.  Again, say you are on section 5.3.  Take some time to look ahead with your tutor at 5.4, 5.5 and 5.6.  This will prepare you for the material you will be getting into and your time spent in class and doing homework will serve to clarify the finer points of the sections since you won't be seeing it for the first time.
7. Have your tutor give you a mini assessment(i.e. quiz).  This will allow you both to see where you are at in your understanding and to allow you to learn from any mistakes made.
8. Attempt to create and solve your own problem(s).  This allows you to approach your math from another perspective and to understand the problems and solutions in a more meaningful way.
9. Ask your tutor for "Tips & Tricks" to solving problems.  A tutor can point out common mistakes made and how to recognize and avoid them. They can also show you how to look at a problem with new eyes and to make solving it easier.
10. Maximize your time.  A few students are still asking me questions as I'm putting on my shoes and walking out the door.  Even picking up one more last pointer is worthwhile and they are maximizing their benefits.

These are 10 suggestions from some of the students that get the most out of their sessions with me.  Pick out a few or even all of them to start maximizing your benefits too!