Why Be Tutored in Math?

This is a good question? Your child goes to class, maybe even sits in the first row, does their homework, yet still struggles or does not get the results desired. Unless the student is actively involved in asking questions or seeking help on missed concepts, due to the cumulative nature of math, they could still be coming up short. A tutor works - individually - with a student literally looking over their shoulder to see if and where they are making mistakes and can fill in gaps even if from previous math courses. Sometimes, students are shy or reluctant to ask questions and a tutor can ask the key questions to get them thinking and understanding. Also, when a tutor works with a student a lot of material can be covered relatively quickly helping a student either to catch up or get a nice head start on the upcoming week's material. I generally work with students weekly and, depending on the student, we sometimes are able to review a number of sections of a chapter equating to a few days to a week of material covered in class. A tutor is also there to encourage a student and to help them gain self confidence. When I first started tutoring I did some work for a retired teacher that had taught for over 30 years. I asked her what she thought was the most important thing when working with students, in other words after 30 years what was her 'secret'? What she told me essentially boiled down to 'positive reinforcement.' I have incorporated her insights, focus on the positive, believe in the students I work with, and encourage them. Students are relaxed when they get help from me and get good results because of the positive learning atmosphere I create and the high self esteem they build when they see themselves more easily reaching their goals.