Math can be overwhelming at any level, but whether you’re wrestling with the challenges of algebraic formulas or the complexity of calculus concepts, the right strategic prep can make all the difference in how you experience tough math concepts this school year.
At Marks Education, we understand that every student is different, and therefore no session is the same, but we still wanted to put together this helpful guide, based on an interview with tutor Anthony Celino, to help you understand what you can expect in a personalized math tutoring session, and to ultimately decide if it’s what is best for you and your family.
A Math Tutoring Session Guide
Math tutoring at Marks Education, much like our humanities tutoring, is structured yet adaptive, focusing on the student’s immediate needs and long-term understanding. Anthony, with his background as a math teacher, brings a teacher’s instincts to every session. This means a structured approach with lesson plans tailored to each student’s needs. Math sessions remain flexible to address what students are currently learning in their classes, but the Marks team knows it helps to have a game plan when entering any session.
Sessions typically begin with a 5-10 minute conversation, giving students the chance to relax and feel more at ease. Anthony believes that starting with a light-hearted conversation, and occasionally injecting humor, significantly reduces students’ stress and makes the learning environment more welcoming.
Preparation and Materials
To make the most of their sessions, students are encouraged to come prepared with specific topics or problems they’re struggling with in their classwork or assigned practice problems. Many students come to us looking for math homework help, while others are looking to get ahead or catch up on past units, either way, it helps to know what you want out of the session and to prepare appropriately.
Unlike traditional classroom settings where a teacher might lecture, tutoring sessions at Marks Education are hands-on and focused on practice. Anthony has an extensive collection of practice problems from his time as a teacher but also utilizes resources for customized engaging and targeted practice sets. These are great methods to getting hands-on practice, with guided expert help.
There are typically three phases of learning in any session.
- Catching Up: If a student is struggling with previous topics, the session focuses on bringing them up to speed to ensure they have a solid foundation.
- Mastery of Current Topics: The core of many sessions is helping students master the material they are currently learning in class. This involves working through problems together and applying concepts until the student feels confident.
- Getting Ahead: When possible, sessions may also include previewing upcoming topics, giving students a head start, and making future classwork feel like a review.
The Role of Tutoring
It’s important to understand that tutoring is meant to supplement classroom learning, not replace it. Anthony and the team at Marks Education work to support and enhance the instruction students receive in school, rather than serving as the primary source of teaching. Regular classroom attendance and participation are crucial, with tutoring sessions providing targeted assistance and enrichment, not a substitution to classroom learning.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hoping to get a jump on the next unit, review some key concepts from the one before, or find some math homework help, the dedicated tutors at Marks Education are here to help! Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to learning, that’s why our personalized math tutoring sessions might be just what you need to succeed.
Contact us to learn more about our packages, schedule a consultation, or discover our summer math intensive programs.