Have you been considering investing in a math tutoring session but haven’t been sure if it was the right choice for you or your student? Read on to learn more about what a math subject-specific tutoring session at Marks Education can look like and how it might benefit you.
Math can be overwhelming. But whether you’re wrestling with the challenges of algebraic formulas or the complexity of calculus concepts, we have a tutor ready to help you achieve your mathematics goals through our personalized sessions.
At Marks Education, we understand that every student is different, and therefore no session is the same, but we 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.
A Math Tutoring Session Guide
Math tutoring at Marks Education, much like 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 it helps to have a game plan when entering any session.
Sessions typically begin with a 5-10 minute conversation, allowing students 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
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 looking for math homework help, while others are looking to get ahead or catch up on past units.
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.
Student Engagement and Autonomy
One key aspect of tutoring is encouraging students to take an active role in their learning. Anthony emphasizes the importance of students coming to sessions with a priority list or specific questions, allowing for a more focused and productive session. This not only helps in maximizing the tutoring session but also fosters a sense of responsibility and independence in the student’s learning process that they can then take with them.
The Role of Tutoring
It’s vital 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.
Conclusion
Math tutoring at Marks Education is designed to be a supportive, engaging, and productive experience. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, students can make the most of their sessions, leading to better outcomes and a more positive attitude towards math.
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.
