Most students will struggle with math at some
point in their school career and will need help with homework. Well intentioned
parents will often attempt to provide support, but the way math is taught now
is quite different from when they were in school. This clash of strategies,
combined with the additional pressure many children feel when working with a
parent, is often the primary reason to seek outside help from a skilled tutor for online math homework help in Edmonton.
Finding a skilled tutor to help with math
homework is an important process to ensure your child has a positive tutoring
experience. A great experience will translate to improved attitudes towards
math, while boosting learning and their overall confidence, so you’ll want to
consider the following qualifications before making the commitment to work with
a particular tutoring centre or instructor.
A cursory online search of tutoring options in SE
Edmonton should provide you with some basic information to narrow your
selections and rule out options that are not a good fit. There are 5 basic
pieces of information you will want to consider.
1.
Referrals & Reviews - The
first thing to look for is reviews and testimonials from current and past
students and parents in the Edmonton area. Check out the feedback from others
to help quickly identify any red flags or qualities that might not be a good
fit for your child
2.
Credentials - Tutors come from
various backgrounds but they should always be upfront about their credentials.
What qualifies them as a great tutor and how does that line up with your
child’s needs?
3.
Past Experience - Find out what
experience the tutor has or what criteria a tutoring centre uses to screen
instructors and ensure they are providing excellent learning opportunities for
your child
4.
Successful Track Record - While
qualifications and experience are important, a track record of success with
other students in the Edmonton area is the ultimate measure of a great tutor.
Have their students shown development? Have their grades and attitudes towards
math improved? The tutoring option you are considering should be able to
demonstrate their previous success
5.
Subject Matter Expertise - Every
subject is different and taught in very different ways, especially math. Math
understanding and application is critical to daily life and future academic
success so be sure to choose a tutor who thoroughly understands the way
students learn math in your area
Once you’ve narrowed your search, it’s time to
dig a bit deeper for further information on how a tutor will go about
instructing your child. Every child and family is different but there are some
key factors that are proven to increase the success of tutoring.
1.
One on One Instruction - Studies
show that direct instruction is the most effective way for a child to learn.
While many teachers are using other methods, a math tutor will be most
beneficial when they spend time instructing your child in a one on one manner
2.
Student Led Approach - The tutor
should embrace an approach that puts your child in the driver's seat rather
than providing them the answers. The goal is for your child to become
independent with each concept and not to rely on the instructor. You’ll see
this when the tutor asks great questions, lets the child get it wrong so they
can learn from the mistake and when they don’t give them the answers
3.
Understands your Child’s Needs,
Learning Style & Goals - An intake assessment should be the first step for
any tutor or centre. Your child is an individual and the tutor should take the
time to understand where your child needs support, how they learn and what
goals they have. A plan should be created using this detailed information so
there are measurable and attainable goals for your child to achieve
4.
Fits your Schedule - Be sure to
have a conversation about scheduling. For tutoring to be successful, dedicated
time is required each week so you’ll want to be careful to select a tutor or
centre that can accommodate the scheduling needs of your family
5.
Fits your Budget - Similar to
scheduling, ensuring the program you choose fits into your budget is also key
for consistency and success. Make sure your choice is truly reflective of what
your family can accommodate financially as well
Overall, the best advice we can provide on
selecting a math tutor to help your child with learning gaps and homework
support is to have a consultation that allows you to talk through your needs
and find out if there is alignment with the approach and model of the centre
and instructor.
Mathnasium of SE Edmonton uses an assessment
process to determine what your child’s needs and learning style are. We set
goals and work with your child to achieve them in a caring and engaging way
that rewards their progress and lets the student lead the way. Our Edmonton SE
Centre offers affordable memberships and an open schedule to accommodate the
needs of your family.
The instructors at Mathnasium of SE Edmonton are
specially trained in our proven process that focuses solely on math skill development.
We know it works and we look forward to providing results for your child. If
you’re looking for a highly skilled tutor in the Edmonton area to help your
child with math homework, Mathnasium is here for you. For more information on
our success stories, check out our Results page.