Most students will struggle with math at some point in their school years and will need more support. Well-intentioned parents will often attempt to provide this 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 math tutor for kids.
Hiring a skilled and qualified tutor to help with math instruction 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 ensure you choose well.
A cursory online search should provide you with some basic information to narrow your options for math tutors for kids. There are 5 basic factors you will want to consider.
1. Referrals & Reviews - The first thing to look for online is reviews and testimonials from current and past students and parents.
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 and ensure they will provide excellent learning opportunities for your child.
4. Successful Track Record - While qualifications and experience are important, a track record of success is the ultimate measure of a great tutor. Have their students shown development? Have their grades and attitudes towards math improved? The math tutors for kids 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. Be sure to choose math tutors for kids who thoroughly understand the way students learn math.
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.
One on One Instruction - Studies show that direct instruction is the most effective way for a child to learn. While many schools are using other methods, math tutors for kids will be most beneficial when they spend time instructing your child in a one on one setting.
Student-Led Approach - The tutor should embrace an approach that puts your child in the driver's seat rather than providing them with the answers. The goal is for your child to become independent with each concept and not to rely on the instructor.
Understands your Child’s Needs, Learning Style & Goals - An intake assessment should be the first step for any math tutors for kids. 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.
Fits your Schedule - For tutoring to be successful, dedicated time is required each week so you’ll want to be careful to select a tutor that can accommodate the scheduling needs of your family.
