Summarize the following:
If you know algebra really well, but are not as strong in calculus, only tutor algebra. Your students are learning from you and they can't do that if you don't know the material inside and out. You also want to make sure you know the math standards that your student is expected to be proficient in. If you can't solve all of the problems your student presents you, you shouldn't be tutoring the subject. Review the material you will be teaching before you meet with your student. If you're unsure about something, don't give your student the wrong information. Look up the right answer later and discuss that concept at the next session. Many students struggle with math because they don't understand the practical applications of it. If you can put the material in the context of their lives, they are more likely to understand and learn it. Ask your student about some of their favorite hobbies and try to incorporate those in your lessons. If you're tutoring statistics and they like baseball, use baseball stats to help them learn. Making mistakes is a part of learning, and even the best mathematicians still make mistakes sometimes. Making mistakes does not mean that the student is stupid or that they "suck at math". For younger students, it can be especially important to keep up their confidence. Highlight the parts of the problem the student got right while correcting the errors to understand why it was wrong. Use phrases that emphasize the content they got right, such as "You did this part of the problem really well" and "The way you're thinking about this is really smart." Asking questions is essential to success in math. Guide your student's learning by asking them pointed questions that will help them get to the right answer instead of just telling them. Questions also help engage the student in the learning process. Make your tutor sessions a safe space where there are no stupid questions. If the student is confused about anything, they need to clarify that before they can move on to other concepts. Some good questions to ask your students, "Does the solution make sense?", "What exactly is the problem asking for?", and "What techniques do you know that could help you solve the problem?" Some of your students may have actual anxiety when trying to deal with math. Talk to your student about this and refer them to a counselor if you think the math anxiety is particularly serious. If you think your tutee is in a course that is too advanced for them, discuss the possibility of moving to a course on their level. Avoid using phrases like "this problem is easy" as this can intimidate a student who doesn't think it's easy at all. Ask your student some of these questions to determine if they have math anxiety: Do you feel helpless when working on math or taking a quiz/test? Do you think you're the only one that doesn't understand math and everyone else is smarter than you are? Do you second guess everything you do, hoping others will do the work for you? When they solve a problem all on their own, note that they now understand the material and congratulate them on this accomplishment. This encouragement will strengthen their confidence in solving future problems. Frequent feedback helps the student know what they understand and what concepts they need to work on. Encouragement is particularly helpful for students who have math anxiety.
Know the material. Relate math skills to everyday life. Remind the student that they are intelligent. Encourage questions. Talk about math anxiety. Provide positive feedback.