Most students will struggle with math at some point in their school career and will need help to boost grades. Math concepts can be complex and many topics are built from the foundational knowledge acquired in previous learning, making it a necessity to keep on top of any knowledge gaps you may find developing so you do not get further behind. Even the most skilled math students may need to work hard to boost grades within a course and a tutor is the best way to do that. Working with a tutor can provide strategies targeted specifically at your learning style, individual needs and a source of accountability to your goals. Finding a great tutor can take a bit of time and effort but it is well worth the rewards you will gain in the process.
Finding a skilled and qualified tutor to help you boost your grades is an important process to ensure you have a positive tutoring experience. A great experience will translate to improved learning, grades and 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 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.
- Referrals & Reviews – The first thing to look for is reviews and testimonials from current and past students. Check out the feedback from others to help quickly identify any red flags or qualities that might not be a good fit for you
- 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 individual needs?
- 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
- 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 skills in math improved?
The tutoring option you are considering should be able to demonstrate their previous success
- 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 math is learned
Once you’ve narrowed your search, it’s time to dig a bit deeper for further information on how a tutor will go about working with you. Every student 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 student to learn. While many schools are using other methods, a tutor will be most beneficial when they spend time instructing you in a one on one setting
- Student Led Approach – The tutor should embrace an approach that puts you in the driver’s seat rather than providing the answers. The goal is for the student to become independent with each concept and not to rely on the instructor. You’ll notice this when the tutor asks great questions, lets you get it wrong so you can learn from your mistake and when they don’t give you the answers
- Understands your Needs, Learning Style & Goals – An intake assessment should be the first step for any tutor or centre. You are an individual and the tutor should take the time to understand where you need support, how you learn and what goals you have. A plan should be created using this detailed information so there are measurable and attainable goals for you to achieve
- 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 your scheduling needs
- 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 you can accommodate financially as well
Overall, the best advice we can provide on selecting a math tutor to help you boost your grades 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 uses an assessment process to determine what your needs and learning style are. We set goals and work with you to achieve them in a caring and engaging way that rewards progress and lets you lead the way. Our Centre offers affordable memberships and an open schedule to accommodate your needs.
Mathnasium instructors 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 those results for you. If you’re looking for a highly skilled tutor to help boost your grades, Mathnasium is here for you. For more information on our success stories, check out our Results page here.
Calgary Tutoring Centre 