Math Tutors Help Kids Master Numerical Concepts
Private Instruction Helps Children Improve Cognitive Skills
Oct 7, 2009
It's a fact that children in the United States don't do as well in math as students from other countries. A Trends in International Math and Science Study (TIMSS) reveals eighth grade students from the U.S. scored less than 15 other countries, including Russia. This trend goes back to the 1960's.
The reasons aren't fully understood. Some experts blame under-educated teachers and uninvolved parents. Others say teacher's unions are the problem, blocking attempts to cull inadequate teachers through proficiency testing. Still others claim the paltry starting salaries available for competent math majors forces them into academics or business.
Students Must Master Math Concepts
Then there's the question of student motivation. Are they taught the importance of math in today's society? Given the resources necessary to learn? Do they practice enough? Are they distracted by peers, social activities, cell phones, and IPods?
Acquiring a solid foundation of mathematical concepts is critically important, because math proficiency relies heavily on cumulative understanding. During a semester, there's no re-structuring of the class to separate those who need more background and attention from those ready for more advanced study. Kids become lost in the math maze.
And once a student starts to fall behind, it's almost impossible to play catch-up in the classroom environment.
Whatever the reasons, some children may eventually find themselves in a situation where they feel lost. It's at this point that a math tutor can step in and make a real difference.
A Math Tutor Speaks
In an interview with this author, Wendy Sweatman, a local tutor from north Georgia, explained how a struggling student can benefit from math mentoring.
Richard Freeland – Just what services does a math tutor provide?
Wendy Sweatman – Math tutors provide extra help, usually in a one-on-one atmosphere, for students who need further explanation of math concepts. Tutors can sometimes fill gaps in abilities and skills.
RF – Who can benefit from using a math tutor?
WS - Anyone who's struggled with math, or needs assistance in understanding mathematical concepts.
RF - What are some general costs of a tutor's services?
WS – Tutors can range from $30-$60 (per hour) or more. Some tutors, like me, will go to the student's home. Or, the student may come to them, or meet them at a centralized location.
RF – When's the ideal time for parents to invest in a math tutor for their kids?
WS – First, don't wait until the week before the final exam. It's too late then, especially if the student has to make a perfect score just to pass. Parents should be proactive, and get help at the first sign of trouble. Don’t wait until the student is failing!
Preparing for SAT's and College Courses
RF – Can a math tutor help kids prepare for the SAT's or college remedial courses?
WS – I have several students studying for the SAT and six right now preparing for the October test. I've tutored college students in both remedial and on-level classes. Students I've tutored have raised their scores as much as 110 points on the math portion (550 to 660).
RF – What's the general approach a math tutor uses with new students?
WS – First, I have to identify where the student is mathematically. Much of the time we work on homework for class. Sometimes I bring in worksheets to work on prior concepts, to bridge gaps.
RF – What makes math so difficult for some students, yet easy for others?
WS – Most students don't have a good foundation. It seems the curriculum is a mile wide and an inch thick. Instead of concentrating on particular skills and mastering them, (teachers) try to cover too many topics, so students never get a good grasp on one before they move to something else.
Also, students aren't being shown the big picture. They aren't exposed to enough real world applications (word problems) early and often enough. Our kids can't make change (count change back to you), compute mentally (30% off, 7% tax), and don't understand the reasonability of an answer. We're just passing them on without making sure they really understand the concepts.
Improving Kids Chances of Success in Learning Math
RF – How can students more easily and efficiently learn math?
WS – They need to drill more. (Teachers and parents) should make sure that, instead of covering geometry in elementary school, students can add, subtract, multiply, and divide with ease, as well as understand decimals, percents, and fractions. It makes the higher levels of math so much easier to teach if students have that solid foundation. (End interview).
Children learn in varied ways. Some are left brain oriented, others are right brain. In the mass-production world of education, some kids can fall through the cracks. In an article from the Greeley Tribune by Nancy Niehoff entitled "Math Success is Key to Keeping Kids in School," Ms. Niehoff explains that the inability to understand math is a primary reason kids drop out of school.
The critical breaking point usually comes when fractions are introduced, says Niehoff. "Math...is a vertical learning experience. You cannot become skilled at concept D unless you fully understand concepts A, B, and C". A child goes from "I can't do math", Niehoff explains, to "I'm not smart enough", and the resulting collapse in self-esteem can contribute to failure in other subects – and, ultimately, to quitting school altogether.
The reoccurring theme here seems to be that a solid foundation in fundamentals is critical for continued mathematic success. And here's where math tutors can help. A tutor can step in, work with students on an individual basis, reinforce concepts, instill self-confidence, and put kids back on the track towards math proficiency.
"Mastering math is empowering", says Niehoff, "and if every student can conquer math, they will believe they can conquer anything".
Further Sources:
Article on Mathions.com by Kerri Stalton, entitled "Does Your Child Need a Math Tutor?"
Article on Associated Content, Inc. by Linda Hinkle, entitled "Does Your Teen Need a Math Tutor?"
Article on Machine Design website by Leland E. Teschler, entitled "Why Johnny Can't Do Algebra"
