Math tutoring should be an interactive experience
between the supervisor and the student. All too
often, a math tutor will make the problem after
problem, talking about the steps and see the
students nod with boredom, while pretending to
understand the concept. It is important for tutors
to recognize that the tutoring one student in
mathematics is like to teach mathematics to a class.
Students need to be active and involved in the
process. Below are some tips for developing a more
effective math tutoring session.
Words on the Steps
Encourage students to be continually thinking out
loud, as he is to solve a problem. This strategy
serves two purposes. First, it allows the students
to remember his steps, because not only does he do
them, he verbalizing each part of the solution. This
will help his memory, when solving problems
independently. Secondly, it allows you to get into
the student's mind. If a student is verbalizing
steps and then wobbles or stumble, you'll know that
he has hit a roadblock and need coaching. If he just
solve the problem quietly, you will have no idea
when he is confused or struggling. To have him all
the time put into words will give you a chance to
help him, when a problem occurs, not when he is
completely overwhelmed with the problem. Also ask
the students to put into words something new
concept, you teach. When he can tell you the idea in
his own words, he is beginning to understand it.
Get Moving and Get Creative
p just because the session is one-to-one does not
mean you need to be seated. Use methods that
encourage your student to move and to develop skills
in fun ways. For example, if she is to learn how to
put together and subtract integers, have her go up
and down a row line. If she is learning
multiplication facts, place the numbers all around
the room and get her to jump to solutions as you
call out math facts. Also encourage your students to
have fun with numbers. Draw pictures to help
remember Division properties rules or cartoons that
will help with definitions.
Use Manipulatives
Children learn maths well when they can physically
see an abstract concept. Manipulatives help to serve
this purpose. Melissa Stewart, a writer for
iamaccepted.com suggest uses for manipulatives on all
levels. She suggests that a teacher use base 10
blocks, counting rods or even the students
themselves as a practical tool. Stewart gives an
example of a teacher who uses the ear in order to
illustrate the concept of percentages. The teacher
has the students actually push the penny somewhere
to the left to illustrate the 10 percent. When she
"physically moves" the comma, the students will view
the concept clearly. Another teacher use fruit to
teach fractions. Manipulatives can be useful for any
level, with any student, and will help develop
practical understanding of abstract concepts. |
