Tips for Math Tutors

Posted by teacher on February 3, 2007

Guide student:
A math tutor should guide a student through the solution process. Ask the student leading questions that will direct the student towards the correct steps. 

Avoid doing problems for the student

If the student cannot get the correct answer and asks for help, the tutor should look at what the student has done and try to locate the error.  Then have the student work a similar problem to make sure he/she has grasped the concept or procedure. 

Teach Concepts
Tutoring goal should be to help students become an independent learner. In mathematics, it is important to teach concepts rather than just processes or procedures.  For example, the tutor should explain why it is important to follow the “order of operations” rule, PEMDAS, rather than just showing the student how to do it.  

Understanding the concepts makes remembering the procedures easier.

Encourage Students to Attend Class
Some students believe getting help from a tutor  is a substitute for attending class. Students having difficulty in math must realize time spent with a tutor is additional to classroom time.

Address Math Anxiety
Tutors will deal with students with varying degrees of math anxiety. Tutors should avoid using phrases such as, “this is easy.”  Such phrases intimidate the student. If the student suffers from a high degree of math anxiety it may be helpful to refer the student to a counselor. Sometimes it is helpful to learn about the student’s math background. If the tutor believes the student is enrolled in a course the tutee is not ready for, talk to the instructor. 

Don’t Confuse the Student!
If the tutor is unsure of a mathematical procedure or concept, check with a math instructor. It is helpful to find out what approach the text or instructor is using on a particular problem. A tutor using the same technique as the text or instructor will reinforce the concept or procedure, whereas using a different approach can confuse the student. 

Tutors are strongly encouraged to stay in touch with instructors of the students they work with.

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