What to Look for in a Math Tutor

How your child is taught is as important as what they are taught.

Finding the right math tutor for your child isn’t easy. You want high-level instruction from a qualified source who will help your child understand the concepts and feel confident in their abilities. It’s a lot to ask. But, as you know, whether they’re at the elementary, middle, or high-school level, a strong understanding of math is essential to achieving their future goals.

Consider a math learning centre

While hiring a math tutor is a step in the right direction, your child might be better served going beyond that and enrolling in a math learning program with a history of setting children on the right path toward academic success. The consistency of well-trained instructors and a reliable teaching method will save you the uncertainty of whether a particular math tutor can get through to your child and teach them what they need to learn.

A proven method makes all the difference

A good way to determine whether you should go with a math tutor or a math learning centre is to find out how the material is taught. Will the child first be assessed to see what they already know? Will they be instructed strictly to memorize or are they taught to truly understand the concepts? Is there a process in which math skills are built upon themselves level by level? These are all important questions to ask.

The Mathnasium Advantage

Building a strong mathematics foundation is essential for true understanding. The Mathnasium Method^TM, Mathnasium’s proprietary teaching method, has been transforming the way children learn and appreciate math since 2002. It does more than just raise their grades and scores — it teaches children to think critically, solve problems and work independently — skills that go beyond the classroom and last a lifetime.

It starts with an individual assessment, to pinpoint your child’s exact strengths and weaknesses. A customized learning plan is then created, detailing the specific math concepts your child needs to master to meet their learning goals. Students don’t just learn how to memorize or calculate. Instead, five different teaching techniques are used — mental, verbal, visual, written and tactile — to address how each child learns best. A process called “Socratic questioning,” is also used to help students understand a concept. By answering questions, they have to make sure their logic is sound, which encourages them to think through the process on their own. This develops independent thinking, which they’ll use in every area of their lives. Attentive, highly trained instructors will teach your child face-to-face at the pace that’s right for them. And both in-centre and online learning is available.

Whichever program you choose, what’s essential is that your child get the help they need so they will grow to understand math and learn to love it.