5 Things to look for in a math tutor
Math tutoring has grown in popularity in Toronto, but not all math tutors are created equal! Now that anyone can tutor online, it’s important for parents and students to make sure that they’re getting high quality tutoring. As a math and science tutoring centre in Toronto that has been top rated for over 10 years, we know what makes a great math tutor! Here are the top five things to look for if you’re thinking of hiring a math tutor!
1. A deep understanding of the subject matter
The first thing to look for in a math tutor is a deep understanding of the subject matter. This means that they should be able to explain concepts clearly and concisely, and have a strong grasp of the underlying principles behind each topic. A good tutor should be able to break down complex ideas into simpler parts, making it easier for you to understand and apply them. Always remember that having a teaching degree does not make someone a great teacher - don’t let credentials fool you, look for firsthand experience and references instead!
2. Patience and empathy
Math can be a challenging subject for many students, and it's important to find a tutor who is patient and empathetic! A good tutor should be able to understand your unique learning style and pace, and be willing to adapt their teaching methods to meet your needs. They should be supportive and encouraging, helping you build confidence in your abilities, and they should encourage you to ask questions and make mistakes as part of the learning process! Your tutor should be like your coach, cheerleading you every step of the way and helping you feel confident when facing the math challenges that come your way!
3. Flexibility and availability
Remember, practice makes progress - and practice has to happen consistently! It’s important to find a tutor that can help you on a regular basis because this will help you gain structure and consistency when it comes to practicing and perfecting. Make sure you find a tutor or tutoring agency that can adapt to your needs, meaning that if you have a test or quiz scheduled, that they’re able to help you out when you need it most! Reliability and availability are super important, so don’t skimp on these - there’s no point in having a tutor who can’t help you when you need them most!
4. Strong communication skills
We all know THAT math teacher who’s great at math…but not so much at TEACHING math. One of the most important thing when it comes to a great science tutor or math tutor, is communication! A great math tutor should have strong communication skills, both verbal and written. They should be able to explain concepts clearly and in a way that makes sense to you, be able to answer your questions, and be able to provide feedback on your progress, helping you identify areas where you need to focus your efforts!
5. A passion for math!
Finally, it's important to find a math tutor who is passionate about math and/or a science tutor who’s passionate about science! They should be able to inspire you to explore math further, motivate you to try harder, and help you see that it isn’t so scary as it sometimes feels in the classroom!
Vanessa Vakharia is the author of 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 + 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝟚 , the host of the Math Therapy podcast, and the founder of The Math Guru tutoring studio.