Most students will struggle with math at some
point in their school career and will need additional support. Well intention ed
parents will often attempt to provide this support, but the way math is taught
now is quite different from when they were in school. This clash of strategies,
combined with the additional pressure many children feel when working with a
parent, is often the primary reason to seek outside help from a qualified online
math tutor.
Hiring a skilled and qualified online math tutor
to help with instruction is an important process to ensure your child has a
positive tutoring experience. A great experience will translate to improved
attitudes towards math, while boosting learning and their overall confidence,
so you’ll want to ensure you choose well.
A cursory online search should provide you with
some basic information to narrow your selections and rule out options that are
not a good fit. Here are our guidelines on how to find the best online math
tutor in Richmond:
1.
Referrals & Reviews - The
first thing to look for when choosing an online math tutor in Richmond is
reviews and testimonials from current and past students and parents. Check out
the feedback from others to help quickly identify any red flags or qualities
that might not be a good fit for your child
2.
Credentials - Tutors come from
various backgrounds but they should always be upfront about their credentials.
What qualifies them as the best online math tutor in Richmond and how does that
line up with your child’s needs?
3.
Past Experience - Find out what
experience the tutor has or what criteria a tutoring centre uses to screen
instructors and ensure they are providing excellent learning opportunities for
your child
4.
Successful Track Record - While
qualifications and experience are important, a track record of success is the
ultimate measure of the best tutors. Have their students shown development?
Have their grades and attitudes towards math improved?
The tutoring option you
are considering should be able to demonstrate their previous success
5.
Subject Matter Expertise - Every
subject is different and taught in very different ways, especially math. Math
understanding and application is critical to daily life and future academic
success so be sure to choose a tutor who thoroughly understands the way
students learn math in Richmond school districts
Once you’ve narrowed your search, it’s time to
dig a bit deeper for further information on how a tutor will go about instructing
your child. Every child and family is different but there are some key factors
that are proven to increase the success of tutoring and ensure you’ve chosen
the best online math tutor in Richmond:
1.
One on One Instruction - Studies
show that direct instruction is the most effective way for a child to learn.
While many schools are using other method, a tutor will be most beneficial
when they spend time instructing your child in a one on one setting
2.
Student Led Approach - The best
tutors will embrace an approach that puts your child in the driver's seat
rather than providing them the answers. The goal is for your child to become
independent with each concept and not to rely on the instructor. You’ll see
this when the tutor asks great questions, lets the child get it wrong so they
can learn from the mistake and when they don’t give them the answers
3.
Understands your Child’s Needs,
Learning Style & Goals - An intake assessment should be the first step for
any tutor or centre. Your child is an individual and the tutor should take the
time to understand where your child needs support, how they learn and what
goals they have. A plan should be created using this detailed information so
there are measurable and attainable goals for your child to achieve
4.
Fits your Schedule - Be sure to
have a conversation about scheduling. For tutoring to be successful, dedicated
time is required each week so you’ll want to be careful to select a tutor or
centre that can accommodate the scheduling needs of your family
5.
Fits your Budget - Similar to
scheduling, ensuring the program you choose fits into your budget is also key
for consistency and success. Make sure your choice is truly reflective of what
your family can accommodate financially as well
Overall, the best advice we can provide on
choosing an online math tutor to help your child with learning gaps and
homework support is to have a consultation that allows you to talk through your
needs and find out if there is alignment with the approach and model of the
centre and instructor.
Mathnasium of Richmond uses an assessment process
to determine what your child’s needs and learning style are. We set goals and
work with your child to achieve them in a caring and engaging way that rewards
their progress and lets the student lead the way. Our Centre offers affordable
memberships and an open schedule to accommodate the needs of your family.
