Six Characteristics to Look for in a Math Tutor

1.  Educational Background

An effective math tutor must have the ability to master concepts they are teaching to others.  Having a strong understanding of mathematical concepts will help the tutor and your child.  When teaching elementary and middle school students a high school diploma is the minimal expectation.  Math concepts on the high school and collegiate level may require a tutor with an undergraduate degree, preferably an individual with a major emphasizing mathematics engineering or science.

2.  Training or Past Experience

Communication skills are key a component needed when helping others learn.  Delivering materials to meet the individual's needs is another important characteristic of an effective tutor.  Previous teaching or tutoring is a highly recommended quality when searching for an ideal tutor.  Experience at the grade level of your student is also something to look for when selecting an individual.  The education field is always changing therefore good tutors work for companies that provide ongoing professional development or seek continual training themselves.

3.  Location or Site and Schedule

Reducing the time and cost of traveling expenses is important and should be convenient for the customer.  Several bigger companies have multiple locations to provide customers with the ability to choose a site in their neighborhood.  Other companies provide telephone or online tutoring, either as their primary approach or as a supplement to classroom settings.

4.  Student to Teacher Ratio

Several case studies have proven that students learn best when instruction is delivered to meet their individual needs.  Also smaller class sizes and one-to-one learning, are emphasized so you can get the maximum assistance from math tutoring.  Usually, younger students benefit the most from smaller classroom sizes, although older students also improve academically from more individualized attention.

5. Teaching others, Practice and Testing

The best way to retain information that is taught is by teaching others; this method translates into a 90% retention rate.  This can be accomplished through probing questions used by the tutor.  Practicing is the next best retention method, which results in a 75% retention rate.  One way to accomplish this is by completing homework assignments or in-class problem discussions.  Ongoing testing will help to ensure that the concepts taught are being mastered.  Math tutoring companies often assist parents for preparation on standardized test such as the: ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, therefore having access to test in the same format as the standardized test can be beneficial.

6.  Prices

Individuals that tutor need to be compensated for their time and services, so it is not practical to think that you will receive good math tutoring for free.  In order to receive a small student to teacher ratio, it will more than likely cost a little extra.  To determine if the money invested is worth it, you will have to look at the individual needs of the student and how much they want to succeed in the subject of math.  Remember that educational expenses may be tax deductible at the end of the year, depending on the state you live in.  Therefore, it is imperative that you save your receipts and ask your accountant further questions.