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How to Tutor Math Effectively -Techniques for Using the Textbook

by MoonByTheSea

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When working with students, you’ve

probably heard things like, “No matter

how hard I study, I just can’t seem to

do well on my math exams” or “I’m just

not mathematically inclined; there’s

nothing I can do to improve.” In these

situations, a tutor will often take a

“hammer approach,” or continuing to

repeat the same drills and

explanations over and over until they

sink in. Unfortunately, this approach is

generally ineffective and will only frustrate your student. Often, the student’s

problem is simply not knowing how to study math correctly. As a tutor, guiding your

students in techniques for effectively using their textbooks will help them build

foundational skills for long-term success in math.

Help your students apply the following steps when using their math books, and you

should see a noticeable difference in their learning. Help your student learn to…

Step 1: Survey the Chapter

Preview the chapter by identifying key concepts, definitions, and methods.

Don’t worry about understanding—your goal is to get a taste of what’s coming

so that you’re mentally “warmed up” and familiar with some key terms before

going into more detail.

Step 2: Read and Reread theTextbook

Read slowly and reread passages

you don’t understand. Math

textbooks are not repetitive—each

word is important.

(As a tutor, avoid the temptation

to jump in and offer clarification

and additional explanations.

Instead, work on helping your

students to develop the reading

skills to comprehend the text on their own. For example, you could suggest

something like, “This is a tricky concept. It’s ok if it doesn’t make sense right

away. Try rereading the passage again, and this time break it apart into

smaller pieces and follow along with the diagram for each part.” Your students

will be much better served if you help them gain this valuable skill rather than

just re-explaining the concept to them using the “hammer method.”)

Pay particular attention to mathematical concepts. If you understand the

concepts, you should be able to do any kind of problem, even those that are

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different from ones you have practiced. This is why you’ll often hear students

complain that problems on the exam were different from what they studied in

class—the instructor is testing your ability to apply the mathematical concepts

to new situations, not your ability to memorize example problems.

Read relevant sections before they’re introduced in class, not after. Then, you

can use class time to clarify points of confusion. Try it—you may be surprised

at how much more you’re able to learn during class time if you’ve previewed

the material.

Step 3: Do Example Problems

Math concepts are learned by

doing problems, not just by

reading. As you read each sub-

section in a chapter, copy down

the example problems on a

separate sheet of paper and

attempt them on your own.

Even if you get stuck on a

problem and need to refer to the

book’s solution, do the problem

again on your own after reading the solution.

Step 4: Do HomeworkProblems

Do the homework problems

without looking up the answer until

after completing the problem.

When you get stuck, refer back to

example problems for clues.A

common mistake I see students

make is looking up the answer

while in the process of attempting

a problem. You will learn the material better if you do the problems without first

looking at the answer key. Plus, you won’t have this safety net when you take

your exam.

After you complete your homework for a given chapter, practice a few

problems from earlier chapters. Math books typically group problems into

chapters by concept, so continually reviewing earlier chapters ensures that

you’re deeply learning these concepts.

At first, your students might be frustrated that you’re making them think so much

on their own without just giving them “hints” or even the answer. When this

happens, explain to them that you won’t be there to give them hints when they’re

taking their exams. Instead, your goal is to give them the skills they need to

succeed on their own and without your help. I promise you, your students will

eventually thank you for it!

More guides to effective tutoring

How to Tutor Effectively - Some Research-Based Approaches

What does the research say about good tutoring techniques? And how can

27/5/2014 How to Tutor Math Effectively - Techniques for Using the Textbook

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you be an effective tutor by putting these principles into practice?

How to Tutor Effectively - Asking Good Questions

By asking the right questions during a tutoring session, you can make sure

your student is actively engaged in the learning process, promoting deeper

understanding of the subject matter.

References and Further Reading

Reading a Math Textbook - Cynthia Arem, Ph.D., Pima Community College

Reading a Mathematics Text – Perla Myers, University of San Diego

How to Read a Math Textbook – Eric Neill, University of Houston – Victoria

Last updated on January 22, 2014