Carlsbad Math Tutoring
by Stuart Raffeld
Mathematics can be intimidating to students who must take the classes but see no practical benefit to their future plans and goals.
Teaching mathematics subjects should be brought to a level that shows the student how it will be an important part of their future career, regardless of career choice. “If you cannot explain it to the student in terms that he/she understands, then you don’t have the knowledge or skills to be tutoring.”
Every student is unique and learns in a different way. Listening to the student, his/her anxieties about the subject and frustration with understanding what they are doing is the key element. Mathematics are no harder to learn than any other subject. The student needs the information told to him/her in terms that relate to their experiences. Once they see the correlation, the “light” will come on and the learning becomes easier and faster. Sometimes it takes numerous attempts from the tutor to find the appropriate level needed for the student to grasp the concept.
There are no dumb students. Just instructors who cannot relate to the student in a manner that allows the “light” to come on. That is why tutoring, one-on-one is such a great tool. My greatest satisfaction is taking the student to the point of understanding how the subject relates to their experience and future career choices. This is why we say:
“The job of a great tutor goes far beyond teaching the subject.”
We tutor students in the mathematics subjects of basic math, pre-algebra, algebra I & II, geometry, trigonometry, and pre-calculus. We also offer tutoring for computer skills, how to use the Internet and search engines, general use of email, word processing, and blogs. As well as English tutoring from phonics through composition.
B. A. Operations Research & Statistics, California State University, Long Beach, Teaching Assistant undergraduate Mathematics. B.S. Mathematics, California State University, Long Beach. Mathematics University of California, Irvine, Teaching Assistant undergraduate Mathematics. Completed course work for MS Degree with 4.0 GPA. M.S. Mathematics, Kingsbridge University. Transcript available upon request. 1988-Present: Mathematics tutoring--One on one tutoring for SES students through YP institute and Academic advantage. Tutored students with low learning skills as well as very bright students. Tutored groups of four students in math classes from basic mathematics through calculus. Mathematics teaching for EFN, Inc., a private school.