The Mr Maths Method

My experience is that every student's needs are different, and there is no one programme suitable for all. Most sessions start with me asking the student what they'd like to do. Most students know what their weaknesses are, and quite often it's whatever they've been doing in class in the last few days, so often we focus on that.

When a student can't identify a particular weakness we discuss what s/he is currently doing in class, and reinforce that.

Some students are already very good at Maths, and in their cases we focus on any perceived weaknesses, or extend existing knowledge to a higher level.

In all cases, I first establish the student's algebra ability since algebra (however boring!) is essential for success in virtually all aspects of Maths. The good knews is that algebra is much easier than most students think! There are some simple and easy techniques that most students have never been taught that can completely change their view of Maths in general, and algebra in particular.

 

Why one-to-one tutoring is more effective than group work

With one-to-one tutoring the student get 100% of the tutor's time, and is able to get comprehensive, correct answers to questions immediately, plus tuition and practice that is 100% relevant to his/her needs. In a typical group session of, say, five students, each student would only get a maximum of 12 minutes of the Tutor's time: less if another member of the group is more needy.

No time is wasted on irrelevant activities such as games or work in which the student has already achieved competence.

One-to-one tutoring is particularly effective with those who struggle with Maths as they are not distracted or sidetracked. Nor is their any shame or embarrassment caused by revealing a lack of ability to unsympathetic classmates.

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