How math tutors customize their approach to the student

Math tutors use many different methods and strategies to help students understand. Many students who need help are frustrated with math, or even afraid of it. The tutor can help the student put aside this self defeating way of thinking by explaining math in a non-threatening and easier to understand way. This is relatively easy for a skilled tutor to do, because it is one-on-one, and the tutor can tailor the explanation to the student. Also, if one type of explanation doesn't work, the tutor can try explaining in a different way. A tutor can also make it more hands on by demonstrating concepts with pencils, M&Ms, etc.

Good tutors who know how to develop rapport with students can take the embarrassment out of the student admitting they don't know something they think they should or asking a question they think is "dumb." This is key to the success of the student, because the only way he/she is going to get better is to try, and in the process make some mistakes.

A good tutor will also give personalized examples, and check that the student really understands, rather than taking his/her word for it. Many times students think they understand and want to move on too fast; it is the tutor's job to slow the student down and practice the concept thoroughly.

Math games can be fun for younger grades. When I was tutoring a 5th grader, I brought dice and we played arithmetic games like "multiply the two numbers the dice say after you roll them" and made it into a race. You can make variations of this for division, adding and subtracting, and you can use the dice to create the problems. Flash-cards are fun, especially if you make them with the student, so that he/she sees you are involved too. Dice and playing cards can also be used to teach probability.