1. Be a Guide. A math tutor should guide a student through the solution process, not just show how it’s done.
Ask the student leading questions that will direct him or her to discover the correct steps.
Avoid doing problems for the student.
If the student cannot get the correct answer and asks for help, look at what the he or she has done and try to
locate the error. Then have the student work a similar problem to make sure he/she has grasped the concept
or procedure.
2. Discuss Concepts. The goal of tutoring is learning: not just to help solve the problem, but to help students
become independent learners. In mathematics, it is important to discuss concepts rather than just processes
or procedures. For example, the tutor should explain why it is important to follow the "order of operations"
rule, PEMDAS, rather than just showing the student how to do it. Understanding the concepts makes it easier
to remember the procedures and learn new material.
. Encourage Students to Attend Class. Some students believe getting help from a tutor is a substitute for
attending class. Students having difficulty in math must realize time spent with a tutor is additional to
classroom time. Ask what was covered in class, and have the student show you class notes.
4. Address Math Anxiety. You may will deal with students with varying degrees of math anxiety. Avoid using
phrases such as, "this is easy." Such phrases may intimidate the student. Instead, say “I know you can learn
this, it’s just going to take some practice.” If the student suffers from a high degree of math anxiety it may be
helpful to refer the student to a counselor. Learn about the student's math background, challenges and
especially successes. Focus on when the student has been motivated and learned well, and build on that.
5. Don't Confuse the Student. If you are unsure of a mathematical procedure or concept, check with someone—
another tutor, a math instructor. Find out what approach the text or instructor is using on a particular
problem, since it may be different from how you learned it. Using the same technique as the text or instructor
will reinforce a familiar concept or procedure, whereas using a different approach may confuse the student