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The effectiveness of private tuition can be mainly accredited to the one-to-one teaching and learning that occurs. The tutor can get to know the student individually, streamlining the lesson to cater for their unique needs and abilities. This provides an opportunity for the tutor to try a variety of teaching techniques that might help the student to understand a topic effectively.
These are the strategies we’re going to discuss on this blog post, and I’m sure it will provide tutors some inspiration, especially when it comes to alternative and sometimes complementary ways of tutoring. 1. Build rapport and get to know your student well Rapport is the glue that makes the tutor-student relationship productive. So, the main aspect of a tuition session is to be able to read your student and make them feel at ease. It’s recommended that you talk to them in a plain but respectful way and ask them about their interests and learning styles. Once rapport is established, students can easily open up, and they may even tell you their struggles, especially when it comes to academics. 2. Get an idea of the topic/concepts which will be a focus so you can prepare The key to an effective tuition session is a well-prepared and individualised lesson plan, and this can only be accomplished when you know the topic/concepts that your student wants or need to learn about. That is why collaboration and communication are essential to your success since you’ll need to reach out to your student as well as their parents and map a better plan for learning. 3. Ask your students to prepare for lessons While in class, or completing homework, students should be actively taking note of the questions or concepts they are struggling with. Ask your students to highlight, underline or write down the questions or concepts they are struggling with so that you can work through this with them during your lesson together. 4. Summarise each idea conceptually with an emphasis on when to use this skill An effective tutor will always summarise each concept that they have discussed with their student. This will emphasise the importance of each idea and when they can use them in solving problems. Work with your student on understanding the language and when problems like this are likely to arise during problem solving. Link to real life situations if applicable. 5.Demonstrate a variety of revision techniques for your students to use for test and exam preparation There are various revision techniques, but each student is unique, so one method might be useful while others may not apply to your student. That is why you should demonstrate a variety of techniques to your student and let them use the methods that are more suited to them. The important thing here is for you to show them several revision techniques that they can use for their test preparation. For those who want to ace their VCE exam, it’s essential to learn and understand the various difficult concepts in the VCE Maths curriculum. For this reason, it is beneficial to enrol in an intensive VCE exam preparation program. All lessons are run by a qualified, experienced, accredited, specialist teacher who has an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter.
The teacher also knows the exam phases and common misconceptions on each concept. That is why it is essential to find a qualified tutor to help you with exam revision, because they will have the capability to effectively teach and help students understand the different revision techniques, concepts, and exam strategies. Our group sessions are for students who are keeping pace with the course work and want to achieve exemplary results in their exams. In fact, our Maths group tuition classes will focus on various concepts, misconceptions, and techniques. So, if you’re a student who knows the fundamental skills, but aiming to deepen your understanding and learn the application of these skills, then this program is for you. Where will the sessions take place? All group tuition sessions will be conducted remotely via online classrooms, and the maximum number of participants per session is five. We can also guarantee that all the sessions will be handled by our accredited and fully qualified teachers. When to begin exam preparation? The VCE exam is still a few months away, but it’s important that you begin your preparation as early as this month. You don’t want to cram and start studying just a month or a few weeks before the day of the assessment. This will overload you with information, not allowing you to effectively process and learn the skills and understandings required. Therefore, you’ll need to start as early as possible, efficiently working on the following tasks:
How to get the most out of each session? We at Maths Tutors Melbourne, aim to provide the most extensive tuition sessions for our students so that they can achieve high scores in their VCE exam. However, we need your cooperation, so you get the most of each session. Therefore, we urge our students to give suggestions on topics and concepts they need help with. This will help us tailor our lesson plan based on the learning needs of students in each group. Since we’re conducting our tuition online, it is essential that your devices like tablet/iPad is fully charged and your computer has the apps or software needed for our group session. You will also need a CAS calculator on hand, note pad, pen, and other relevant documents that are required for our tuition. According to Galileo Galilei, mathematics is the language in which God has written the universe. This is relatively true since we cannot read or learn anything in this world or the universe itself without learning the letter, shape and other geometrical elements of maths.
Mathematics is also considered the language of science since it wouldn’t be possible to arrive at a conclusion or solve an intricate problem without it. However, is maths really a language? To answer this question, we need to delve deeper into how the grammar and vocabulary of mathematics are used to construct various sentences. What exactly is a language? Language has several definitions, but we all understand that it is essential since it is a system composed of symbols and sounds used in communication. According to the linguist, Noam Chomsky, language is a set of constructed sentences utilising a set of elements that represent events and abstract concepts. No matter which definition is used, a language will contain the following components:
All these components are present in mathematics since it uses syntax, grammar, and the symbols have meaning, and it is the same throughout the world. Therefore, scientists and mathematicians use maths to communicate concepts and real-world phenomena. What is syntax, vocabulary, and grammar in Mathematics? Maths employs various alphabets and symbols that are unique. These elements come together as a mathematical equation. So, it will always contain words that form a sentence. For example: 3+5 = 8 Which can be converted to words as “three plus five equals eight.” Nouns will include the following:
Verbs in math will include symbols like:
Universal rules No matter what country you belong to, maths will be interpreted using the same universal structure. Therefore, formulas will always be read from left to right, and brackets will indicate the order in which the elements interact. Greek and Latin alphabets are commonly used for variables and parameters. Real numbers will use the following symbols: β, a, b, c, and γ. At the same time, integers will be presented by j, k, I, l, m, n. Lastly, unknowns are presented by y, x, z, and complex numbers will be translated using z and w. Mathematical language as a teaching tool It is essential to understand how mathematical sentences work together and it will also be helpful when you’re learning or teaching math. Most people are intimidated with symbols and numbers, so by converting equations into a familiar and easy to understand language – math will be a more approachable subject. It’s like translating an unknown or foreign language into something students understand. Students typically dislike extracting verbs, nouns, and modifiers from written or spoken language, but it is a valuable skill to have since it can improve problem-solving skills and increase your mathematical comprehension. Most importantly, since maths is the same in all countries in the world, it’s just right to say that it can be used as a universal language. For this reason, math can be an effective tool for learning and communication because it can break the barriers that exist. Overall, students learn mathematics using a robust vocabulary that includes symbols, numbers, words, and diagrams. So, there’s a strong case for this concept even if some people don’t accept math as a language; it’s still an effective means of simplifying complicated equations and make math more exciting and approachable to students of all levels. Teachers and tutors must teach their students the importance of this concept since this can open their minds as they improve their problem-solving skills. Schools in Victoria were reopened late last term, only to be closed again in July. All students in years prep to year 12 gradually moved back from remote to face to face learning. The government put in place several measures to safeguard the health of both students and teachers, but unfortunately, the measures did not do enough.
Upon relaxing restrictions in June 2020 the resurgence of infection in several areas became apparent. This has prompted the authorities to reimpose multiple control measures in urban Melbourne. These included stage 3 restrictions in 12 postcode and quarantine measures were also imposed to limit the movement of people in these areas. Since stage three restrictions, and now stage 4 restrictions are being reimposed on millions of Victorians for six weeks, schools are momentarily closed, and students in metropolitan Melbourne will be learning remotely for the foreseeable future. Public health and education experts agree that it is essential for students to go back to school as soon as possible, however, the question remains on how to do it safely once infection rates subside. There are several radical ideas for reopening, but authorities have not officially announced these measures. Remote learning and its impact on students, teachers and parents As schools transition their core learning and instruction to a remote-based model, the majority of teachers are now using Google Classroom and Zoom as an essential online learning tool. So, they have quickly designed their lesson plan based on these changes and how to integrate the current curriculum to remote learning. The impact of moving from face-to-face learning to online schooling has been felt not only by teachers but also by students and parents. In fact, it is now essential for parents to support their children and provide them with a distraction-free space for their schooling. Parents should also block specific apps and software in their child’s mobile and computer devices that might potentially distract them from their studies. Most importantly, students must develop their time management skills and find the right balance needed for remote learning to be effective. Advice for VCE students and parents It is essential for VCE students to regularly monitor their school portal or official digital platforms for announcements and feedback from their teachers. Students should also do their best to complete all the tasks required of them; they need to meet timelines and due dates. Also, they must always show up in time even if it’s an online class and communicate openly with their teachers if they are encountering technical difficulties or other personal concerns. They must continue to collaborate with their classmate and follow the school’s behaviour guidelines. It is essential to begin preparing for exams as soon as possible or ensure you achieve a result to your best potential. As parents, we need to help our children establish routines and expectations so they’ll continue to be motivated with their schoolwork. We should also monitor the progress of our children and continue to communicate with their teachers and know their feedback. Most importantly, we must determine how much time they’re spending online and help them manage and pace their work, so they don’t get overwhelmed. Advice for teachers Since Victoria is currently in stage 4 lockdown and schools are closed for the time being. So, teachers and students are back to remote learning as usual. This means teachers should provide various resources online to help their students cope up with the abrupt transition to home learning. They must also encourage students to participate and show up on their online class on time, and complete their required assignments. Most importantly, teachers should keep everything simple and clear so students can follow all the instructions given to them, especially when it comes to the primary apps used in their online classes. Teachers should not use too many different apps, platforms, or introduce different classroom routines because this may confuse students and discourage them in the long run. Overall, no single measure is perfect, and there are no guarantees, but these approaches will reduce the risks and offer increased protection for both students and teachers. Mathematics is an important construct that will provide us the means to solve problems in the simplest way possible, arriving at concrete answers. However, most people are not fond of abstract and rigid logic that intimidates them, particularly if they cannot see a direct use of it in their day to day life. The common notion is that it’s difficult and boring, and brings back memories of mundane lecture sessions and constant failure in written assessments.
Although we need to understand that difficulty in any type of discipline or subject for that matter, is nothing more than a narrow interpretation by some people or students who had bad experiences with maths. They tend to see maths as a source of failure, and they pass it on to other individuals. This is relatively true in schools where students try to persuade their classmates that maths is a dreaded subject with a strict and meticulous teacher. In reality, we appreciate the value of things if we know their importance and the reason why they exist, and for mathematics, it’s no different.
Mathematical developments increased during the Italian Renaissance in the 16th century, and it continued all throughout the scientific revolution of the 17th and 18th centuries. In fact, mathematics became increasingly important in different types of jobs, including those that are related to business, engineering, science, medicine, and a lot more. For this reason, it became an essential subject in many curriculums around the world. In fact, modern mathematics has dramatically advanced thanks to our modern computers and their incredible computing power.
We all know that scientists and mathematicians rely on various mathematical concepts to perform many aspects of their work and to test their hypotheses. But maths is not solely for scientific careers, but essential to all types of jobs. Even operating a cash register will require one to understand basic arithmetic. Also, people who are working in factories must perform mental arithmetic to keep track of the parts on their assembly line, or even those who manipulate fabrication software must utilise geometry to create their products. Not to mention those in the business sector must use maths in their day-to-day activities since it can help them interpret their financial statements and balance their budget. Therefore, learning maths is vital, because it is not only crucial for success in life – it’s all around us.
Teachers and tutors must help students learn maths concepts, so they will have the confidence to transfer those skills to a real-life situation. As educators, there are several modern ways to make maths more interesting. Most importantly, we need to ensure that we challenge our students, without making the work too difficult. We also need to offer support when needed, both as teachers and parents. One way is to introduce fun and entertaining materials, especially for elementary school students. Teachers should provide fun counting materials like fruit snacks or coloured beads since young students are visual learners; they will appreciate tangible items to work with. Another modern way is to leverage technology like learning maths lessons on a tablet or with a smart board. Using technology will encourage student to learn not only the maths concepts, but also how technology can be used in their everyday lives. Overall, maths is an important subject, and we must support our children by helping them with their homework or hire a qualified maths tutor who can guide them through all the concepts. This will enable them to develop their maths skills as they learn more advanced mathematics in the long run. Math is not an easy subject and teachers must recognise the frustration of students and gracefully answer every question they have. But in reality, some teachers get flustered and brush aside certain questions since they do not have a ready-made response to their students.
As educators, we must first understand where the question is coming from, and even if there are slight deviations in students’ questions. I have found that these questions come from the same place – frustration. So, here are some of my suggestions on who to tackle these questions, which in my experience has worked numerous times.
Math teachers should tell their students that specific topics like percentages, proportions, geometry, and so on can be used outside the classroom. However, some concepts like simplifying expressions, find the slope of a line, and similar topics may have little use outside the classroom, but this doesn’t mean they are no longer important. In fact, these concepts can help us learn more about the world around us as well as enhancing problem solving skills and exercising different areas of our brains.
It is a reasonable expectation of students that they own calculators and bring them to every class. If this is not possible, reasons must be examined and a solution found.
So, when a student asks why they are struggling with maths, we must tell them to conduct a self-assessment to determine the reason why they get easily distracted. We should also give them pointers or words of encouragement to keep them motivated. It could be a good idea for the teacher to try and work one-on-one with the student to pin point the moment of missed understanding and clarify any gaps in knowledge. If this is not possible, a tutor may be a great option.
You should also provide them a glimpse of your day to day activities, so they’ll know that becoming a maths teacher is not only a noble profession but also an enjoyable one. This will help open their minds to different career options and preferences of individuals. Learn how to help your child with holiday homework here. |
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