Math: Individual Tutoring (One-Time 30-Minute Short Session)

As a tutor, the goals that I have set for this tutoring session are the following for all kids regardless of age or skill level:

1) To help kids develop the “muscle memory” to quickly and automatically recall the simple arithmetic and algebraic habits or building blocks required for solving larger complex problems. 
2) To teach the habit of writing neatly and organizing work on paper to reduce mistakes.
3) To teach the habit of double-checking work to ensure that answers are correct.

The specific material covered in each session depends on the progress made in previous sessions. Depending on the math level and interest (but not age), learners can expect to cover the following over the course of four to eight sessions:

Elementary School
-Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, and Division Tables
The majority of the drilling and memorization will be focused on these tables so students no longer have to rely on counting with fingers. 
-Decimals and Fractions
-Rounding numbers up or down

Junior High/Middle School
-Linear Equations
-Graphing
-Angles, Parallel Lines, and Triangles
-Pythagorean Theorem
-Volume of Cylinders, Cones, and Spheres
-Order of Operations
-Associative, Distributive, and Commutative Properties
The majority of the drilling and memorization will be focused on these properties since they form the basis of a lot of the high school math they will be doing.

High School
-Exponential Functions
-Logarithms and Identities
-Trigonometric Identities
-Parabolas, Ellipses, Circles
Drilling and memorization will focus on repeated use of formulas and identities, as well as the properties learned in junior high school. 

A 50-minute session is broken down to four sections and has the following basic format:

The first 5 to 10 minutes involves reviewing the concepts learned in any previous sessions, as well as introducing learners to new formulas or techniques, explaining why the math exists and when they will (or will not) use it in the future.  

The second 10 to 15 minutes is drilling. 
For the first half of the drilling section, the student will be presented with multiple arithmetic/algebraic/trigonometric formulas or identities that they will memorize and repeat until they feel comfortable recalling the information automatically. 
For the second half of the drilling section, the previously learned formulas will be presented on screen with answers in multiple choice format so the student can apply the newly acquired knowledge in a test-like situation. 

The third 5 to 10 minutes will be writing practice to help the student apply the previously learned knowledge onto paper in a way that encourages legible and organized writing for solving larger problems. 

The final 10 to 15 minutes of class will be a verbal review of the material covered in the first 30 to 35 minutes, solidifying quick response, as well as a written multiple choice review with a focus on double-checking work. 


Homework is assigned at the end of class as a way of practicing the material covered during that session and as a way of preparing for the review section of the next session. 

Feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have. 

*Note: Any messages sent to me on Sunday will be seen and replied to on Monday morning, so messages are best sent on or before Saturday.