Mathematics is a subject that requires logical thinking and skill. Maths comprises a consistently growing catalogue of equations and processes students must remember. Since most teachers are juggling larger classrooms, they may be unable to give individual attention to students struggling with the coursework. This makes the role of a maths tutor crucial for success. No student should have to grapple alone to master the learning objectives. Personal mentoring can empower students and help them perform at an even higher level than they anticipated.

Maths tutors can be the secret weapon in helping students achieve their goals. They help students develop a firm understanding of mathematical concepts and strategies for solving math problems.

A maths tutor can be found through various means, such as universities, schools and libraries, as well as online. Some tutors offer their services for a low price per hour, while others charge more. Tutors may also offer personalised one-on-one sessions or group sessions.

What are the benefits of hiring a Maths tutor?

There are many reasons to justify having a maths tutor for your child. For example, if your child is finding it hard to keep up with the teacher’s pace or if they’ve fallen behind, a tutor can troubleshoot where extra attention is needed. The tutor will then work with the student step-by-step until they get it. Often, working with a tutor helps the student advance to the extent they can subsequently make quick gains.

Another time to consider employing a maths tutor is preparing for GCSEs, A Levels and IB tests. As stress creeps up on the student, their tutor can assist by organising a systematic review and practising all the skills included in the test. University students and recent graduates, in particular, make great tutors. Since they have recently sat for these exams, the test information will still be fresh in their minds.

Regardless of whether your youngster loves math or battles with it, a maths tutor can be a clear-cut advantage in assisting them to succeed and advance further. If your student is keen on a career requiring maths, such as material science or design, finding a tutor in that field can be very motivating. As well as assisting with schoolwork and correction, those with the right experience may even offer suggestions regarding the college application process.

How can you find a Maths tutor?

There are many options for finding a good maths tutor in the UK. The simplest might be trying a web search. To decide what will work best for your child, in-person or online tutoring, consider your circumstances. For example, do you have other children to look after or other commitments outside of work? If you plan to utilise a web-based platform like TutorExtra, simply enter your search criteria (subject, level and cost range), then browse the tutor profiles. Feel free to contact more than one tutor and message them to organise an initial meeting. Once you find a tutor that fits your needs, you can sort out a regular schedule.

You can also search by word-of-mouth for a tutor. Perhaps one of your child’s schoolmates has had a decent mentor they can recommend. The school itself may likewise have a list of recommended tutors who could help your child.

While searching for a teacher, a decent guideline is to find somebody two levels higher than what they’ll teach. So, for A-Level Maths, for instance, it would be ideal to find someone in their second year of college with a concentration in maths.

How much is a private Mathematics lesson?

Tutoring fees vary and are usually incrementally priced based on the level taught: from primary level to doctorate level. Another factor is the amount of experience a tutor has. Frequently, qualified teachers work part-time or full-time as tutors, and they can charge more due to their education and experience. Note, too, that test inspectors or moderators make better quality coaches.

College students and recent alums can make great tutors as well. Since they’re nearer in age to kids at the GCSE level, they can be significantly more engaging and sympathetic to what students are going through. In addition, as they have already sat school tests very recently, so they are more familiar with the test objectives and can pass on their test methods.

What should you look for in a Maths tutor?

Here are the main qualities to look for in a tutor. Some of the items in this list might appear glaringly obvious. However, in many cases, they are disregarded. Follow this guide for successfully finding a maths tutor:

• Expertise and knowledge ‒ this one might appear to be the most evident, as you might anticipate that each tutor should have the expected skills. Nonetheless, this doesn’t always hold true. Ensure that your tutor has the appropriate credentials for the level to be taught. For example, completion of secondary school for tutoring primary and secondary levels and a college degree with an emphasis on maths, design, or science for secondary school and higher mentoring;
• Having patience and a good reputation ‒ reading reviews from previous students can be enlightening. While they’re not entirely reliable, reviews can confirm your first impression of the tutor or assist in eliminating them from your list. Request references from current or past students. A tutor’s persistence in showing patience and teaching with purpose is fundamental for progress;
• Location ‒ it is preferable to be local, perhaps in the area near you;
• Have a good grasp of technology ‒ there is no getting around using technology these days. A successful tutor will keep up-to-date with technological developments that add value to the teaching process;
• Outstanding motivator ‒ Every great mentor harnesses the power of motivation and is capable of inspiring their students;
• Strong leader ‒ in a classroom setting, a tutor must command the respect of the students. An uncontrolled classroom is detrimental to the learning process.

Several reputable UK-based math tutors are now offering their services online. TutorExtra is a great place to start if you’re interested in finding an experienced and capable tutor who offers various lesson types, including home tuition.