About
I have been a substitute for 15 years. I use a document camera (Elmo) to project working out the problems on screen on Zoom on the Internet. So this simulate being in a classroom nicely. Please send information that needs to be tutored on 2 hours before, or earlier so that I ready myself.
I understand why many students don't like math. First they think it is something they are just good at or not. This is not true.
People who are good at first see how numbers are linked together. Then they learn some mental math tricks that helps them to group numbers together. Because they have good foundation in math, they enjoy the challenge and keep on doing it. They do things that like play cards or board games that further develop their math skills.
When they get into higher levels of math, they have problems with the current topic. Not the fundamental skills that is assumed you already know.
So when you are having problems in math, I can assess if you have deep problems in math. We can go back to basics and help the student learn the current content and basics you need to pass the assignment.
Many people hate math. They feel that it is full of rules that are vary inflexible. But when you get to learn about how numbers are related it is more like using Legos to explain an idea. So helping people see that numbers are related and can be useful in life can change how they view math.
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Harrison P.
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Frequently asked questions
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a substitute teacher for 15 years. I work many different levels of students. I work with a 1-3rd grader. I have worked through all the levels of high school.
I have taken Math classes for Elementary/Secondary Teachers to develop a wider view of how students learn Math. This has helped me to understand why many students fail in math as they get older. Going back and filling in the gaps with students in previous topics helps the student understand what skills the lesson is assuming they already know.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked a few 1-3 grade students. These students are for homeschool students that want their child to excel.
I have worked with many high school students that have a learning disability. They have grown frustrated because they have been pushed onto harder topics when they still have not mastered fundamental skills.
Honor students that want to excel in math courses.
Contractors that need to pass their math portion of the general contractors test.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure that teacher doesn't just tell you how to get the answer. It is important to understand the thinking behind the method you are learning.
Most people think people good in math just have all these calculations memorized in their heads. This is not true. People good in math can see numbers connected and know how to group them in their head to make it easier to figure it out.
Once someone has confidence in the basic skills like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, the student will find the next level like fractions and decimals are just one more step of work.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Most students that struggle in Algebra have poor skills in lower levels of math. So how can I get the student better at those skills and still try to keep up with their current assignment?
Am I willing to do extra work to help me understand all that a lesson is asking to do?
Am I always trying to skip steps in just trying to turn in an assignment, rather than viewing this as practice?