People who choose to study maths are often regarded as highly intelligent. This is usually because they tend to pursue careers that can be quite literally world-changing such as in the sciences.
However, not everyone is born a maths whizz. Some prefer English literature or can quickly learn a new language. Everyone has their gifts and talents, but there's no denying the importance of maths topics in real life.
Maths is a part of our everyday lives, so having a good understanding of the subject can come in very handy. This is probably why private maths help is a best seller in the market for home tuition.
If you're thinking about calling on the expertise of an online tutor or in-home math tutor but are unsure of where to start, you're not we have written this article as a sort of guy to help you find a tutor that suits your needs.
Is it Important to Have a Maths Tutor?
Having one to one maths lessons from primary school to university can be incredibly beneficial to those who are worried about falling behind or just need to improve their confidence in school.
A tutor can show their learner that maths is fun and there is a math genius in us all - we just need to cater for each learning style by using the right maths drills and cool maths games.
You may be a parent or student wondering how best to choose the perfect maths tutor and it all depends on what level you're trying to get tuition for.
Maths Lessons for Primary School Children
The way the national curriculum maths is taught does not take into account the individual needs of each pupil. This means that some get bored because the pace is too slow, and some get left behind as they need more time to understand. These two groups end up underperforming in routine maths tests.
The one-size-fits-all approach is not the most effective - this is where private maths tutoring comes in. If you feel your child is struggling with math or even that they could study the subject at a more advanced level, finding a maths tutor could be beneficial.
Core maths lays the foundations for building up scientific knowledge with fractions, decimals, geometry, probability and algebra. Each of these concepts helps us make sense of the world in which we live.
Junior cycle maths syllabus breakdown:
The 4 main strands in the Junior cycle maths are as follows:
- Number
This strand focuses on different aspects of numbers, laying the groundwork for the transition from
arithmetic to algebra. Learners explore different representations of numbers and the connections
between them, as well as the properties and relationships of binary operations. They investigate
number patterns and use ratio and proportionality to solve a variety of problems in numerous
contexts. - Geometry and trigonometry
This strand focuses on analysing characteristics and properties of two- and three-dimensional
geometric shapes. Learners use geometry and trigonometry to model and solve problems involving
area, length, volume, and angle measure - Algebra and functions
This strand focuses on representing and analysing patterns and relationships found in numbers.
Building on their work in the Number strand, learners generalise their observations, expressing, interpreting, and justifying general mathematical statements in words and symbolic notation. - Statistics and probability
This strand focuses on determining probability from random events and generating and
investigating data. Students explore the relationship between experimental and theoretical probability as well as completing a data investigation; from formulating a question and designing the investigation through to interpreting their results in context and communicating their findings.
"The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics."
Paul R. Halmos,
Breakdown of leaving cert maths is with syllabus:
The Leaving Certificate Mathematics syllabus comprises five strands, in each strand of this syllabus, there are separate learning outcomes specific to that strand.
The Foundation level learning outcomes are distinct from the Ordinary level and Higher level outcomes and are listed separately.
The 5 strands in the Project Maths are as follows:
- Statistics and Probability
- Geometry and Trigonometry
- Number
- Algebra
- Functions
As mentioned different things are expected from students studying at different levels, the main difference is for those taking Foundation level maths. Students at this level are not required to deal with abstract mathematics meaning the Leaving Cert exam for Foundation maths is largely based on 'practical maths', they will be expected to solve the types of problems they may encounter in their daily lives.
Junior Cycle Maths Grinds
When children make the leap from primary maths to learning maths in secondary school, the level of difficulty increases steadily.
By hiring a maths tutor for junior cycle maths you can help your child to get a grasp of how Math works before they head into the senior cycle, some of the benefits include:
- Getting the proper grasp on functional maths
- Be able to take an interest in scientific advancements and understand the challenges the world of science is faced with
- Be able to see things from a mathematical perspective
- Apply their mathematical skills in other areas including physics, chemistry and geography
- Be able to do simple maths in your head and not need a Calculator
These are all vital points for teenagers and young adults who, with maths help, will learn, bit by bit, how to decode their environments. This is exactly what makes the job of an online maths tutor so important. Whether it's helping students with Maths homework, maths revision, or simply introducing them to topics such as trigonometry and calculus, the types of supplemental help a maths tutor can provide are endless.
Leaving Cert Maths Grinds
Everything about the senior cycle is focused on emphasising the things you are good at, and in enhancing the things you need to enhance, all to help you choose which path you want to follow to college.
There are some subjects which have no choice but to study, English and maths been the essentials, it is also recommended that you take a language this leaves three other subjects to focus on to get your points in the leaving cert exams.
Many students are attracted to the more mathematical route of study usually they will also take subjects such as physics, maybe technical graphics, maybe technology.
But what if you're struggling to keep up in class?
Having extra lessons with a private physics and maths tutor can be highly beneficial for maths students. And whether you're studying foundation, ordinary or higher level there will be grinds available to help.
Finding a Maths Tutor Near Me
Maths lessons are a best seller in the market for one on one tutoring as students and parents alike recognise the importance of maths not just in academic and professional careers, but also in day-to-day life.
But just how difficult is it to find a maths tutor?
Whether they are a maths undergraduate, a certified maths teacher or hold a math PHD, tutors come from all kinds of backgrounds - you just need to know where to look!
Why not start looking within your local area? Keep an eye out for people advertising private at-home tutoring some of the places you might come across these advertisements include:
- Community halls
- Sports halls
- Local shops
- Your GP surgery
- School noticeboard
- Community Facebook pages
These days, it's all too easy to head to the internet to find what you're looking for, but try the old-fashioned way - this means you'll be more likely to find someone who lives in your area and therefore won't have to travel too far to deliver their lessons.
Choosing an Online Maths Tutor
The internet is full of information and advertisements for online tutors. You will find all kinds of online tutoring including those who can provide help in more than one area.
We recommend that you have a look at the tutors available on Superprof, who are based all over Ireland. Getting started on Superprof is simple: type 'maths' into the search bar and choose your location and click 'search'. You'll be given a list of tutors in your area with their hourly rates and a bit of information about themselves.
The advantages of finding a tutor this way are:
- Find a maths tutor near you: The website shows you how far away this person is and whether they come to you.
- Find a tutor with the right skills: Superprof lets you have a look at each tutor's CV so you can get a feel for their level of maths expertise and their teaching experience.
- Choose between different price points: private tuition can get expensive. Thankfully Superprof displays tutors with various rates so you can select your tutor depending on maths tutor prices.
- Try before you buy: A stand-out advert doesn't always guarantee the ideal tutor. Superprof allows you to consult several tutors before you decide which one has the best methods to suit your needs.
"Mathematics is a hard thing to love. It has the unfortunate habit, like a rude dog, of turning its most unfavorable side towards you when you first make contact with it."
David Whiteland
Online Maths Youtube
Online learning doesn't always require a personal tutor, many teachers such as The Dublin Academy of Education give free tutoring services on Youtube! These are mainly certified maths teachers or those with appropriate teaching qualifications, so you're in safe hands!
It's understandable why some people may feel sceptical about this. However, for those who are bored of textbooks and don't have the means to pay for private tutoring, Youtube can be a godsend.
Instead of scheduling a one to one session, why not type 'maths' followed by the level you are studying in the Youtube search bar?
As soon as you do, you'll see dozens of teachers who have uploaded their lessons for your benefit. There are tutorials for all levels, from primary school maths up to studying for a maths degree. So why not follow a few of these lessons as a refresher course? Or have a look at something unfamiliar if you're feeling curious.
It's not a conventional teaching method since there is no interaction between the tutor and tutee, but it's interactive and completely free!
Another advantage to learning from videos is that you can pause, rewind or fast-forward them according to how you are progressing. Do the questions with the teacher, or have a go before you watch their solution.
Learning maths online will open you up to a world of knowledge. So dip into polynomial equations or find out how to calculate the surface area of a cone - you're in the driving seat of your academic success!
Create a revision timetable for yourself
Okay yes, you can ask a teacher or a parent to give you a template, but you must create a timetable for yourself this way you can study subjects which you find more difficult earlier on in the afternoon or at the weekend and leave the subjects you're pretty good at till last. I'm nothing in those subjects are less important, but I am saying revising the subjects that come easier to you don't need you to be as fresh alert and focused as you would be for that subject to struggle with. This is down to the fact that you enjoy one subject better than the other therefore one will naturally be easier for you to revise.
You should also schedule your breaks on this timetable. Studies have shown that we concentrate best for periods of 20 to 30 minutes, the important thing is to take regular short breaks and keep hydrated.
Creating a revision timetable for yourself not only allows you to focus on the subject you need to focus on, but it also allows you to schedule in your different Grinds lessons as well as schedule times to take breaks and just relax because it's a well-known truth that you take in information better when you're not stressed.
It is completely n normal to be feeling a little stressed or frustrated, just remember everyone is in the same situation as you are feeling similar. However, if you're starting to feel overwhelmed there is someone to talk to you out there and to help you get through this difficult time. Services like Spun Out are there to help you.
Will I use Maths After School?
The fact is: We all use math in everyday applications whether we're aware of it or not. If you look hard enough, you'll see math emerge from some of the most unlikely places.
Some examples of just how useful maths is in 'the real-world':
- Math Helps You Build Things - Ask any contractor or construction worker--they'll tell you just how important math is when it comes to building anything. Figuring the total amount of concrete needed for a slab; accurately measuring lengths, widths, and angles; and estimating project costs are just a few of the many cases in which math is necessary for real-life home improvement projects.
- Math Helps You When it Comes to Shopping - One of the more obvious places to find people using math in everyday life is at shops. Each time you weigh produce, figure percentage discounts and estimate the final price, you're using math in your shopping experience.
- Math is in Baking - Recipes are really just mathematical algorithms or self-contained, step-by-step sets of operations to be performed. The proof is in the pudding! Working in the kitchen requires a wide range of mathematical knowledge, including but not limited to:
- measuring ingredients to follow a recipe
- multiplying/dividing fractions to account for more or less than a single batch
- converting a recipe from Celsius to Fahrenheit
- converting a recipe from metric (mL) to US standard units (teaspoon, tablespoon, cups)
- calculating cooking time per each item and adjusting accordingly
- calculating pounds per hour of required cooking time
- understanding ratios and proportions, particularly in baking (ex. the recipe calls for 1 egg and 2 cups of flour, then the ratio of eggs to flour is 1:2).
- Math Helps You Save Money - Managing your budget, saving money, and requesting a loan are all to do with maths. With each aspect, there are estimations and allowances to make, tax to calculate, interest to add, the list goes on! This is exactly why a good command of maths is useful for finance. School teachers and maths tutors teach you maths as a child, and you carry those skills with you for the rest of your life.
- Math Lets You Manage Time - Time is our most valuable asset. Below are 4 Steps to Improving Time Management Using Simple Math:
- Know how much time exists - There are only 24 hours * 7 days = 168 hours in a week.
- Calculate how much time we don’t have - Subtract how much time we spend doing the things we must do, as well as things we want to do.
- Budget the subtracted time that we must use, as well as the remaining free time that we have left, i.e. Plan specific hours, on specific days, for specific tasks, with specific goals. - This is where a calendar and planner is useful visually for planning every hour of our week.
- Manage the time you don’t have (necessities) and the time you do have (luxuries) - This is where a to-do list type of checker can help us keep track of our time spent after we budget our time more wisely.
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