5 Ways tutoring can help students with math anxiety
Hey there, math lovers! Today on the blog, we’re talking about how math tutoring can help students conquer their math anxiety. Let's face it, math can be tough, and it's not uncommon for students to feel anxious or intimidated when it comes to math class. But fear not, because math tutoring can be a game-changer! Here are five ways math tutoring can help you overcome your math anxiety!
1. Personalized attention
When it comes to math, one size definitely does not fit all. That's where math tutoring comes in! With personalized attention from a tutor, you can get help with the specific areas in which you’re struggling and spend as much time as needed in order to master a concept or skill. A tutor can tailor their teaching style to your learning style and pace, which just isn’t possible in a group setting like a classroom!
2. A safe space to ask questions
Math tutoring should always be a judgement-free zone, and we all know that in a group setting it can feel scary to ask questions in front of everyone else! One on one tutoring means that you don't have to worry about feeling silly or embarrassed for asking questions, and in fact, asking questions is encouraged! Tutors are there to help you understand exactly what it is that’s causing confusion, and a good math tutor can figure out how to “speak your math language” and explain things in a way that you actually understand!
3. Practice that helps you progress
Math can be challenging, but just like everything else in life, the more you practice, the easier it becomes! A math tutor can help you not only practice problems and work through challenging concepts, but a good tutor can help you figure out exactly what it is that you need to practice - and how to best practice it!
4. Math becomes fun and engaging!
Math doesn't have to be boring! A good math tutor has a wide range of tools at their disposal: games, puzzles, worksheets, tablets, a whiteboard, fun markers and anything else they might use to make learning math more engaging and enjoyable. The truth is that when you're having fun, you're more likely to stay focused and motivated. Plus, learning through different styles and in different environments can be a great way to boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.
5. A focus on confidence
We all know that when students are anxious or stressed about math, it’s usually accompanied by a lack of confidence! The number one benefit of having a great math tutor is having your own personal math mentor and cheerleader, a coach that can help build that confidence and feel strong in your abilities! This newfound confidence can translate to better grades, improved performance on tests, and a more positive attitude towards math in general!
Remember, math tutoring can be a game-changer for students who struggle with math anxiety and there’s no one size fits all approach! Some students benefit from in person tutoring, others enjoy virtual math tutoring, and no two tutors are created equal so don’t be afraid to try tutors with different styles until you find your perfect match! With personalized attention, a safe space to ask questions, plenty of practice, fun and engaging lessons, and increased confidence, math tutoring can help you overcome your fear of math and become a math whiz in no time. So don't be afraid to ask for help – you've got this!
Vanessa Vakharia is the author of 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 + 𝑀𝒶𝓉𝒽 𝐻𝒶𝒸𝓀𝓈 𝟚 , the host of the Math Therapy podcast, and the founder of The Math Guru tutoring studio.