Chapters
- 01. What Makes a Math Tutor so Important?
- 02. How To Find A Maths Tutor For SPM/IGCSE Near Me?
- 03. What Are Some Tips to Score Well For Your SPM and IGCSE Mathematics & Additional Mathematics Papers?
- 04. Are You Considering To Learn Maths Online?
- 05. What Are Other Ways To Use The Internet to Find The Right Maths Tutor?
- 06. How Can I Truly Benefit From A Private Maths Tutor?
People who choose to study maths are often regarded as highly intelligent.
This is usually because these are the people whose brains are wired in such a way that they can get to grips with mathematical concepts more easily.
However, not everyone is born a Math whiz. Some prefer to study world history, explore arts or are able to quickly learn a new language.
Everyone has their own gifts and talents, but there's no denying the importance of maths topics in real life. Mathematics 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 but are unsure of where to start (such as the cost of getting one Math tutor), follow our guide!
What Makes a Math Tutor so Important?
As a parent, you're probably wondering how to choose the perfect maths tutor for your child.
Maths serves as a base for sciences and many professional careers in the world of work, so getting the hang of the basics at an early age is essential to succeed in your academic career and maybe even later on in life.
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.
The 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.
Math tutoring aims to:
- Lay the foundations to give children the ability to understand the world around them
- 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
- Structure their thought processes
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 their school Maths homework, maths revision for various official examinations in the public or private education institutions, or simply introducing them to topics such as trigonometry and calculus, the types of supplemental help a maths tutor can provide are endless.
Tutors can even coach students in test preparation by focussing on a specific exam board and working through SPM, STPM, A-Level past papers, for example, to prepare them for the format of upcoming exams.
You can check out some of the best math teacher here.
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Starting your child early in Maths tutoring will help them cope better at higher learning levels. Source: Photo by Katerina Holmes from Pexels
How To Find A Maths Tutor For SPM/IGCSE Near Me?
Regardless of whether you are a student in a public or private school in Malaysia, you are required to sit for at least one Mathematics subject.
For SPM examination candidates who are taking Science Stream, you have to take both the SPM Mathematics paper (Code 1449) and the SPM Additional Mathematics paper (3472). For IGCSE examination candidates, you can choose to sit for the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics paper (Code 0580) and also the Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics - Additional (Code 0606).
It is not surprising that the demand for private tutoring is growing like never before.
Maths lessons are constantly in demand for one on one tutoring as pupils and parents alike recognise the importance of maths not just in a child's academic and future professional career, 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!
Start by looking within your local community or your mutual friends for someone who can provide in-home tutoring.
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 (Home tuition in Malaysia is becoming a popular tutoring option lately).
Tutors often advertise in shops, on notice boards and in the local newspaper, so see if you can pick up any contact details!
Another effective way to look for a Maths tutor (who is familiar with examination formats and also with the present studying mode) is by talking to your teachers or fellow seniors (who have taken the tests) in the educational institution that you are currently studying at.
You'll never know if some of your teachers or seniors are considering Maths tutoring as a side-hustle.
There are certainly advantages to this. If you already like the teaching methodology of your Maths teacher at the place of your study, you can spend more hours learning from him or her.
After all, your Maths teacher would know your current level in the subject, as they have taught you and marked your papers. They would know your strengths and weaknesses lie and help you to improve better.
Having a senior student as your Maths tutor is also a great opportunity to look at Mathematics from another point of view.
Firstly, you would feel more comfortable because the Maths tutor is not a conventional teacher figure.
Secondly, he or she can greatly relate to you as a former examination candidate, on the challenges faced by students and some of the common mistakes that are made during different topics for the examinations. He or she may be able to explain "difficult" questions to you in a way that you can understand better.
Get to know about the most effective math classes online here.
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Sometimes, a student Maths tutor can offer you better learning strategies for Maths. Source: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
What Are Some Tips to Score Well For Your SPM and IGCSE Mathematics & Additional Mathematics Papers?
Examination anxieties are not uncommon. On average, most students in the world have experienced studying stress and concerns before their final examination. Even parents have their fair share of worries whenever the examination season is near. This is even more apparent when the pandemic occurred, leading to a whole new normal of online education, assessments and a new way of conducting examinations.
Fret not, as you can overcome and emerge victorious once you have the right strategies while preparing for your examinations. Read further to learn how to equip yourself to ace your papers.
Before anything else, preparation is the key to success. -Alexander Graham Bell
1. Attempt past year questions and trial paper questions
Some of the past year questions are set by real examiners or graders for the subject. When you attempt the questions, you will be able to study the recurring questions, topic, themes and most importantly marking scheme of the questions tested. This gives you a headstart to give the examiners what they truly want in order to secure your marks for each section.
Another useful tip to remember is that trial paper questions are mostly set at a higher difficulty level than the real examination. Don't be discouraged if your final score during your trials did not meet your expectation.
Once you familiarize yourself with various levels of difficulty of questions and also the examination format asked (for both Mathematics and Additional Mathematics), you will find that it is much easier during the real examinations.
2. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes (compare your answering solution with your tutor’s answering solution)
It is important to embrace mistakes as part of your learning journey. Think of the mistakes you make during lessons and exercises as an opportunity to review your core understanding of the tested topic.
Whether it is an error in the formula usage, careless calculation mistake or the wrong steps to arrive at the answer, you can surely learn a thing or two from your mistakes. Also, do not be in a hurry to delete or scrap off your wrong calculation work or process when you are attempting the questions.
Instead, leave it on one side and write down the correct answering solution on the other side to compare the similarities and differences. This process allows you to immediately reflect and remember what went wrong, and you are unlikely to repeat the same mistake again.
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Practising with past year Maths papers proves to be helpful before you face your actual examination. Source: Photo by Armin Rimoldi from Pexels
3. Practice, practice, practice with the formulas, equations that are not provided in the exams.
Practice makes perfect is not a myth. You may feel overwhelmed that anything (that is included in the syllabus) can be tested in your examination. Some of the formulas are provided, while some are not. Make sure you master and memorize the rest that is not listed in the given sheet so that you will not panic.
For IGCSE students, you can check out the official Cambridge website to access the past papers, examiner reports, specimen papers and also the formula sheet or FREE.
For SPM students, you can download the latest Buku Format Pentaksiran for Mathematics and Additional Mathematics that which encompasses the examination structure, the latest syllabus update and also the formula sheets for the exam.
4. Tutor another person (You’ll be able to remember better!)
This is a classic method that works perfectly! It is actually the application of repetition learning. In order to repeat what you have learnt to others, you are being more creative and resourceful when you are explaining a question and applying problem-solving skills during your explanation.
One way how you can carry out this tutoring session is during study groups or through sharing with your classmates or friends.
Pay attention to the feedback of your friend (what they understand or do not understand). Make sure you all are on the same page of comprehension level of the topic after the “tutoring” session.
Are You Considering To Learn Maths Online?
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. Thinking of learning other subjects? Find chemistry and maths tutors or tutors who specialise in engineering - you'll be spoilt for choice!
Another thing to note is that online learning doesn't always require a personal physical tutor, there are many teachers and tutors that 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, consider Youtube your new BFF!
Instead of scheduling a one to one session, why not type 'maths lessons' 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 level maths all the way up to studying for a maths degree.
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Learning Maths through various videos on Youtube offers you the flexibility to master Maths through visuals and effective online teaching tools. Source: Photo by Canva Studio from Pexels
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!
What Are Other Ways To Use The Internet to Find The Right Maths Tutor?
a) Join Facebook groups
Granted that social media is commonly and widely used as a platform to share and also obtain information about tutoring services (for all kinds of subjects), it would be strategic to specifically look into Facebook groups instead of just waiting for public posts about tutoring services.
When you join a Facebook group that comprise parents, tutors and students who actively post about Mathematics related topics, it can save you a lot of time to connect with the right person
For instance, if you are a parent with a child / or a student that is taking IGCSE, you are highly advisable to join a Facebook group about IGCSE education or IGCSE Mathematics private tutoring.
You can easily post questions and look out for potential tutors who are already familiar with the IGCSE Mathematics syllabus and grading system.
b) Visit Maths related blogs and websites
If you are a student, you may have used the Internet to search for solutions or further explanations about a topic that you are unfamiliar with.
Most of the time, the videos and blogs that you have come across while learning is actually created and curated by Maths tutors or Maths teachers.
Some of them may be teaching at a physical location, while some of them may be full-time online Maths tutors.
Do not hesitate to browse through their contact details or leave questions in the comment section to connect with them.
If you feel that your comprehension ability on the topic has improved through their previous videos or explanation, you should certainly consider taking this to the next level by taking consistent Maths tutoring sessions DIRECTLY from them.
c) Find A Tutor Via Online Tutoring Platforms
Online tutoring platforms are a great way to find a suitable private tutor, for any kind of subject. Most importantly, you can save plenty of time and trouble to find a tutor that matches all your requirement.
We recommend that you have a look at the tutors available on Superprof. Superprof is a reliable online tutoring platform that connects students and tutors in the most convenient manner.
You can easily browse through Maths tutors who are based in various parts of Malaysia and also other parts of the world (should you opt for online learning).
Getting started on Superprof is simple: type 'Mathematics' or ‘ Matematik’ into the search bar and choose your location and click 'search' when you access the homepage.
You'll be given a list of tutors in your area with their hourly rates and a bit of information about themselves.
Some are researchers, others are at university, and some have formal teaching experience in the education system.
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.
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Home tutoring offers a more comfortable and convenient learning environment. Source: Photo by Kindel Media from Pexels
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How Can I Truly Benefit From A Private Maths Tutor?
If you are still not convinced, you can think of private tutoring as a belated Christmas present and a long term investment for yourself. You may not see the results or enjoy the fruits of labour instantly, but the final reward is eventually going to be worth your time and effort. Here are some reasons why we say so.
1. You can enjoy a personalized learning experience with undivided attention and minimum distraction.
If you are a shy person and find it difficult to raise questions during a big class, private tutoring is the ideal learning place for you. You do not have to worry about your learning pace or other people’s pace, you can direct all your questions in a straightforward manner to your Maths tutor.
You can also stop your Maths tutor anytime you want if you do not understand the teaching halfway without having to worry about the time constraint. Having a personalised learning experience also implies that you get to experiment with different teaching methods from different Maths tutors.
If you solely depend on your Maths teacher in school, you might be too fixated on only one way of looking at the Maths topics (which may not suit you 100% in the long run). Furthermore, when you are the only student in the private tutoring session, it also means that there is minimal distraction and interruption from your classmates or other people in the class.
Your concentration and retention power during the teaching and learning sessions will surely improve!
2. You can strengthen your core understanding and work out on your weaker topics at the same time.
It is undeniable that repetition is a great method for effective revision. In this scenario, you get to repeat what you have learnt in school through your private tutoring lessons. The difference is that you get to exercise more flexibility while learning the same topics for the second time.
This indicates that you and your tutor can discuss to choose which topics to emphasize more, which to reinforce and practice further as well based on several rounds of clearly identifying your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to answering the questions.
Through these steps, your tutor will also be able to prepare their lessons more effectively and systematically so that you will have a strong foundation by achieving a similar understanding ability for every topic that is included in your syllabus.
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Having a private Maths tutor enables you to look at Maths questions from different perspectives. Source: Photo by Yan Krukov from Pexels
3. You can improve your confidence to help you prepare better for major examinations.
This leads us to the practical part of institutional education regardless of the country you belong to. You cannot escape from experiencing continuous examinations and assessments before graduation. Whether you are sitting for any Maths subjects for your SPM, STPM, IGCSE O-Level, A-Level or other Pre-University tests or undergraduate level studies, Mathematics is normally a core subject or an elective subject that you will take.
Thankfully, every examination has its pre-set format, in terms of marking scheme and answering techniques for various sections of the papers.
When you have completely grasped the concepts you will be able to identify and understand the questions' requirements, apply the right formulas as well as write down the correct calculation steps accordingly to arrive at the final, correct answer.
We hope you will find this guide useful when it comes to looking for a Maths tutor. At Superprof, you can be assured that this journey is super easy, convenient, effective and most importantly, student-friendly. You can certainly count on Superprof to make your Maths tutoring lessons count!
The platform that connects tutors and students
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