FAQs

Do you ever teach any other subjects besides math?

Yes.  Let me know what you are interested in and we can talk it over.

How do you show students the way to solve math problems if a lesson is done remotely on zoom?

I have a document camera. It enables me to switch back and forth between having the student see me as I explain things, and looking at the page I’m writing on. The student sees the page just as it would look on a blackboard. They watch me as I write out equations and calculations the same as they’d watch me write on a blackboard.

Once we have gone over a procedure, I often write out one line and then stop and ask them what they think would come next. We discuss the strategy for solving a problem, so they help suggest what to do next. This ensures that they stay engaged in the lesson.

Are you able to run a program for an entire semester?

I’m happy to consider any project. We just have to agree on a schedule that works for all parties.

I have had a number of teachers try to help my child with math. But my child still has a hard time. Do you think you can help him/her and why?

Yes, I am a good choice to work with a student having difficulty understanding Math concepts.  I have a lot of experience with this type of situation and I’m well equipped to work with students who are struggling. Some students may pick things up faster than others, but all students can advance their learning.  Patience, continued effort, and careful explanations help students learn concepts over time. I’m happy to help students who are having a rough time.

What are your fees?

The fee varies with the particulars of the job—- what is being taught, the schedule, and other variables. It’s something I discuss with each client.

My son/daughter hates math and resists doing the homework.  How do you handle that?

Students rarely like all of their subjects.  There is no need to, really—we’re all human with individual likes and dislikes.  Often people dislike a subject if they don’t feel successful with it.  But this can become a vicious circle, with a student not doing well and then not trying, so they fall further and further behind. As students start to catch on, they sometimes find they don’t dislike the subject as much as they thought.  

It’s ok to acknowledge that some people dislike math; there is no harm in that. But everyone still has to learn a certain amount of mathematics in school, whether it’s their favorite subject or not.  

Particularly in teaching a subject that isn’t someone’s favorite, it’s important for students to become comfortable making mistakes as they learn.  It’s helpful for them to cultivate the idea that each math problem is like an individual puzzle. Puzzles are fun, not scary. In any case, I like to acknowledge how a student feels but also take the attitude that some things in life that have to be done, regardless of whether they are fun. At the same time, having a teacher who enjoys the act of solving math problems may hopefully help soften that dislike over time.

Can you coordinate what you are covering with my child’s school so you are doing the units that they suggest?

Sure.  If the school personnel are willing to talk to me with your permission, I’m happy to follow up on information and suggestions from them.

What distinguishes your instruction from that of other Math teachers?

Teachers generally do their best to ensure that students understand the underlying concepts behind what are doing. It’s common to explain the concepts and then proceed to using an algorithm or “rule” to solve problems. It’s not unusual for students to fail to grasp the concept when it’s explained, so they may need it explained a number of times.

I do my best to help students understand the reasoning behind what they are doing, by repeating that until it’s well absorbed. There is little point to doing problems without this understanding. So we stay with those explanations as long as needed. 

I also find that sometimes students have trouble understanding math topics because they don’t understand the words being used. I believe this dimension of the problem often goes unrecognized.  The way we solve problems that include math symbols flows logically from a clear understanding of their meaning. So before students even start to solve problems, I try to make sure they have an understanding of the “math language” being used.

I would like to include some fun, creative or artistic activities in my child’s school curriculum, so they have a positive feeling about school.  Can you offer any lessons like that?

Activities that blend the arts with academics are referred to as “arts integration.” This is a great way to add a fun twist to the standard curriculum, which often helps motivate students to learn. I’m happy to provide such a program.

Do you have any suggestions for breaking the ice with a student, or taking a moment to relax and laugh while doing math problems?

You’ve heard that laughter is good medicine… I think this is very true and sometimes share funny ways of memorizing things or looking at things with my students. For fun, check out this humorous video about a Math Teacher fixing a projector screen: https://youtu.be/Z9NQatne0xg
And here is a video about teaching Math throughout the years: https://youtu.be/dKrSjNx0BUo.
Enjoy!