Marilyn A.'s Blog at WyzAnt.com

My Favorite Geometry Question

posted by WyzAnt tutor: Marilyn A.

There is nothing more revealing than a student's question. My all-time favorite Geometry question came after I had completed a fairly lengthy proof on the overhead: "Ms. A, I was able to follow every single thing you did. What I don't understand is, how did you know what to do?"

One of the characteristics of a top-notch geometry student is their broad repertoire of geometry postulates and definitions. The next step, then, is to ask this question: "What do I wish were true?"

How to Make the Most of your Tutoring Experience

posted by WyzAnt tutor: Marilyn A.

Have you ever left a class thinking you “had not a clue” about the teacher’s explanation of something you’re sure is important? It happens to almost everyone, so here’s an alert for you: as soon as you have a spare minute, write down what you do remember. It may be page numbers, words, sketches, questions of the moment, anything that will help you recapture the experience. If you’re a pretty good note-taker during class, you’re ahead of the game.

Now, it’s tutoring time and preparation is the key.

Get your stuff together…the notes we just talked about, your book, writing materials, any organizational props such as assignment books, etc.

Take care of your personal needs before your appointment. It’s hard to focus when your stomach is growling, but chips and drinks are a distraction. As Dr. Donald Cowan says, “learning is hard work and we want to experience appropriate fun.”

Eliminate distractions by turning off your phone. Your last text should say “office closed until x:00.”

Keith Devlin said it best: “One reason people struggle with math is that they are unprepared for the degree of concentration required. Other pursuits require concentration to do them well; mathematics requires intense concentration to do it at all.”

Test Performance As an Added Benefit

posted by WyzAnt tutor: Marilyn A.

I am just completing my first year of tutoring and have found it very rewarding. Although I have made no attempt to focus on TAKs preparation, my students have been very successful in that aspect of their development. Fifth and seventh graders have consistently scored in the exemplary category; my most recent high school student raised her SAT score sufficiently to qualify for “in-state tuition” to attend The University of Arkansas.

Students who are self-motivated and willing to work consistently to eliminate gaps in their math development will be successful using the strategies I employ.