I have helped many students over the years to better understand how to solve mathematical problems. I try to create a relaxing learning environment reassuring students that math is not nearly as difficult or scary as it may initially seem. All of it is built, step by step, upon simpler, previously established principles. Sessions start with examples that the student is currently having difficulty with. I will start explaining and solving them, frequently checking with the student to see where he or she misunderstands. (As we go, I try to adapt my methods of teaching to the thinking processes of that person.) At the point of difficulty, we will digress step by step to a point where the student began to feel uncomfortable with what he or she knows. There, we will review the more basic material. (For example, a problem with algebraic expressions might stem from weaknesses with operations of numbers.) Then we will move steadily forward, with my teaching in a manner which best fits the student's mode of thought, until we revisit the current problem. Then I will continue solving and explaining until the student is satisfied he or she understands.
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