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.”