By: Kerri Stalton

Many students find math a challenging subject, and hiring math tutors can provide a great solution for trouble in the classroom. Difficulty with math is a widespread problem, particularly with the strong emphasis on testing for students in all grades. High stakes tests can create anxiety, especially for math students, and many students need outside help in order to gain confidence and adequately absorb the material. Tutors can access learning problems and devise a personalized instructional program.

Math tutors offer an opportunity for students to receive individualized instruction. Every student has different needs and no two pupils have the same learning style, but a large classroom setting can't always accommodate the individual student. Some otherwise strong students may need a tutor to get them over a difficult hump or to help them with a specific area, whereas other students can require on-going assistance with their math studies.

It is important to choose the right math tutors. Like a personal trainer, the tutor needs to be matched to the individual. The idea is to increase the student's confidence, reduce math anxiety and shore up skills. It is important to find a supportive tutor who can adjust his or her teaching style to the student.

Math tutors can be located by asking for personal recommendations from other families that have utilized tutors. The student's school may also have a list of tutors that they recommend. Local colleges often have job boards and lists of available tutors. Often, a graduate student or college math major may be the perfect choice for a high school age student. Retired teachers or teachers working part time while raising children may offer tutoring. There are also local and national tutoring firms that will match your student with a staff tutor.

It is important that the math tutor has professional training and expertise in the specific subject matter and grade level that the student needs to master. The math tutor's job is to teach key concepts and problem solving strategies. For young children simply helping with homework may be adequate, but in most cases you are looking for a tutor that can help the student approach problems in a new way so that they can master concepts they have been struggling with in the classroom. The tutor needs to construct a learning plan and adjust it as needed until the student can demonstrate mastery.

Math tutors need to help students with test taking, study skills and self-confidence. The tutor will provide a structure so the student gets the practice that math requires and develops a productive work routine. The tutor needs to bring math alive and make the experience as much fun as possible. Tutoring time should be viewed as positive and supportive. The tutor needs to be a good communicator that makes sure the student feels comfortable asking questions. The tutor needs to provide a balance between offering achievable goals that build confidence and challenging the student to take on increasing difficult material.

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Kerri Stalton is a featured writer for Mathians.com. To learn more about learning math and for calculus help, visit us.