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As a teacher of Mathematics and, later in my career, as a head of Mathematics department, I was often asked to recommend a tutor by parents or their students.
This often occurred after a student had been absent for some time from class or when a student needed a pass in Mathematics to matriculate into a particular course at university.
These are the points I made to students:
• Maths tutors can’t do the Maths for you, especially homework and assignments. The tutor is there to guide you to build your understanding of Mathematics*.
• They can help improve your confidence; explain areas that you find difficult but they can’t guarantee success. You have to do the work if you are to improve and succeed.
• They may also be able to discover where you began to have problems and work to fix that. Your parents must make that a priority for the tutor.
• You must note down areas in class where you are failing to understand the concept and ask the tutor to go over those areas. The tutor’s explanation will often provide a different approach to the teacher’s approach to the topic that will help you understand the concept/procedure.
• However, success only comes when you work hard in class and works hard with your maths tutor. One doesn’t replace the other.
• You must continue to engage with your teacher, asking questions and seeking advice when it is needed.
• You must continue to work on set homework diligently and do any work set by the tutor.
• It is also important that you accept the idea of tuition and like or respect your tutor. If you don’t like the tutor or can’t follow his/her explanations, tell your parents and seek a replacement.
• Your parents should seek a report from the tutor on progress made and on the efforts of their student, regularly.
Above all, you must be proactive in seeking to improve your understanding of the subject.
*Mathematics here can be replaced by any subject that requires improvement.
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Source by Richard D Boyce
