Joe’s Jotter: Having a Tutor for Extra Support in Maths
 

As a Maths teacher of the last 20 years, I understand the struggles students have with Maths on a day to day basis.  They are frustrated with not being able to understand methods in class, their friends progressing quicker than them, not being able to get maths questions started and either spending too much time or not being able to attempt homework at all.

The key to having more success in Maths is being open to new methods and using each night to practice questions that the teacher has shown that day. Maths requires a higher level of dedication and persistence than most other subjects. When I was in school in the 1990’s, only those with a strong aptitude for the subject were successful in it. I feel that today it is more important to stick the course, ride out the storms, work hard and not give up, as opposed to being a natural Maths talent.

The reality is that many students will need extra support outside the mainstream classroom, and it is important to find a teacher or tutor they can relate to and has the ability to explain concepts in simple terms. Looking for extra support in Maths is not a sign of weakness, the opposite in fact. It is often no fault of the student when they seek this extra help to try, and both boost their confidence and grades in the subject.

How an External Maths Tutor Could Benefit Your Child.

That extra bit of support in Maths can make all the difference.  From a short term point of view, students need someone who can be there for them should they get stuck a question. They also need someone who can see the bigger picture, allowing them to work towards their longer term goal. Here are some of the benefits and subtle advantages of having a tutor in Maths:

1. Parents can contact your tutor directly and keep up to date with specific progress.
2. It is a more relaxed atmosphere where your child is more likely to ask questions.
3. Tutors tend to focus on helping your child be an expert on ‘tackling’ exam paper questions.
4. The tutor will hopefully give your child a more positive outlook towards the subject.
5. The tutor will give your child insights on how to revise Maths (compared to other subjects).
6. Most tutors will set the foundations with core work in Algebra, Functions and Equations.
7. Your child’s confidence will grow as they rebuild core aspects of Maths they missed out on.
8. Your child will be less anxious about keeping up in class and with their friends.
9. It will give your child the organisational skills to plan for upcoming exams.
10. Your child’s weaknesses in Maths will be identified and fixed quicker.
11. Those who struggle in school usually try to hide in Maths. Tutors can tease this out.
12. Most tutors will be contactable when students run into ‘Maths trouble’ at home.
13. The advent of Online Maths tuition saves wasted time in the car each week.
14. Maths tuition often shows a student’s real ability, which may not be apparent in school.
15. Better engagement with the subject gives students that ‘can do’ attitude to work alone.
16. Tutors can focus more on revision of key topics and ensuring core skills are enhanced.
17. Increased help in Maths allows students to relax more and focus on other subjects.
18. Students often move up two or three grades with that extra bit of reassurance & guidance.
19. Students can request extra notes for topics they may be finding difficult in school.
20. With many 3^rd level courses having a Maths module, this support ‘invests in their future’.

“It is never too late to step into your own greatness.”

 
More details about Joe’s Maths Tuition Classes for 3rd, 5^th & 6^th Year (Leaving Certificate Students 2025) and his Award Winning ACE Maths Solution Books can be found via the below links:

ACE Maths Classes: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-maths-tuition
ACE Maths Solution Books: acesolutionbooks.com/ace-solution-books-package/
 

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