I’m not going to ramble on here about organization, studying, paying attention, etc… Rather, I will discuss what I believe to be the 2 most important factors that help students improve grades.

1) Know the Basic Skills

 The biggest problem students have with math, reading, and writing, is that students don’t have the basic skills that are needed.  Math and writing in particular, require the cumulative understanding of skills.

For example, in order for a student to understand how to multiply fractions in grade 5, he must have several skills under his belt.  He must first understand the concept of a fraction (this is usually covered in grade 3).  Also, he must know his multiplication and division tables.  If a student has these skills, multiplying fractions shouldn’t be to difficult.

Another example is writing.  In order for a student to write a narrative essay, for example, she must be able to write a proper paragraph.  In order for her to write a proper paragraph, she must be able to write a topic and supporting sentence.  In order for her to write a topic sentence, she must know how to properly write a sentence.

So, this is the first secret to improve math and writing skills.

2) Make Everything Relevant

This is especially true for boys.  It is common for students to reject learning when they realize that it has no practical application.  I’ve heard students say, and ask, “Why do I need this?”.  Okay, they may not need all of the lessons, but they do need most of them.  The key here is to show students how they can use that which they learn.  For example, in math, fractions and decimals can be applied to buying video games on sale.  Geometry can be applied to angles with regards to passing and shooting in hockey and soccer.  Number skills are used every day in the collection of sports statistics and standings.

Applying writing skills to real life is more obvious.  For example, business reports, letters of request, job applications, love letters, advertisements, etc…

I believe that these two factors are paramount with regards to improving math grades and writing skills.  Students can be organized, study, and try to pay attention, but, it’s not enough.

admin Education fractions, improve, Math, paragraph, sentences, Writing

Here’s a self-promotion article I wrote for ezinearticles.  I think it’s a good introduction to the online tutoring world.

Are you looking for an online tutor?

Online tutoring is newest form of education that is sweeping the internet. So how do you choose which online tutoring company to join?  What are the differences?

More importantly, what are your needs?

Certification:  First, let’s look at the credentials of the online tutoring website educators.  Make sure that the person teaching your child is a certified teacher.  This is extremely important because certified teachers have the training, experience, and teaching resources that your child needs in order to succeed.  Be careful, some online tutoring companies hire university students and teacher college candidates.  You want someone who is qualified and experienced.  Remember, you get what you pay for.

Medium:  No, I’m not referring to size here.  The medium refers to the way that the teacher delivers the lesson.  Many online tutoring companies have two-way white board communication whereby your child and the tutor communicate through text (i.e. they type to each other).  Other online tutoring websites answer your child’s questions via. E-mail.  Try to find an online tutoring website that has video lessons.  Video lessons are more effective because they allow your child to see the teacher actually teach the lesson.  Children (especially boys) are visual learners.  They thrive on ‘watching’ in order to learn.  Video lessons add the human element which children are used to.  It also enables the student to have a more simulated interaction with a teacher.

Convenience:  Can you access your online tutor at 9:00 pm or 8:00 in the morning?  Is the online tutoring company available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when you need them? 

Homework or Lessons?  What are your needs?  If your child only needs to study for an exam, then perhaps an online tutoring site with homework help might be the best choice.  Maybe your child is generally behind in a subject area, is busy, homeschooled, has ADD or a learning disability, or requires ongoing help. Then an online tutoring site with lessons would be your best bet because they contain the lessons that your child is not receiving nor absorbing in school.

Availability:  Some online tutoring companies charge by the minutes that you use.  Others charge by the number of questions you ask. In these cases you may have to monitor the time you have used and judge how much time you have left before paying again.  Or, you might have to keep track of the number of questions you have asked.  Perhaps an online tutoring company with unlimited access would be more convenient? 

Cost:  Perhaps the most important issue when considering an online tutoring company is the cost.  Most online companies charge from $30-$100 per hour.  There are other companies that charge around $100 per month.  Again, it depends on what you get for that $100 per month.  Do you get a specific amount of minutes or questions?  If it is an online video tutoring site, you may be paying for a specific amount of time as well.  What you should consider is ‘how much teaching do you get for your dollar?”. For example, how many lessons or homework help time your child receives for the money you have paid is a consideration.  Simply calculate the amount of teaching your child will receive for the amount of money you have paid.

Do your research and be a smart shopper.  Make sure you investigate the various forms of tutoring and see if the website has some sample lessons so that you can see their product before spending your money.

admin Education Homework, online tutoring