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Online math learning has become increasingly popular among students as it aims at improving on their classwork performance. Online learning offers students a personalized approach to learning based on their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and needs. Various tech tools assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses, which helps develop a customized approach to provide feedback in the learning process. Thus, with the help of an experienced and qualified tutor, learners can significantly improve their academic performance.

Online tutoring happens in a virtual environment with the help of technology, which makes learning efficient. Online learning also helps students become tech-savvy, a basic requirement in the job market, as well as improve their grades. The classes are held virtually, so students need basic technical skills to navigate the devices. Below are some ways how online math tutors tailor instruction in elementary math learning process:

1. Individualized instruction

Individualized method of instruction involves one-to-one and self-paced learning based on the outline of the course objective. The approach aims at allowing a student to progress in learning at their own pace while keeping the academic goal the same for the group of learners. Usually, an online maths tutor only takes up to five students for a course, which makes it easy to teach each student individually, unlike in a typical classroom with group learning. Individualized instruction also allows tutors to give their students learning materials with the best content in a way any learner can easily understand. Individualized instruction is flexible since learners struggling with a previous concept can go back to review it individually, while those who have already mastered it can move on to the next concepts.

1. Adaptive learning

Adaptive learning is a method that aims at giving learners customized learning resources and activities to address their learning needs. Take a situation where you are struggling with a certain problem and need assistance. Getting attention from the teacher in a class of more than 20 students can be difficult, which is frustrating and burns out your confidence. With adaptive learning, an online tutor refers you immediately to an instructional video or a book to guide you through the problem or gives you a hint on the question. A tutor adapts to a student’s needs and guides them to solve concepts they are struggling with. This method is more engaging and personalized, unlike the one-fits-all learning experience that does not consider each learner’s needs. Adaptive learning ensures that slow-paced students do not have to feel pressured about keeping up with the fast-paced students.

1. Student-centered learning

Student-centered learning is a teaching method that is majorly based on each learner’s interests. Students are the decision-makers in their learning process. They decide which materials or concepts they want to learn and how they learn them. It is the complete opposite of teacher-centered learning where the teacher makes all the decisions. This learning method is beneficial as it enhances the development of creative and independent skills of learners. Rather than following a set curriculum, a teacher follows learners’ interests in what they want to learn and believes in a student’s capacity to lead. Giving students a say in what they want to learn will keep them excited and motivated as they learn something they are interested in.

1. Differentiated math instructions

Differentiated instruction is a collection of different math techniques, strategies, and adaptations to teach math and reach every student in a diverse group of learners. This method involves incorporating education apps as tech tools and assigning hands-on projects. Differentiation in math can be done through content, process, products, and environments. Learners can work in pairs in breakout rooms or individually while standing or sitting and using a worksheet. All these learning styles keep students engaged in learning and break the monotony of having only a teacher dictate to the class. Educators should utilize modern technology and manipulatives to offer personalized learning.

1. Personalized learning

Personalized learning is similar to individualized learning, but one student’s academic goal can vary from another’s. Personalized learning or tailored instruction is based on each learner’s strengths, weaknesses, needs, interests, and abilities. A tutor assesses all these factors to create a learning schedule that best fits a learner. The schedule allocates more time to areas a learner is struggling with to ensure they have a deeper understanding and high knowledge retention of the concept. This approach ensures that each student learns at a comfortable pace using learning styles they can understand easily without feeling pressured to keep up with the rest of the members or teachers. Personalized learning creates a positive learning environment that helps students enjoy learning and keeps them engaged.

1. Unlimited support

For most tutors, the essence of having an online tutor is to supplement their classwork since instructors can offer unlimited support. An online tutor only focuses on a few students, so they can give attention to every student. Whenever students need help, they can contact their tutors regardless of the time or day. Compared to online tutoring, in a typical classroom, it is difficult for learners to receive unlimited support since a teacher follows a set schedule and curriculum and, at the same time, caters to a large group of students. A student does not have to worry about not having enough practice time and continuously improve on their skills and knowledge. Learners can also receive immediate feedback and assistance as they encounter complex concepts.

Conclusion

Learning math can be difficult for some students, especially for slow-paced learners who require extra help from online tutors. It can be rather difficult to distinguish between an authentic and an unqualified tutor, but once you find a good one, you are assured of significant improvement in your math performance. You can find a good tutor by considering their experience, availability, cost and evaluating their communication skills. Through online learning, a tutor can offer real-time videos, audios, written communication, and give immediate feedback on questions asked.