Susie Math Tutor

02/18/2025

Organization...Thrive or Dive?


I would define math skill is the ability to manage information and access it when needed. There is a finite number of facts that can swim around in our heads before we lose the ability to process them. That number varies by individual, but ALL of us have our limits. Organization is the great leveler that either helps someone that struggles, or holds back some extremely gifted.



If you struggle with math, step one is to go on a “notebook tour”. You should be able to find a Concept, Example, Practice, Review and Summary for each topic you have covered in class. If you don’t have have it,or can’t find it, your problem is most likely ORGANIZATION, instead of ACADEMICS.



Organization doesn’t always occur naturally, but the good news is that it can be learned. The extra good news is that it is a skill that will improve the success in multiple areas of your life.



Organization isn’t one size fits all. You have to find what works for you, and you have to work at it. The key is to start somewhere, keep working at it, and don’t give up. Learn to “be kind to your future self”!

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11/10/2023

The Lost Art of Taking Notes
Learning to take notes is hard. I remember missing the 2nd half of what the teacher was saying because I was intent on writing down the first half. Maybe that is why I liked math so much, because I could write down the steps of the problem and make a quick reminder on the side about the why/how of each step.

Teaching how to take notes is even more difficult. There are so many methods, and none of them are one size fits all. But today's encouragement is to find a method (or combination of methods) that works for you.

Regardless of HOW you choose to take notes, spend a few minutes each day to summarize your notes. (think post-it note, an index card or anything that keeps your summary concise). You will be amazed at how much this helps cement the info you just learned and how much easier studying for a test will be.
I like to call this daily summary "being kind to your future self".

Check out this article to look at some note taking strategies that just might be your cup of tea.

And along the way, remember my fondness for erasable pens (like Frixon), sticky notes and colored index cards!

Note-taking can help in class or a meeting—and if you do them right, they'll help you afterward as well.

09/30/2023

I am huge fan of study groups.

Back in the day, I survived my toughest Electrical Engineering classes by working with a study group. (I'm looking at you Ron Smidt and Les Bailey!!) We commandeered an empty classroom and spent many a late night (and lots of caffeine) to pass those exams! But for a group setting to work, you need to find the right people and use the right methods.

The 3 main types of Group Study methods are:
1) "Think/Pair/Share" where everyone studies alone, then comes together to share what they understand and what they don't understand. https://lifehacker.com/use-think-pair-share-for-effective-group-studying-1850885376

2)"Useful Idiot" where you take turns explaining the concept as though those listening have no experience with the topic. This is also known as the Feynman Method ( https://lifehacker.com/use-the-feynman-method-to-study-1850809398 ) In a good group this will generate good discussion and often much laughter. One advantage to this method is that you can always practice on a friend, family member or even your pet if you don't have access to a group. https://lifehacker.com/get-thyself-a-useful-idiot-and-why-you-should-be-one-f-1847328738

3) "Jigsaw" were each member of the group assumes responsibility for learning a portion of the material and then teaches their topic to the group. https://lifehacker.com/use-the-jigsaw-method-to-study-complex-topics-1850849174

I recommend a space where your group members can take turns working problems on a chalkboard or whiteboard. There is something about the physical act of writing it out in front of others that really helps your memory recall.

This teacher-approved method will help you grasp your material.

08/12/2023

How do we set up a session?
We can meet in person in my studio, or via Zoom using multiple cameras and screen sharing. And even though inflation may be hitting up your pocketbook everywhere else, my rates are still the same. I charge $40 per hour for a single student, or $50 per hour for two students sharing a hour ($25 each). Please note this rate is by time, not single session. If you want to continue past your original hour, I round down to quarter hour increments.

08/12/2023

Set yourself up for math success in 2023
Due to family commitments, I won't be available for tutoring until 10/1/2023. In the meantime, use these 3 tips to hone your skills:
1. Use Post-it notes to summarize the important concepts. Move them around in your notes as needed.
2.Learn how to make the most of your calculator. For example, do you know how to use NUM-SOLV to check your answer?
3.Find a someone you can "teach" important concepts to (even the cat or dog will do). You will be amazed how explaining a problem to someone else will cement it in your own brain. https://lifehacker.com/get-thyself-a-useful-idiot-and-why-you-should-be-one-f-1847328738
4. Hone those factoring skills! From Algebra 1 through Calculus, being a beast at factoring will serve your well.

07/23/2022

Is there a grahping calculator in your middle school or high school student's future? If so, Target has the calculator I recommend on sale for $99 (regularl1y $149): https://www.target.com/p/texas-instruments-84-plus-ce-graphing-calculator-black/-/A-82545755 =sametab Remember the older versions of this graphing calculator are like buying a flip phone, not a good deal no matter how cheap you find them!

Read reviews and buy Texas Instruments 84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator - Black at Target. Choose from contactless Same Day Delivery, Drive Up and more.

07/20/2021

I always encourage my students to teach someone what they learned during our tutoring sessions. I (halfway) joke and tell them to explain it to the cat or dog if they can't find a study buddy. I really like this article about supporting each other by being a "Useful Idiot". Maybe parents don't need to have the answers, but can be even more effective by just asking questions.

The act of explaining a complicated subject to someone else is actually a great way to learn.

09/07/2020

Here I go again, touting the virtues of Khan Academy! Sal Khan recently announced that their free tutoring website has more tutors than students, so if you or your child is struggling with math, this may be a resource you want to try: https://coda.io//welcome
Even though I tutor math for a living, at the end of the day the important thing is building math successes, not a business. Let's conquer those math skills!

07/16/2020

It is official, at least for Cobb County Schools, fall semester will be 100% virtual. But maybe instead of panic, we should rejoice. Watch this video about math mastery and reset your attitudes about math. Now is the time, and and the free resources at Kahn Academy are the answer. Let the adaptive tools on this website help you (or your child) identify the shortcomings and maximize your strengths. Be stronger, and better prepared than you ever thought possible! (and don't worry, you don't have to be a great teacher or mathematician to get started)

Would you choose to build a house on top of an unfinished foundation? Of course not. Why, then, do we rush students through education when they haven't alway...