Varsity Tutors can help you take your student's coursework or test prep efforts to a new level by connecting you with a professional prealgebra tutor. Personalized pre-algebra tutoring can allow your student to work towards academic progress in a one-on-one environment designed to help them get the most out of working with pre-algebra tutors. If you've searched the web for "pre-algebra tutors near me," you may have an idea of what a prealgebra tutor can offer to your student. Don't keep looking up "prealgebra tutoring near me" when you can get started by contacting us today! Read on to learn more about how a prealgebra tutor can support your student's learning plan.
What is Prealgebra?
Often offered to middle school students in the 8th grade, Prealgebra is a math course that covers a broad range of topics and concepts. The information your student learns in this course serves as the building blocks of future math courses, and in particular, Algebra I. Prealgebra can focus on more specific fields of mathematics such as geometry, though this can vary from school to school depending on their curriculum. The course expects students to build their knowledge of basic algebra topics and learn to apply them to different types of problems.
Your student can work with a prealgebra tutor to build their understanding of topics like:
Pre-Algebra Topics (non-comprehensive)
- Two Dimensional Geometry
- Integers
- Ratio, Proportion, and Percent
- Functions
- Rational Numbers
- Equalities
- Inequalities
- Word Problems
- Square Roots and Irrational Numbers
- Order of Operations
- Natural Number Arithmetic
- Pythagorean Theorem
- Cartesian Coordinates
What Can a Pre-Algebra Tutor Near Me Offer My Student to Enhance Their Knowledge?
A private pre-algebra tutor can provide a unique learning experience set in a one-on-one environment, which can allow students to feel comfortable enough to ask questions they may be too nervous or shy to bring up in class. Freely asking questions can cut down on misunderstandings, as well as allow prealgebra tutors to identify areas in which your student could use the additional time to build their skills. Your student can work with their instructor to create a customized prealgebra tutoring plan based on their skills, curriculum, testing schedule, learning personality, and other factors that can play a role in their educational progress.
A personalized learning plan can serve as a valuable supplement to your student's coursework. A pre-algebra tutor can focus on the areas in which your student has the most room for improvement, which can allow them to remain engaged in sessions instead of trudging through concepts they already know. Unlike a traditional learning environment, your student can decide how quickly or slowly prealgebra tutoring goes. A tutor can readily adjust their pacing to allow your student ample time to build their confidence in each topic. In addition, your student's instructor can regularly assess their progress to ensure that they are on track for their academic goals.
Learning Prealgebra
Prealgebra tutoring can support students of any age and grade level, whether they are enrolled in their course or simply seeking guidance as they refresh their memory for a more advanced mathematics class. Your student's understanding of pre-algebra topics can impact their academic future in a variety of ways. As your student progresses through their academic career, their math classes will build upon the knowledge and skills they should gain during their Pre-Algebra class. For example, here are the abilities your student should develop in their 8th-grade math course according to Common Core Standards:
Common Core Grade 8 Math Practices
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
- Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
- Model with mathematics.
- Use appropriate tools strategically.
- Attend to precision.
- Look for and make use of structure.
- Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
How Can Prealgebra Tutors Near Me Support My Student in their Coursework?
Your student can work with a private pre-algebra tutor to review material they were introduced to in class that they may have found challenging. It is common for students to lag behind their classmates or feel disinterested in a traditional learning environment. Some students need more time to master different concepts than others, which can lead to feelings of resentment toward the subject. Prealgebra tutoring can allow your student to spend additional time going over those skills and concepts. For example, perhaps your student has trouble using models to express a set of data. Their instructor can offer modeling activities and problems that appeal to their learning preferences to allow them a chance to further practice their skills.
In addition to reviewing content from your student's classes, a pre-algebra tutor can provide support in a variety of ways. If your student has a question about their class homework or a project, their instructor can find the ideal way to explain it to them. Prealgebra tutors can explain the content to your student in as many ways as they need to until your student feels confident about their understanding of the material.
Can a Pre-Algebra Tutor Near Me Help My Student Prepare for Tests?
Throughout their educational career, your student will face a variety of different exams that include a math-focused section. Since any math course that follows Pre-algebra can build upon the content covered in that class, your student will need to have a solid understanding of pre-algebra concepts and how to apply them to different problems. A prealgebra tutor can work with your student to help them prepare for standardized tests, final exams, and other assessment tests that they may need to take during their class. Their instructor can adjust your student's learning plan to focus on the exam that they need to prepare for.
Private tutoring can allow your student the time to become more familiar with an exam format in terms of pacing, expectations, problem types, and content. Your student's instructor can assess their readiness for the exam through timed practice tests, which can help identify the content areas in which your student has the most room to grow. A tutor can even provide sample problems to help students feel more comfortable with the types of questions they can expect to see.
Prealgebra Tutor Can Help Students Prepare For:
- Unit Tests - A tutor can review the test's primer or syllabus to know what to help the student focus on.
- Midterms/Finals - A prealgebra mentor can offer comprehensive review and practice for a cumulative exam.
- Standardized Tests - A private instructor can help students drill on the math they will see on the test and provide resources for extra practice.
What Kind of Impact Can Prealgebra Tutoring Near Me Have on My Student's Academic Future?
A private tutor can provide a unique insight into your student's educational needs. Armed with their customized learning plan, your student can learn a great deal about themselves while working with a personal instructor. For instance, as they review for tests, your student can learn different ways to approach test prep that works best for their learning preferences. Your student can apply these study techniques and strategies for future test prep, such as college assessment tests or entrance exams for specific programs. Perhaps your student has trouble managing their time. Their tutor can introduce them to tricks that can help them cut down on wasted time without leading to sloppy work. In addition, your student can learn strategies that can help them manage test-related anxiety, quickly recall information, and otherwise bolster their confidence prior to the exam.
In addition to life-long test-taking skills, your student can learn about the ideal ways they can study at home. Perhaps your student has trouble staying focused while studying. They can use the materials and activities their instructor introduces them to enhance their independent study sessions. Your student can learn a variety of study strategies that can help their solo efforts become more effective and efficient.
Why Should I Consider a Private Tutor for My Student?
Prealgebra knowledge is critical to your student's academic and professional success. While they may not pursue a math-focused profession, pre-algebra provides the foundational knowledge your student needs for their future math courses. Many colleges require students to take college-level algebra. Without a firm understanding of the topics covered in Pre-Algebra, your student may find their math classes frustrating and feel less motivated to pursue their academic goals. A private tutor can help your student build their math skills in a way that can help them feel more confident in their skills which can help them feel comfortable enough to participate more in their classes.
As you can see below, students have progressively become more proficient in math than they used to be:
NAEP Grade 8 Math Proficiency
Year | Advanced | Proficient | Basic | Below Basic |
2003 | 5% | 23% | 39% | 32 |
2005 | 6% | 24% | 39% | 32 |
2007 | 7% | 25% | 39% | 29 |
2009 | 8% | 26% | 39% | 27 |
2011 | 8% | 26% | 39% | 27 |
2013 | 9% | 27% | 38% | 26 |
2015 | 8% | 25% | 38% | 29 |
Personalized prealgebra tutoring can support your student as they work to build their math proficiency. By allowing your student access to unique activities and customized materials, they can find new ways to connect to the information while spending time building their abilities in an engaging environment. Whether your student needs guidance in terms of test prep or general academic support to their educational path, a private tutor can help them remain motivated as they learn. Your student's tutor can even allow them to expand their knowledge of math to incorporate more advanced topics if they know the information and have trouble remaining interested in their current class.
Tutoring is a flexible and convenient option that can allow your student to build their skills without losing out on their social life. We aim to connect you with an instructor who can work with you and your student's schedule. Without scheduling conflicts, you can ensure that your student has access to the academic support they need as they pursue their educational goals.
Don't hesitate to reach out to Varsity Tutors to learn more about how you can get in touch with a top-notch pre-algebra tutor who can teach to your student's individual needs. Our Educational Directors can answer any questions you may have about what benefits your student can enjoy when working one-on-one with a skilled instructor. No matter what your student needs, we can help you find an instructor who can help them remain focused as they go after their academic goals.