Certified Tutors From Kent State University at Trumbull

The student already had her homework done when we started our tutoring session, so she had me check her homework, and she had done all of them right. She had a test on volume the next day, so we worked on the practice problems in the back of her textbook and made sure she knew how to find the volume for cones, cylinders, rectangular prisms, triangular prisms, and spheres.

The student was preparing for a math test the following day. We worked on basic algebra equations, especially writing linear equations from tables and graphs and solving linear equations with given variables (e.g. solve for x when given a y-value, etc.). The student has a good grasp of these concepts. She knows what to do when she approaches different types of problems/questions, and can follow an equation through from start to finish. It's sometimes hard to figure out the best way to begin a problem, and I worked with the student to find the simplest method (which will lead to the fewest mistakes), especially trying to keep the variables positive (because it's easier to make arithmetic errors when dealing with negative numbers).

We went over a practice exam, discussed the difference between making assumptions and making jumps between different material that they give you. We practiced this skill with science sections.

I worked with the student on using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division properties of equalities to solve equations. By now, he can complete these well, so I challenged him by giving him problems that involve fractions and absolute values. He needs more practice with the fractions, and we will continue to do so next week.

The student had a test that he needed help preparing for in Algebra. He had a study guide that we worked through together and I provided extra practice problems at the session. The three concepts we covered were solving algebraic expressions through distribution, square rooting, and using the quadratic formula. He is not comfortable with a calculator when solving algebraic expressions using the quadratic formula, so I showed him how to manually solve for the problems. Next session, we need to review all three concepts to reinforce his practice.

I continued working with the student on phonemic awareness and naming numerals. She seems to know her numbers but says she can't write many of them. Her letter recognition seemed better. This week I am going to try some sensory activities.