When I was an undergraduate in college, my job on campus was tutoring other undergraduate students in math. Later when I had my son, I decided that a strong foundation was critical for his academic future, so I decided to home-school him. My son is mathematically gifted, and it quickly became a challenge for me to keep up with him. He eventually entered an elementary school, with a program for gifted children, in Maryland’s prestigious Montgomery County Public School System. In most recent years, I have tutored students privately in their homes. Of course, my family and friends have utilized my talent to assist their children.
Last year, while tutoring students, I became frustrated because I was unable to help more people. One of the issues was time limitations. I generally tutor students two or three times per week, from 1 hour to 1.5 hours. Tutoring must be done between 2:30 p.m. (after school) and 8:00 p.m. (before bedtime). Transportation between clients was also consuming time.
Another issue was my desire to help students from less affluent households and those students struggling to get an education in inner-city public schools. Private tutoring at $30-$50 per hour, and tutoring at privately owned tutorial centers at $50 or more per hour, is cost prohibitive, as well as time prohibitive, for many families.
For years, I have wanted to create an online tutorial service. The reason for my hesitation was the issue of how to do it in a way that reflected my teaching style. Typing every word I would say, would be tedious for students to read. They would be put to sleep! You must keep the brain alert when consuming math concepts. I decided that audio, included with written instructions, would be the closest to me privately tutoring each student. I have created this website to operate in that manner.
I am initially posting lessons for the students I am currently tutoring, and will expand to other topics. This website is under construction because writing equations on the computer is extremely time consuming, and I must also record audio to go with each lesson. I will begin uploading lessons, Monday, October 13, 2008. This website will be growing continuously. In January 2009, if the need is there, SAT math prep sections will be added.
This website is not intended to replace class time or your text book. Here I will show you the easiest ways to quickly solve problems! I am trying to talk in “plain English” avoiding as much mathematical technical jargon as possible. However, some terms must be defined.
Click on the Lessons link above where you will be directed to a sign-in form requiring you name and e-mail address. Your information will not be shared with anyone or any data gathering source. The purpose of signing into this site is so that I know who is accessing my files, and to keep this website safe. Parents should sign-in for children under 15, but it is not required.
After signing into this site, you will be redirected to the list of lessons. Lessons generally range from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Simply click on the title of the lesson you wish to instantaneously download. You will then be directed to the PayPal website where you will pay for the lesson. Prices range from $10 to $50. Immediately after payment, you will be redirected from PayPal to the lesson. All lessons are webpage documents with audio attached. Click on the audio link for the sections you would like to hear me discuss, or simply read the lesson. The lesson on "Rounding Numbers" is free so that you can see how the file and audio work, and how I tutor!
At the top of this page, on the left, is the link to this website’s blog. The blog has been setup so that students can give feedback on the quality of these lessons. This will help me improve the delivery of the lessons, correct any errors, and give other students interested in downloading lessons information on the quality.
After completing your lessons, please return to this website and access the blog to leave comments!
In-home private tutorial sessions are $50 for 1.0 hour and $65 for 1.5 hours. Contact me via e-mail if you would like to discuss this option.
COMMENTS FROM FORMER CLIENTS
Monica is definitely the Math Beast! 2007 she tutored my daughter in preparation for admission exams for private school. My daughter is a good student but has anxiety when testing. Monica's unique ability to not only show how to solve equations but to show why you are doing certain things allowed my daughter to understand and learn, as opposed to memorize! My daughter's self-confidence skyrocketed and she was accepted into a prominent private school. Lynda P.
I guess you did need to set-up an online tutorial service! You can’t keep clients! You told us not to concern ourselves with our son’s study of math and that “you’ve got it.” Yeah, you had our back! Our son quickly went from average grades to the top of the class. The foundation you gave him has allowed him to flourish on his own. You’ve got to get new clients each school year, because you tutor yourself right out of a job! Congratulations on the site! We will use it on the rare occasion that we might need help! Thanks for all of your help! XOXOXO Carol, Jim and Michael
