Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathan Nichols.
Nathan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I worked in the public school system, teaching various levels of math for 18 years. With the implementation of Common Core, the freedom in mathematics I once had was eliminated and students became discouraged. I decided to switch to a private school and offer private tutoring, so I can share my love for mathematics and find new ways to engage students by bringing math to life.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The biggest challenge in tutoring is student engagement. Most students want the quick answer so they can move on to the next thing. They don’t want to develop the patient problem solving to become a great math student.
Please tell us about Mr. Nichols’ Private Math Tutoring.
Since I have been a teacher for so long, I have interacted with over 3,000 students, which has exposed me to many different learning styles and struggles with mathematics, so that I’m now able to quickly identify where the student is stuck and help them through that process.
Most tutors focus on quickly getting students through the assignment without identifying why the student continues to make the same mistake. I like to dialogue with my students about their thought process with the problem they’re working on, to help them see where their repeated error lies. Then I create my own set of problems to help the student gain mastery over the material.
When the student gains confidence over the material, that same confidence transfers to the test, so that it becomes possible for D and F students to start getting A’s on future tests.
I’m most proud of the activities/games I’ve created in order to help students learn and enjoy mathematics.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have been clearer with parents on what they were wanting from the tutoring experience. Some parents are not wanting to spend the money for their kids to actually learn the material; they are simply wanting them to pass the class. By clarifying the expectation ahead of time, I could have provided a better service for the parents and students.
Pricing:
- Weekly Group Tutoring ($50 month for 4 weeks)
- 4 Sessions of Individual Tutoring – $40 for 55-minute session (paid in full at the beginning of the month)
- As-needed Tutoring: $50 for one 55 minute session
Contact Info:
- Website: http://mrnicholsmathtutor.blogspot.com/
- Phone: 626.543.3253
- Email: [email protected]
Image Credit:
Taylor Bredberg
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