At Mathnasium of Tallahassee, our trained math educators often hear from families that their child can do their math at home but struggles in the classroom on quizzes or tests.
Whether you work with your child, or they work with an older sibling or even a private tutor, they may be developing “learned dependence,” also known as “learned helplessness.” Our trained math instructors identify this in many of the students we see during their initial assessment process. It can impact advanced and struggling students alike.
Learned dependence or learned helplessness, is a side effect of well meaning “tutoring.” Unfortunately, we have seen first-hand when students work with their parents, siblings or untrained private tutors that instruction isn’t really instruction. It’s more like guiding.
The student is not really learning, but instead they are being guided toward the correct answer. The net result is the assignment may be completed, but actual learning and understanding does not take place.
When students come to Mathnasium of Tallahassee for a free assessment, their learned dependence can be quickly identified. Often, as they are writing on the paper, they never actually look at the paper or their writing, but they continue to look at the instructor sitting across from them. The student is waiting for a reaction from us. Instead of knowing they are on the right path, they are seeking a physical or verbal indication from the Mathnasium of Tallahassee math education professional to confirm it.
So, how does the Mathnasium of Tallahassee team of expert instructors help break the cycle of learned helplessness, or avoid it in the first place?
After our proprietary assessment process, we create an unique learning plan for each student. Afterall, each student is unique, with an individual learning style. Our instructors are teaching each student individually.
During your child’s one on one math tutoring at Mathnasium of Tallahassee, the instructor is going to actively teach the math and review the material with the student. Then, as the student starts to show an understanding, the Mathnasium instructor will ask the child to work independently. This gives our Mathletes the time to process this new math information without the pressure and stress of being watched. It also prevents learned dependence, or learned helplessness, where the student feels that they need someone sitting in front of them all the time in order to be successful.
Afterall, we can't be there for their math tests!
The Mathnasium of Tallahassee instructor will return to the student after a few moments to ensure they are doing the problems correctly. If we find they are making an error, we are able to step in before it becomes a habit and reteach the concept using a different method until the student truly shows an understanding of it. This helps your child to become a confident, independent learner.
If students are simply trying to “get the answer,” it may help them get through the math homework assignment. Families may want to be engaged in their child’s academics, but if they are not truly learning then they are not making progress.
If a student doesn’t understand something, instead of simply getting through that night’s assignment, it’s beneficial to ask questions. Students who may be embarrassed about asking questions in class, can rest assured that asking questions during their math tutoring at Mathnasium of Tallahassee is easy.
More About Mathnasium of Tallahassee
Mathnasium of Tallahassee's team of trained math instructors is the solution for advanced math enrichment, math tutoring, and math homework help for elementary, middle school, high school (including SAT and ACT test prep), virtual and home school students.
Mathnasium of Tallahassee creates customized math learning plans for each student leading to a deeper understanding of math concepts, improved academic performance and greater self-confidence in math skills.
When you go searching for a "math tutor near me" it's important to know, at Mathnasium of Tallahassee, we create an experience … an opportunity … for students to “get it!” It’s just a matter of teaching math in a way that makes sense to them. That's what we do!
Fill out the form above or call us to learn more about our free assessment process and how we are Making Math Make Sense everyday for Mathletes at all skill levels and abilities.
Learn more about our math tutoring for each level:
Gifted and Advanced Math Enrichment Programs
Math Tutoring and Homework Help
Elementary School Math Instruction
Middle School Math Instruction
High School Math Instruction (up to pre-calculus)
Algebra Tutor and Homework Help
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