Maths - Don't Panic!

"Maths - Don't Panic!" is a course I wrote in 1999 to help students develop their confidence and skills in mathematics; I have taught it in various contexts since. Most recently I used it with a group of mature students beginning an Access to Higher Education course who wanted a gentle introduction to GCSE-equivalent maths. (The aims and objectives below are adapted from this situation.)

You can take the "Maths - Don't Panic!" course as an individual or in a small group (if there are a few of you wanting to do it). Either way, the course would be adapted to your requirements and the exact course content agreed in consultation with you.

If you think a "Maths - Don't Panic!" course may be useful to you but you would want to work on different aspects of maths, please contact me to discuss the details.

As always, Maths Don't Panic tuition is tailored to the work you need and the way you learn best.

Aims:

To develop students' confidence and skills in mathematics.
To facilitate students' independence in maths learning in future situations (if required).

Objectives:

To increase students' confidence:

in own maths ability
in maths learning situations

To increase understanding of students' own preferred learning styles, in particular in relation to maths.

To develop / consolidate understanding of place value system.

To develop / consolidate methods for the four rules of number:

Ensure each student has methods for + - × ÷ that they are confident with.

To develop skills and confidence with the use of calculators:

Ensure each student can use basic (and progressively more advanced) functions on their own calculator.

To develop strategies for interpreting and solving maths problems given in words.

To develop / consolidate a basic understanding of fractions.

To develop / consolidate a basic understanding of negative numbers.

To introduce the metric system of measurement.

To introduce algebra via real life situations, developing an understanding of basic algebraic concepts.

Where relevant, to identify ongoing issues affecting maths learning and to suggest ways of addressing them.

Location

I am based in Quarry Bank in the West Midlands (near Merry Hill shopping centre) and am happy to travel up to about ten miles depending on the time required. On Sundays I am often available to tutor in Worcester. (Locations further than ten miles may be possible, with travel costs charged as extra.)

Please contact me to discuss your needs.

Testimonials

Because Rachel never doubted my ability to pass, I passed the test first time.

Megan, QTS Numeracy student (Professional Skills Test).