If your child was good at maths in primary school but is struggling now in secondary school, it’s usually as a result of difficulties with algebra or word problems. I’m a professional maths tutor with experience helping Junior Cert students master algebra and develop confident strategies for project-maths-type word problems.
Here’s a recent algebra lesson — Junior Cert Maths Paper 1, algebraic long division — so you can get a feel for the calm, step-by-step approach.
Students need a firm grasp of pre-algebra skills before moving on. If we need to review the order of operations or how to deal with positive and negative numbers, we’ll get comfortable there first. Skipping this is like not knowing how to use the clutch and gears in a car — you shouldn’t really proceed without them. Once the basics are solid, core algebra becomes far easier and performance usually improves significantly.
My tutorials are designed to build confidence. We cover a wide range of exam questions and discuss techniques for the more challenging ones. I teach a step-by-step routine for breaking down complex word problems in a way that is predictable, logical and anxiety-reducing — so getting started stops feeling like a question of “ability”.
It’s important to me that parents get regular feedback on how their child is doing. Every few weeks I give parents an idea of what we’ve covered and the rate of progress, so you’re never in the dark. The whole approach is down to earth — built on active participation, discussion and positive affirmation.
“When my daughter first came to Paul, she was failing pass maths tests and had zero confidence in herself. After a few months she really turned it around, eventually getting a B in her summer test. The following year she got an A in the Junior Cert. Paul is a great maths tutor and has done wonders for my daughter’s confidence. I highly recommend him.”
— Joan O’D, parent
Call Paul on 085 1030198, or book a session and I’ll be in touch to discuss the details.
