Let's get these rusty gears turning again...

[jedimaster91]

A good friend of mine needs a math tutor. So I volunteered after she sent me a couple sample problems. Fark, I haven't had to do basic algebra in years. I just hope I can find a way to explain it that she understands come test time.


Just curious everyone's opinion, though: she's willing to pay up to $X/hr, which is kind of her and the extra money sure wouldn't hurt. However, I'd tutor her for free (well, for cookies anyway ;) ) because we're good friends and helping each other is what friends do. Should I take her up on her offer of payment, ask for a couple bucks lower, or insist on my cookies?

[Evil Queen]

Um, if you're not sure about your algebra abilities, I would strongly suggest you tell her to look for help with a fellow student. Put a flyer up, that sort of thing.

My math skills are terrible and I would hate to do a lot of studying just to find out I'm severely mistaken.

[trailerparkmedic]

I'd tell her what you told us--you're not unhappy about extra money, but you're more than willing to help her for cookies because she's a friend. She may want to pay you--I've paid friends to housesit, or mow my lawn, even when they were willing to do it for free.

[jedimaster91]

Um, if you're not sure about your algebra abilities, I would strongly suggest you tell her to look for help with a fellow student. Put a flyer up, that sort of thing.

My math skills are terrible and I would hate to do a lot of studying just to find out I'm severely mistaken.

I wouldn't do that to her. If I get in there and find I can't do it, I'm going to be completely honest about it. However, she did send me some sample problems and I didn't have any issues with them once my rusty ol' brain kicked into Algebra Gear. It has been awhile since I've had to do it. My last algebra class was fall 2005 and then it was mostly physics after that for my degree. So I'm really not anticipating having trouble with the math itself. But just because my brain understands it doesn't necessarily mean I can articulate it well enough for someone else to understand. That's what I'm worried about. But we'll see how it goes.

[Kheldarson]

As somebody who worked as a tutor, I'll say math is one of those subjects that can be tricky to help with for the reason you said. I'm good at math, but I didn't become a math teacher because the logic is inherent for me. So be prepared to do a lot of backtracking to explain how you got an answer. Listing out steps is great. And I hope you're both good at word problems.

Also, the phrase "Just memorize this formula" is your friend. Don't explain the formula, that just confuses most of the time.