Algebra is one of those subjects that can make anyone feel like there’s something wrong with them. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of trying to work through an example and having absolutely no idea how they went from step three to step four. Textbooks can’t really go more in-depth when you don’t understand what goes between the steps, but an algebra tutor can. If you are interested in a tutor for algebra, then you’ve got to think about what will make the best tutor for you personally.
What all do you want in an algebra tutor? For most people, a tutor for algebra will need to have sufficient knowledge of the material to be able to teach it to you, but knowledge by itself is not enough. Instead, a math tutor has to be able to connect with you on a close, personal level so that they can see when you understand something and when you don’t. If your algebra tutor can’t do that, then they aren’t going to be able to help you nearly as much.
Something else that you probably can’t stand in a tutor for algebra is someone who acts like they’re better than you because they understand a little more math than you do. Pretentious people are not good algebra tutors, and they can hurt a lot more than they help. A good algebra tutor will actually care about you and want you to succeed. They will also be able to work with you on algebra without making you feel like you’re stupid. The best tutors will also be able to show you how to handle any anxiety or mental roadblocks that are keeping you from doing your best with your algebra work.
Aside from these things, you’ll also need to think about any smaller details that you would prefer in an algebra tutor. For example, non-traditional students who are older might not like being taught algebra by someone half of their age. This is normal, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Along similar lines, some people may prefer a tutor of the same gender. Whatever your preferences are in algebra tutors, it’s critical that you figure out your criteria ahead of time so that you can be very clear about what you want when you are deciding on a tutor.