Ask Micki: Math tutee in over his head.

© lusi

Question: Hello, Micki. I need help in a big way.  I just started tutoring a guy in mathematics, he's taking Calculus I. 

He's friendly, pays attention while we're tutoring, and is always on time for sessions.

In other words, he is a great tutee.  Except that he is having a lot of trouble with the math.  I mean a lot of trouble, as in he cannot do it.  On his first test he received a 35%, and the homework hasn't been going as well as we'd both like either.  I think, honestly, he's just in over his head.

He also told me that his parents used to pay a tutor to do his math homework for him while he was in high school. 

Obviously, this got him decent (unearned) grades in high school math, but has done him no favors now that he is in college. 

He is really trying to put in the effort, and get past this learning block, but it just isn't happening, even after a month of tutoring (3 days a week).  Should I tell him to drop the class?

Thanks,
MathDude01

Answer: Hey, there, MathDude01. 
Great name, by the way - no question in my mind about what you tutor :o)

Sounds like a tough situation. On one hand, you want to be encouraging, and help your tutee achieve all of the success that he strives for during his academic career.  On the other hand, you want to keep him grounded in reality, too, so that he doesn't fail the course for the sake of "hanging in there."

If it has been a month, and you're seeing no improvement at all (consistently low test scores, inability to work problems even after you two have gone over them several times, having a hard time grasping the concepts, etc.) then, yes, I would advise him to drop this math class, and opt for a lower level math course.

If he can get into a lower level math course, that will give him the opportunity to brush up on his math, get familiar with the material, and undo some of the intellectual damage that his parents did by paying for his high school grades.  

A lower level math course will also help him bolster his confidence in math, and give him the opportunity to practice his skills before moving on to Calculus I.

It's also important to keep in mind that only he can make the final decision. 

You're helping to guide him towards a class that would work out best for him, but he needs to make the final call. 

That said, approach the situation in a friendly, upbeat manner.  Chances are, he'll appreciate the advice, and will be much happier with the grades he'll be earning in his new (lower level) math class!

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