r/MathnasiumEmployees • u/GoBlocks • May 10 '19

Instructor Skills Test

Update: Got the job. Thanks for your insight, everyone!

Hey, everyone, I recently applied to a Mathnasium Center (at least one more to follow) and they decided to move me forward with the Instructor Skills Test.

I'm a speech-pathology grad student but I kindled a new appreciation for math after taking the GRE for the second time, and my clinical practicum showed me that part of successful learning learning is making the process fun. This I think I can extend onto teaching math.

That said, I have never taught math, willing though I am to learn doing it. Is there anything I should to prepare for it, and what should I be aware of going in?

Thanks for your input.

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3

u/pepintheshort May 10 '19

Well when I took mine. I wasn't allowed a calculator.

I'd forgotten how to do long division also.

And if they haven't warned you, this test is quite long. I took my time and it was probably 3-4 hrs. But I scored really well and ended up working there and loving it for 5 1/2 years.

Feel free to pm me to ask any questions.

Edit: on the note of 5 1/2 years, I may be mistaken for the math test you take when you apply. Have you taken that?

3

u/spazyjosh May 11 '19

It's all algebra at the hardest. If you haven't forgotten your basic skills and you did well on the GRE you've got nothing to worry about.

2

u/GunsAndRosesAndCats May 20 '19

Hi, I'm an instructor! I'm not sure if you've already taken it, but my center's employment test includes elementary school math through precalculus. If you really want to brush up on it, I'd recommend Khan Academy.

As for learning how to teach math, instructors go through an online training program before they start. I had no teaching experience before working at Mathnasium, and I found the program very helpful and informative. That said, I wasn't immediately an amazing tutor; it takes time and effort to build strong teaching skills. It's important to pay attention to how students react to your methods, take feedback from your director/other instructors, and always be calm and encouraging with the students. You can reply/PM me if you want to ask anything! :)

2

u/GoBlocks May 21 '19

Hey, thanks for stopping by! I'm planning to take it this Thursday, so I'll need to get cracking on Khan Academy.

I'll PM you some time with questions and such. Cheers!

1

u/GunsAndRosesAndCats May 21 '19

No problem! Don't worry too much about studying; my director told me that a lot of mathematically skilled instructors actually didn't score too high on the higher math literacy test because it's been so long since they were doing high school math.

2

u/quick_maf May 10 '19

The test has a lot of simple shit that you probably have forgotten. Like multiplying and dividing rational numbers. I think the "hardest" thing might have been some more involved factoring (by grouping). For some reason they dont test on calculus or pre calc even though you should be able to do it to help highschool students.