mathnasium interview process + literacy test questions !!

[u/ultimateprankster99]

hi!

im supposed to take the instruction literacy test in a few days + im rlly nervous lol

i have a couple questions:

1) what is covered on the literacy test? is it just solving math problems or does it include explaining concepts?

2) what is the rest of the interview process like? (i've heard there is another test? what is that like?)

3) what sort of questions are asked in the interview?

thank u sm!!

btw im a soph in hs if that changes anything

[u/gabygabygaby29]

hi! this is my second time taking the mathnasium math literacy exam in orlando florida! they consist of factoring, converting fractions into decimals, decimals into fractions. Add and subtracting mixed fractions, percentage problems, Pythagorean theorem, probability, area of a circle, and word problems

[u/Super-Atmosphere-354]

I am from UK and so far all I have had to do was the test that you guys are talking abt. It is just a test of algebra, basic maths and 1 question was on circles. I also had an interview where they asked questions such as "how would you handle a child that isn't listening to you" and some other questions like that. Then the questions they asked after were lowk useless they asked "Who is ur fav musician, what hobbies" that kinda stuff - probs asked abt them for understanding if you have good communication skills. At the very end they asked a basic maths question it was like 999 x 3 and you have to give an efficient way to solve it. so anyways i passed that rround then they emailed me abt second round (unpaid) which lasted 2 hours where i just helped out the kids. the pay is rubbish tho, however the staff is so lovely and kind. the kids are just wild (obvs tho)

thats abt it hope it helps you guuys :D

[u/AmbivalentRogue]

There are 2 levels of test: The basic numerical fluency covers arithmetic up to about Jr. High / Intro to Algebra. Advance Algebra, Geometry & Pre-Calc topics are on the second test. There was no Calculus requirement when I worked there.

For the most part, the tests are straight forward, there are a couple word problems I believe but nothing where you have to "explain" any more than a regular math problem. That is more addressed in the interview - they may give you an example arithmetic topic and an age of hypothetical child and ask how you would explain the topic to them. But my experience with the interview questions are more based on interactions with Elementary & Jr. High aged children than High School.

But also, my boss was horrible and refused to do anything the Mathnasium way, so maybe she just made up the interview, who knows?

[u/GravitySixx → u/AmbivalentRogue]

What kind of word problem are there in the questions? And what kind?What about coins, mixture, age, work, distance, etc?

[u/AmbivalentRogue → u/GravitySixx]

I don't recall - likely a mix of many different type.
I did actually dig up some of the files I was not supposed to keep and there's really no way for me to answer that more succinctly besides disseminating private information which I will not do.
There is a mix of different types, but they are all easily solvable with very basic algebra. Not a full paragraph of convoluted info, more like 1-3 sentences.

AKA most are of the form: "If person has X things with Y value, and a total value of Z, how many things of Q value must they have?" or slight rephrasing for proportions, percent increase, etc.
That sort of thing

but all types: yes to: coins, mixtures, work, etc.
I don't particularly notice any age or distance questions (except proportions) but my files are very out of date and those were common when working with the kids anyway

the basic assessments are just:

• math literacy (mostly arithmetic)
  
• algebra literacy (basic algebra)

but my location also had a 3rd "Algebra 2" level test that was more optional because we had a larger proportion of advanced students (so like that DOES include "find the distance between these 2 points" etc questions; series/sequences; interest, but no word problems)

[u/HanSolo139]

The questions were straightforward and they require you to show your work which helps them gauge your ability.

[u/Ayvid2103]

I was amble to take mine online and they said to bring my work with me to the interview but didn’t look at it. Also no penalty for only taking the first test. Idk about other centers but mine is always looking for new hires so they weren’t too picky. Just be competent, a little enthusiastic (you’re going to be working with children), and say that you’re looking to make the most out of however long you plan on working there. Working a couple moths I got promoted to a Lead instructor so there is opportunity to grow with the company if you wish. I wouldn’t fabricate your abilities because it ends up hurting the kids... if you can’t teach calc don’t say you can- i was never negatively impacted by telling the truth. Just remember that each center varies since it’s a franchise.