FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How is ASTEME Learning Center different from traditional tutoring centers?
ASTEME Learning Center provides math enrichment programs that help students understand why math is important by actually experiencing real life applications of math in science, technology, engineering and more. Many of the mainstream tutoring businesses will focus on preparing the students to do well on standardized tests. This approach emphasizes the rote memorization of facts and overuse of rule based algorithms and "tricks" in learning math which will result in a temporary sense of the students doing well.
The majority of the students we have worked with who have been tutored with this approach are fluent with their algorithms, but they cannot explain why the algorithm works or what they are actually doing mathematically. By the time they reach 5th grade, the intuitive problem solving skills have been taught out of them. Math shifts from a problem solving and meaning making activity to a procedural rule following activity. The students no longer think independently, but rather look for a set of memorized rules to use. This becomes a major issue in higher level math when problem solving becomes the focus.
ASTEME Learning Center uses Cognitively Guided Instruction and focuses on developing a strong math foundation not just for now, but for the future. In addition to this, we strongly believe that math should be experienced in real life and not just with the traditional paper and pencil approach. Math activities are individualized based on the students' interest allowing them to experience math in new and exciting ways.
My child is gifted and loves math! Is this appropriate for him/her/them?
Definitely! The scope and sequence for math that we use has no grade level ceilings. If a student is ready for higher level math, then he/she will learn higher level math. We have had 2nd grade students successfully learn Algebraic slope-intercept forms in addition to students in 6th grade learn about Trigonometric laws and functions. We will individualize based on what your child is ready for. In addition to this, our students experience math in new and exciting ways that will further enhance their appreciation for math.
My child has specific learning challenges and has always struggled with math. Is this appropriate for him/her?
Absolutely! We have over 14 years of experience successfully working with students who have math phobias and learning disabilities. Math-esteem is how a student perceives him/herself as a mathematician and is oftentimes lost in 3rd grade. Our goal is to help your amazing children develop the confidence they need in order to succeed. Accommodations and modifications will be given based on individual needs.
How do you differentiate for the variety of grades within each session?
Our facility allows us to create different sized groups based on multiple factors including age, skill level, or interests. The majority of the time, the groupings are based on age with each student being given activities that are differentiated and age-appropriate.
What other enrichment activities will you be offering?
Our goal is to create a space that will allow students to explore math in the areas of science, art, sports, architectures, computer programming and much more. What your child experiences will also depend on his/her interests.
What is the weekly class student/teacher ratio?
The ratio will be no greater than 6 students to 1 teacher.
Why does ASTEME Learning Center stop at 8th grade?
We currently have teachers who are qualified to teach college level Calculus. Our goal is to eventually expand beyond 8th grade.
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a computer programming language that is recommended as the first computer language students should learn. Within Scratch, there are multiple opportunities to expand on math ideas being learned.
How are the weekly ASTEME sessions different from Summer Math Camp?
Summer Math Camp focuses on having fun while learning math and is based on a 50/50 ratio where 50% of the time is spent on an activity/field-trip, and the other 50% is spent on learning math ideas behind the activity/field-trip.
Weekly ASTEME sessions do not offer field-trips and will use a 70/30 ratio where the math exploration will be done on site. The goal is still to have fun while developing a deeper appreciation for math.
ASTEME Learning Center provides math enrichment programs that help students understand why math is important by actually experiencing real life applications of math in science, technology, engineering and more. Many of the mainstream tutoring businesses will focus on preparing the students to do well on standardized tests. This approach emphasizes the rote memorization of facts and overuse of rule based algorithms and "tricks" in learning math which will result in a temporary sense of the students doing well.
The majority of the students we have worked with who have been tutored with this approach are fluent with their algorithms, but they cannot explain why the algorithm works or what they are actually doing mathematically. By the time they reach 5th grade, the intuitive problem solving skills have been taught out of them. Math shifts from a problem solving and meaning making activity to a procedural rule following activity. The students no longer think independently, but rather look for a set of memorized rules to use. This becomes a major issue in higher level math when problem solving becomes the focus.
ASTEME Learning Center uses Cognitively Guided Instruction and focuses on developing a strong math foundation not just for now, but for the future. In addition to this, we strongly believe that math should be experienced in real life and not just with the traditional paper and pencil approach. Math activities are individualized based on the students' interest allowing them to experience math in new and exciting ways.
My child is gifted and loves math! Is this appropriate for him/her/them?
Definitely! The scope and sequence for math that we use has no grade level ceilings. If a student is ready for higher level math, then he/she will learn higher level math. We have had 2nd grade students successfully learn Algebraic slope-intercept forms in addition to students in 6th grade learn about Trigonometric laws and functions. We will individualize based on what your child is ready for. In addition to this, our students experience math in new and exciting ways that will further enhance their appreciation for math.
My child has specific learning challenges and has always struggled with math. Is this appropriate for him/her?
Absolutely! We have over 14 years of experience successfully working with students who have math phobias and learning disabilities. Math-esteem is how a student perceives him/herself as a mathematician and is oftentimes lost in 3rd grade. Our goal is to help your amazing children develop the confidence they need in order to succeed. Accommodations and modifications will be given based on individual needs.
How do you differentiate for the variety of grades within each session?
Our facility allows us to create different sized groups based on multiple factors including age, skill level, or interests. The majority of the time, the groupings are based on age with each student being given activities that are differentiated and age-appropriate.
What other enrichment activities will you be offering?
Our goal is to create a space that will allow students to explore math in the areas of science, art, sports, architectures, computer programming and much more. What your child experiences will also depend on his/her interests.
What is the weekly class student/teacher ratio?
The ratio will be no greater than 6 students to 1 teacher.
Why does ASTEME Learning Center stop at 8th grade?
We currently have teachers who are qualified to teach college level Calculus. Our goal is to eventually expand beyond 8th grade.
What is Scratch?
Scratch is a computer programming language that is recommended as the first computer language students should learn. Within Scratch, there are multiple opportunities to expand on math ideas being learned.
How are the weekly ASTEME sessions different from Summer Math Camp?
Summer Math Camp focuses on having fun while learning math and is based on a 50/50 ratio where 50% of the time is spent on an activity/field-trip, and the other 50% is spent on learning math ideas behind the activity/field-trip.
Weekly ASTEME sessions do not offer field-trips and will use a 70/30 ratio where the math exploration will be done on site. The goal is still to have fun while developing a deeper appreciation for math.
