ASK
EXPERT
THE
MATHNASIUM’S MONICA VIRGIL
The team at Mathnasium helps students from
first grade all the way through college gradually
address each misunderstanding he or she
may have about math. When Monica Virgil,
Center Director at the East Montgomery
Mathnasium, is not spending her time involved
in community activities, she is busy hiring,
training and supervising highly qualified
math experts. Here are a few tips she has for
students struggling with math.
How can students get over math anxiety?
Math anxiety comes from lack of confidence.
True understanding and mastery of a concept
builds confidence and eliminates anxiety.
On average, how much time should
students spend each week reviewing math
if they are struggling in that area?
They should review every day. If your child is
not doing homework four to five times a week,
they are being set up for failure. One hour, four
times a week is the bare minimum.
What can parents do to help?
Whether your child has weak or strong math
skills, don’t wait until your child takes the ACT
or SAT to get test prep. You don’t wait until
you compete in the Olympics to prepare for it.
Test prep can start as early as 8th or 9th grade.
Whether you choose a program that is free
or pay for reputable test prep programs, it is
extremely important.
What are some tips you can offer students
struggling in any subject area?
Find help as soon as possible. The longer
students struggle with something, whether it’s
reading, math or any other subject, their selfesteem and self-worth diminishes. Even if they
seem nonchalant and apathetic about it, 99
percent want to succeed in their academics.
Your children are your greatest investment.
Make sure they have the tools to succeed in
this ever-competitive world.
“Some students retain
more when working in a
group setting while others
retain more studying alone.
Students need to determine
their learning style (how
they learn best) and match
the prep method to their
learning style.” - Rebecca
Bloodworth, Program
Manager for the Center of
Lifelong Learning at AUM
.edu
HIGH FEES
HIGH STANDARDS
WHERE LEARNING MATTERS MOST
Choosing a college? Big universities will soak
you with extra fees.
But you won’t find that at Auburn Montgomery. AUM is a campus that is committed to
learning, with flexible schedules, dedicated
professors and smaller classes. Call us
today and plan your campus visit to see why
AUM is a better choice.
APPLY NOW 334-244-3615
www.potentialmagazine.com
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