Tutoring Econ 101

I have been tutoring my friend who is taking Principles of Micro- and Macroeconomics this summer. His biggest problems with the material are understanding definitions and doing the math. The concepts themselves are usually pretty intuitive, but it’s critical to know the definitions well in order to understand those concepts, and then the math comes in when you have to solve actual problems. I see the most progress with my friend right after it becomes clear that he understands the definitions. Before that, the only way I can know that he needs another explanation of a definition is by asking what it means. This is when I hear an on point response, B.S. or something in between. Whatever it is, I use this as a benchmark for what to explain next. This shows why tutoring can be such a helpful way of learning other than in the classroom. The tutor can figure out where exactly the student needs help through thorough and constant evaluation. Without any help, the student might not even know what he doesn't know. The tutor thus solves an information problem, not by delivering the information the student needs by instruction (which also happens), but by finding out what instruction needs to be given. 

So, teaching this summer has taught me the importance of evaluation. I can’t know what I need to explain to the student unless I know what they already know. Daily pop quizzes for all!