Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT TYPE OF TEACHING DO YOU OFFER?
Triangle School offers a variety of services. Please click here to find the option which suits your child(ren) best. Siblings get a preferential rate of 10% off. For math tutoring, payment is due monthly on the first day of each month and may be done by e-transfer, cheque or cash. Please note that I do not reimburse payment for lessons missed by the students.
DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC TEACHING QUALIFICATION?
I hold degrees from renowned universities such as Cambridge and McGill, where I also taught a variety of subjects, as well as at the Algonquin College in Ottawa. I have extensive experience in tutoring math to students in primary, secondary and high-school programs - please visit the Testimonials page on this website to read recommendations from my clients.
WHAT IS A TYPICAL LESSON LIKE?
Every lesson, I introduce the topics to be discussed and ask students a few questions to gather their level of comprehension in those. I teach the topics using a variety of exercises, while making sure at every step the students closely follow and understand my explanations. If I sense hesitations in their affirmative answers, I ask questions to reveal what step was not clear and I choose a different path to explain the concept. Once we agree the concept is understood, I assign relevant homework to practice the concept.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP LESSONS?
Yes. In my academic teaching experience I noticed that many students learn best when in small groups as they are greatly stimulated by peer interaction. All students start on an individual lesson plan; once I assess students while working with them for a while, I am able to assign them to specific groups of same knowledge level and personality compatibility. Please click here for lesson options and rates.
WHAT CURRICULUM AND MATERIALS DO YOU USE?
I follow the Ontario curriculum and have devised my own plan of structured lessons which covers all units in any given grade, so there are no gaps in knowledge from level to level. I use a combination of teaching materials: primarily the IXL website, on which I assign homework, coupled with Khan Academy, Math is Fun, Kumon materials, and high-level exercise books from my native Romania.
IS HOMEWORK COMPULSORY?
YES! Math is a complex subject which cannot be followed, understood and mastered without constant practice - the good news is that practice does pay off in many ways! Every lesson, I assign homework: students need to complete this by the following session. Any outstanding exercises will be completed by the second following lesson - failing to complete homework for two weeks in a row results in termination of tutoring services, in which case the balance for the remaining lessons will not be returned.
DO YOU PROVIDE HELP WITH SCHOOL HOMEWORK?
In my experience with the Canadian education system, I've found that math is taught in leaps in schools and therefore there are inconsistencies in students' knowledge. My teaching is such organized that students get increasingly comfortable with math concepts and can work independently. If students need help with school homework, I ask them to email that to me one day before our session so I can have time to look over it. At the end of each session, I allow for 5-10 minutes to go over those particular types of exercises.
TESTING TO DETERMINE THE STUDENT'S LEVEL?
Yes. For new students, I have developed grade-specific tests, which are administered individually during an initial consultation. This tests the student's knowledge of the pre-requisite concepts needed to follow the matter taught in the grade level they want to enroll. For example, to register in grade 4 math, the student needs to demonstrate an understanding of grades 1-3 concepts; for grade 9 math, an understanding of grade 8 etc. Please contact me to receive your level appropriate test.
WHERE DO YOU HOLD YOUR TEACHING SESSIONS?
Typically, the sessions are held in-person in a dedicated space at my residence in the Parkwood Hills neighbourhood of Ottawa, for both individual and group lessons. Please note that I offer online sessions via Google meets or Skype ONLY for remotely-located students.
DO YOU PREPARE STUDENTS FOR SCHOOL TESTS?
Math exercises are so varied that it is impossible to teach anyone every single type - indeed, that is not the scope of math, but to give one the ability to develop a logic scheme for problem solving at any time. My curriculum is such developed that my teaching covers all units necessary for a solid understanding of concepts at every level. Once students master those, they will have no difficulty completing school tests, as well as the EQAO tests in grades 3, 6 and 9 (Ontario).
WHAT MATERIALS DO YOU REQUIRE FOR STUDENTS?
All students will come prepared for every lesson (including online sessions) with pencil, eraser, a geometry set (protractor, compasses, ruler in both inches and centimeters) and a dedicated graph paper notebook in which they will keep all notes and explanations provided during the lessons. This has the great advantage of keeping all taught concepts in the same place for reference at all times. The notebooks will also be used for calculations done by hand and to keep track of logical schemes and geometric figures.
WHEN ARE HOLIDAYS SCHEDULED?
I observe the school year calendar and all national and the Ontario province statutory holidays. Spring Break is taken according to the Ottawa Public School Board. Personal holidays taken during the school year will be discussed on a case to case basis. For any such breaks outside the typical school-year calendar ones, I require three months notice, the only exception being a bereavement period.
DO YOU PROVIDE TUTORING FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES?
I do not have the expertise in teaching students with learning disabilities, therefore I regret not being able to offer such specialized tutoring services.
IS THERE ANY CONTRACT FOR YOUR TUTORING SERVICES?
Yes. Once deciding to sign up for my tutoring services, parents or legal guardians will be asked to sign an agreement for tutoring services which stipulates all terms and conditions.
FOR ANY OTHER QUESTIONS: Please contact me directly.