Sign-Up Procedure

To experience results from our tutors, we require students to attend sessions regularly.

During the first session, we only require payment for the first session or first week.

After the first week, we require students to commit to 4 weeks at a time.  On the second session/week, we require payment for 4 weeks in advance.  If a student is unable to attend a session, that session may be pushed back, provided the session is cancelled within our guidelines.

Exceptions to the 4 weeks may include:

• Students not taking a regular course (mature students preparing for an entrance exam)
• Students close to the end of their course (in January and June for example)
• Students who attend and pay regularly and are unable to make a commitment due to financial constraints (this must be communicated to administration).

Locations

Orangeville,  295A Broadway, Broadway and Dawson, Across from the old Sobeys

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Kitchener/Waterloo, 375 University Ave. East, University and Bridge St.

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Barrie,  551 Bryne Drive, Above Barrie Auto Clean

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Goal Setting and Hard Math Questions, September 18, 2008

I always encourage students to set HUGE goals. What many students are preoccupied with, is how they will accomplish the goal. That is why goals are seldom set.

For example, a student may have a strong desire to be a millionaire by the time they are 30 years old, but only the few that actually BELIEVE they will do it, actually do it.

Often times, it is as simple as that. You need to take the first step: Set a goal, and believe you can achieve it.

Let me give you an example from mathematics. Take one of those long math questions, one that requires multiple steps and, often times, results in multiple anxieties. The problem with these questions is that students sit there and stare at them because they have no idea what the answer is. I am sure that any teacher, no matter how comfortable they are with the material, would look at the same question and not know the answer. The answer requires multiple steps.

The answer won’t come just by looking at the question. What students need to understand is, they don’t need to know what the answer is! They don’t even neccessarily need to know how to get to the answer. What they do need to know is how to take the first step.

As long as you are moving forward to a goal, you are approaching it. Obvious statement?

So, my advice to students is: do something, anything, take a step.

Goals are the same way. You don’t need to know how you are going to get to your goal, you just need to take the first step.

Relevance of High School Mathematics to the Real World, August 26, 2008

It is an age old question in math classes: “Why do we have to learn this? When are we ever going to use this in our lives?”

There is of course, a very fine answer to this that any teacher can be proud of. It consists of something along the lines of : What we are learning in class, whether it be how to factor a quadratic, how to graph a sine function, or anything else, is a building block to further education and to eventually lead to awesome applications in engineering, science, finance, etc.

This answer does not satisfy the student. That is, of course, because the student is convinced that they have no interest whatsoever in going any further than Grade 11 math.

So then, this is what we say to the student: “It is not relevant to you, and you will never use this in the real world.” But don’t leave it at that.

Let’s face it, most students may not ever use the subject for any practical purpose in their career. Sure, math is important day to day when balancing your cheque book, and taking change at the store………… but here is the real purpose for it.

Math, like no other subject, prepares students for the everyday problem solving that they need to succeed in the real world.

Now, in life, we all face many problems each day, where we are required to make complex decisions. The school system can’t possibly simulate all of the different things that are going to happen to all of the different people to prepare them for life. It can, however, put the students in a situation where they don’t know what to do, and they have to figure out what they have to do, rather than memorize a solution. Math does this. It forces the student to follow some logical rules, and solve problems in a step by step manner.

If you are looking for a way to motivate yourself to succeed in mathematics, try this: Make your math class like a training ground for the real world. See the questions as problems that need to be solved, and you are given the tools to solve them. It is a simulation for real life. Start to have fun with the questions, looking at homework as practicing the skills you are taught.

Your brain needs to be exercised just like your muscles, and math class is the gym where this exercise takes place.

So you may not use the actual topics you learn in the real world, just like a hockey player doesn’t actually lift weights in a game. But your brain is getting stronger because of the math, and this will help you unlock more of your mind and your potential for success!

Testimonials

“I used to think only dumb kids had to go to tutors. Now I understand that it is the smart kids who use them, and they get smarter the more they use them.”
-Jaime T, Student

“I went from a 44% last year to an 84% this year! ‘MIND OVER MATH’ has helped me an incredible amount and I am way ahead of the class. Until now, I never thought I could actually succeed in math.”
-Ally N, Student

“Mind Over Math is a sure cure for math phobia.”
-Marva T, Mother

“Since being in ‘Mind Over Math’ I have found that I understand math a lot more than I did before and my marks have gone up. It has really made a positive difference for me. It is great to work with Kevin Downe because he is interested in various sports and therefore is able to relate it to my favourite sport. If you want to succeed in math and have fun at the same time, ‘MIND OVER MATH’ is the key to your success.”
-Scott M, Student

“Mind Over Math was great. It really helped me improve my marks in math and physics. The student to tutor ratio is very good and allows the tutors time to help everyone when they need it. The tutors really seem to enjoy teaching math and are happy to help you if you have a problem. If asked, I would definitely recommend Mind Over Math to someone struggling with their math marks. ”
-Brian M, Student

“Mind over math was extremely beneficial to my children! Jaime is no longer afraid of it, and Rory actually grew to enjoy it. That was incredible. Way to go to you and your team! See you in the fall.”
-Susan G, Mother

“Hello Mind Over Math:

Well, you and your team did it. Math has gone from something to be endured to something that he looked forward to.

Alex went into his finals, comfortable and informed. He said there were a few things that he missed. Next math semester, the van will be on remote…we can’t thank you enough!!! His tutor challenged him, used humour, and got the mechanism of math through in an understandable fashion. Your other tutor filled the gap on days we needed additional flexibility, send him our thanks

I am telling everyone about you, and your team…..thank you for meeting such a huge need, at an affordable price. We look forward to working with you soon.”
-Wayne & Mary B, Parents

“Hi, this is Lindsey C. I took your calculus exam review. I amjust letting you know that my math mark increased from 66% to 76%!! I amvery pleased with your program, and I will recommend it to everyone! Thanksso much!”
-Lindsey C

“Good Evening Kevin;

We are extremely pleased with the quality and commitment behind your business and the approach you take. Our family appreciates it.

Here is a testimony from Bethany……..

‘Mind over Math is awesome. I’m in Grade 9 advance math and was a little worried that Iwouldn’t be able to keep up. Not only am I keeping up, but I’m getting a solid A in mathand feel very confident. Thanks to Mind Over Math and the tutors for helping me do my best.’”
-Neal G, Father

“Dear future students,

My son is taking grade 12 calculus. His teacher is terrific, but he has learned that 90 minutes of class time, learning something new every day, is simply not enough for a non-math student to excel in calculus. What Mind Over Math does is reinforce the classroom learning with much needed one-on-one teaching. The math tutors are able to address specific challenges for individual students, and help them learn at their own speed. My son may never have a 95 average in calculus, but because of Mind Over Math, he is achieving the highest math grades he has ever had in his high school career.

My daughter is in grade 9, and math used to be her worst subject. She decided to enroll in Mind Over Math simply because her older brother was going, and she could tag along. Before long, math became her favourite subject, and she no longer went to class worried about upcoming tests. This program helped give her confidence in her own abilities, and her grades have steadily risen since she first started the program. This is a program that really works.”
-Susan G

“Hi Kevin,

Just wanted to let you know that my grandaughter’s math went from 63% to 80% on her final report card. We are very pleased with the result and want to thank you for having this program and for the dedication of your staff.”
-Josie M

“Hi Kevin,
I want to express my thanks and gratitude for the great help that you gave to Elizabeth in her last term of grade 12- by the way- she did very well in her finals!

Again- thank you all for always being professional and accomodating as well as providing Elizabeth with such high quality tutoring.

Please pass this on to your team.”
-Lynne and Elizabeth