D. Schaeffer Math Tutoring
About
Currently studying to be a Mathematics Teacher for secondary education at GCU.
As someone who used to struggle with math as a teenager (until it "clicked" for me), I have a great enjoyment for tutoring students who are struggling with, but willing to, learn this subject.
Inspired by my history with math, I approach tutoring it from a "conceptual" angle.
Not merely teaching students how to memorize formulas and when to use them...
but also for them to build a comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts as a foundation ("What is a logarithm? What does it do in a formula?" etc), which both fuels effective & efficient memorization (concepts are no longer abstract, but understood as "puzzle pieces of a whole") and develops critical thinking ability (possession of which is arguably the most useful skill in any educational endeavor, across the board).
I tutored students for free in high school and early college (charity work), and found great success in the work.
I have a large supply of both eagerness and patience for any student to understand a concept and then how/when it is used/applied. It is a great personal reward to see that moment when the "lightbulb" goes on for the student.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I tutor from what can be considered a "conceptual" approach.
Not merely teaching students how to memorize formulas and when they are used...
but also for understanding of mathematical concepts as a foundation ("What is a logarithm? What does it do in a formula?" etc), which both fuels effective & efficient memorization (concepts are no longer abstract, but understood as "puzzle pieces of a whole") and develops critical thinking ability (possesion of which is arguably the most useful skill in any educational endeavor, across the board).
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently studying to be a middle school/high school math teacher. Majoring in Mathematics for Secondary Education at GCU.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$20 per-hour session if the student drives to me.
$25 per-hour session if I drive to the student.
How did you get started teaching?
I tutored classmates and friends through high school and especially college (in all my subjects), but for free (I wanted to help them).
Besides getting comments from students commending my ability to convey concepts, including wishing I was the teacher for the particular class, my professor, pastors, and other significant figures in my life (including my boss at the time! I was a residential painter) would go out of their way to tell me that I would make a great teacher.
And so it seemed to me that this is the gift to pursue that would be most fruitful in my life, and the lives of others.
What types of students have you worked with?
Recently, mostly college students. But I have worked with middle-school and onwards with success.
Of course willing to expand that range as the need demands.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure they try to teach concepts, not just memorizational skills.
Memorization is always trying to catch up with the lesson, comprehension puts math at your fingertips as you are learning it.