Khan Tutoring

When I tutor, I like to start off by emphasizing how interesting things. Kids tend to be curious and if you can relate things to them in a manner they find compelling, they are more willing to engage. This of course, does not mean much when it comes to exams, which is the basis of the schooling system. I therefore remind students that exams are not difficult, they are just a set of questions about things they already know. Pressure is what makes exams difficult and make that very clear. You do not need to know everything; I did much better in school than those that knew more than me simply by staying calm during an exam. Basically, I tell kids my three R's: read, remember, relax.

I have been tutoring for over ten years. I graduated high school with a 4.4 GPA, recevied my undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley with a 3.72 GPA, obtained my master's with distinction from the London School of Economics and am currently finishing my PhD at the University of Cambridge.

My rate is $50/hour

I started tutoring peers in high school, then tutored on the side while in college and carried during my graduate studies. I also have taught undergraduate students during my PhD.

I have tutored and taught all sorts of students, from middle school and younger, to high school, college and even executives. I also gave lectures at the Planetarium in Berkeley.

Matt was a seventh grade biology student. He struggled in science courses, finding them too abstract. I reminded him that science was just the opposite. The things he was learning were happing all the time all around, and even within him. I framed biology to him in way that appealed to his curiosity. Why do we need to breathe? How come we eat food but plants don’t?  How did your broken arm heal? Once Matt stopped thinking biology was so distant from everyday life, he began applying himself much more. We had two 1-hour sessions a week and Matt went on to get an A in the Class.

I would tell them to find a teacher that can emphasize remaining calm.  A lot of students are stressed not only because of the workload but because of how stressed other students are. It was like that when I was in school and I see it now at every level of education. I make it a point that stress gets you nowhere and counter-productive. Students respond well to me using myself as an example, I never stressed out in school, even though I was not the smartest kid in class, and I have done very well academically. Once they internalize this fact, and understand how to remember what they learn, they do much better on exams. 

Why do you think this subject in particular gives you trouble? What are your favorite and least favortie things about the subject? Do need someone to help explain things or just have someone make sure you do the work?