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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
One hour private session at Starbuck's (Parent's must be on-site). With more than 5 years of success with tutoring students in mathematics and science Ion 5 Institute knows the key ingredients for winning learning outcomes. Instructors focus on energizing and motivating students to reach higher than they have ever gone before! Each tutoring session consists of one tutor and one student.
Standarized Test Prep. There is more to learning than standardized tests. Let us help you get past the challenge so that you can enjoy learning again. You will learn to easily defeat the test no matter how much of a beast you currently think it is. Our strategic approach will strengthen key skills and maximize score. A small investment now can improve your opportunities for the college or university of choice. Class size is small (<10:1). Check for avaliability and schedule.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
All instructors under the Ion 5 Institute Banner are carefully selected from the most competitive talent pool to date. For example I have a PhD, several years of College instruction experience in a Science field, and several years of one-on-one tutoring experience. If I am not a good fit, we also have other tutors who can assist you within my company to find the perfect fit so you don't need to start from scratch.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
AP & College courses - $55 (Bio, Calc, Physics, Chem, and Pre-calc)
Regular courses - $45 (K-12)
How did you get started teaching?
Hi! My name is Wayne. I got started tutoring at Math Support Services in Santa Clarita, CA. I served as lab instructor for biochemistry, molecular and computatinal biology and biochemical adaptation courses during my PhD. I have a Bachelor of Science in biophysics from USC. After earning my PhD I worked as a Scientist at biotech companies for 4 years before I realized that I enjoy people more than the lab. Our other tutor Mary also worked in biotech in San Fransisco for a number of years. We tutor because we love it!
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked with college and K-12 students. I am especially considerate of students with learning differences or students with test anxiety.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently enjoyed preparing for and succeeding at taking the MCAT. I also enjoy spending time with dogs and taking vacation to fun places.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Contact the tutor. Make sure that you communicate well with them before meeting. If the subject you are seeking help with is Bio, Calc, Physics, Chem, or Pre-calc let them know so that they can spend time carefully preparing for your session. Be sure to communicate what issues you are having and how far along you are in the course.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Why are you seeking tutoring?
Are you, the student, prepared to put in the effort to excel in the course?
Do you have any learning differences or test anxiety which might be impacting your studies?
How much study time per week do you currently devote to this course?
What action have you already taken to improve your grade?