About
As a software engineer and founder of Nextplate, a successful software company, I have gained a wealth of experience in the tech industry. This experience has provided me with valuable insights that I can use to teach software engineering and help students excel in the field. My LinkedIn profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/garwinglai/) showcases my professional experience and accomplishments, including my successful entrepreneurship and leadership skills. These skills, along with my firsthand knowledge of the industry and practical expertise, will be valuable assets in helping my students succeed in the tech field, whether they are seeking a job or looking to start their own companies. I am confident that my background and experience will be a valuable resource to my students as they work towards their goals in the tech industry.
Reviews
Cathy W.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My students will build real world projects to help them excel in real life. This is what the normal process of my curriculum looks like:
Identify the goals and needs of the learner: Before starting a lesson, it's important to understand what the learner is hoping to achieve and what their needs are. This will help me tailor the lesson to their specific needs and ensure that it is focused and relevant.
Create a lesson plan: Based on the goals and needs of the learner, I would create a lesson plan that includes a variety of activities and materials to help the learner understand and retain the information. This might include explanations, examples, exercises, and resources for further learning.
Use clear and concise explanations: When sharing knowledge, it's important to be as clear and concise as possible. I would aim to explain concepts in a way that is easy to understand, using simple language and examples to illustrate key points.
Encourage interaction and questions: To ensure that the learner is fully engaged and able to ask questions, I would encourage interaction and encourage the learner to ask questions throughout the lesson. This helps to ensure that they fully understand the material and can apply it to real-world situations.
Provide resources for further learning: In addition to the lesson itself, I would provide the learner with resources for further learning and practice, such as exercises and additional reading materials. This will help them to continue learning and improving after the lesson is over.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I'm the founder and CTO of my own software company, NextPlate. I'm currently starting another software company called BoxCart. I also hold a master's degree in entrepreneurship and innovation from USC.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The course is normally project base. Students can opt in for private lessons which costs $40/hour, or they can join a group class which costs $20/hour. My students can take as much time as they need to complete the project. The timing is flexible so students can find the time to learn. As a tutor, I offer a pricing package that is centered around project-based learning. I charge $40 per hour, and my curriculum is structured around specific projects. This allows students to focus on one topic at a time and see their progress as they complete each project. In addition, I offer flexible scheduling, with class times that can be arranged to fit the student's needs until the project is completed. This means that students can start and stop at any time, allowing them to fit their studies into their own schedule. My project-based approach to pricing and curriculum allows students to learn at their own pace and in a way that is convenient and flexible for them..
How did you get started teaching?
I got my start in teaching by growing up around it. My parents owned a private tutoring company, and I had the opportunity to learn from private tutors myself. This experience was extremely valuable to me and helped me develop a wide range of useful skills. As a result, I want to pass this knowledge on to the next generation of students. I am passionate about teaching and helping others succeed, and I believe that my background in private tutoring gives me a unique perspective that I can use to make a positive impact on my students. I am excited to share my knowledge and experience with others and to see them grow and succeed.
What types of students have you worked with?
As a tutor, I have worked with a wide range of students who are interested in software engineering. These students have included high school and college students who are looking to gain the skills and knowledge they need to find a job in the tech industry or to start their own companies. I have enjoyed helping these students learn and grow, and I have seen them make significant progress in their studies. My experience working with these students has given me insight into the needs and goals of aspiring software engineers, and I am well-equipped to help them succeed in their studies and achieve their professional goals.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
A recent event that you might be fond of is the acceptance of one of your students to their dream graduate school at Yale. This is a significant accomplishment for your student, and it is likely that you are very proud of their hard work and dedication. As their tutor, you have played a key role in helping them achieve this goal, and your support and guidance have no doubt been instrumental in their success. The acceptance to Yale is a testament to your student's intelligence and potential, and it is likely that they will go on to achieve great things in their academic and professional careers. You can be proud of the impact you have had on your student's life and future, and the success of this event is a testament to your own skills and dedication as a tutor.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
When looking for a software engineering teacher, it is important for students to consider the teacher's real-world experience in the field. While textbook knowledge is certainly important, it can only teach the basics. Teachers with real-world experience, on the other hand, have had the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practical settings and have seen a wide range of challenges and scenarios. This practical experience can be invaluable in helping students understand how to apply their knowledge in the real world and troubleshoot problems they may encounter. As a result, students should look for teachers with a strong foundation of real-world experience in software engineering, as they will be better equipped to provide insights and guidance that go beyond the basics.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Before hiring a teacher for software engineering, students should consider their own goals and what they hope to achieve with this skill. Software engineering is a broad field with many different avenues of study, including gaming, software as a service platforms, web and mobile development, AI, and more. Depending on what a student wants to do with their skills, they may need to learn different sets of skills and technologies. For example, a student interested in creating games will need to learn different skills than a student interested in building web applications. As a result, it is important for students to think carefully about their goals and what they hope to achieve before hiring a teacher. This will help ensure that they find a teacher who can provide the guidance and instruction they need to succeed in their chosen field.