Caroline's Tutoring (Chemistry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Statistics And More!)
About
Because of the time I have spent tutoring (both as a volunteer and professionally) in a variety of online, hybrid and in person environments I have encountered many of the issues that students in these courses are facing. This helps me to trouble shoot with them to make small adjustments that can make their lives much easier.
I also know what they are going through as I am a student myself. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from high school, early and with multiple publications from Duke University, and will be starting a PhD program at MIT in the Fall. I know the high pressure that comes with STEM courses, and how anxiety can impact a student's ability to perform. The knowledge is fresh and I am not removed from the coursework.
My sessions typically follow one of two formats (though I of course adapt to the student's needs first).
1. The student comes to me with practice problems and we dive into it like structured study session. I like to problem solve with my students and as issues come up I give mini lectures, but don't waste too much time talking at my students.
2. The student is confused at the course in general and I prepare supplemental lectures and intro problems in accordance with their syllabus. This can help the student catch up and get their feet under them to target the concepts they actually don't understand. This works more as a notes review session with more lecturing by me, but with opportunity for the student to stop me at any time and ask questions or even request to work through a problem in that area.
I really enjoy getting to know my students as I go along. I like being that guiding hand that I did not get as much in high school and college to bring the concepts back down to earth and connect to what they have already learned and know.
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Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I try to understand their learning style and what their needs are before anything else. I then work through a problem set or topic with them to identify their weak areas. Once I have established that I can begin to work with the student to master the material.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
- B.S. Duke University Majoring in Genomics and Chemistry
- Duke Organic Chemistry Learning Community Leader (2020-2021)
-Duke Peer Tutor (2021)
-MIT PhD Student in Microbiology (beginning Fall 2022)
-SAT/ACT Math tutor
- Emily K Center and Sandpoint Public Library Lifelong Learning Center Volunteer tutor in reading and math (2019-2022)
-Varsity tutors verified tutor and khan academy certified
-Tutored in Statistics, Math up to Calculus I, Physics I, Statistics, General and Organic Chemistry I at the High school and College level
- taught course in Cell biology and College Math through varsity tutors
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My pricing system:
$25/hour study skill improvement
$35/hour SAT/ACT prep and statistics (AP and regular) and Physics (AP and regular)
$40/hour for chemistry and mathematics (calculus, algebra, precalculus, geometry, trigonometry)
$45/hour for biology (genetics, AP, microbiology, evolutionary etc.)
I do not charge anything for my prep time or for quick questions that students ask me outside of our sessions.
Payments are preferred via venmo (@Caroline-Anderson-1313).
How did you get started teaching?
I began as a peer tutor for the National Honor society in high school and continued during the summer of 2018 as a tutor for the lifelong learning center at Sandpoint, ID public library.
What types of students have you worked with?
I mostly work with high school and college students in STEM fields. I have worked with elementary school students in basic arithmatic in the past as well.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
This past semester, I volunteered at a local nonprofit to give students a head start toward college. During this time, I tutored a student for 4 months in Honors Precalculus. It was rewarding to get to know him over our weekly sessions and watch as he started to make connections with the material and see the wider connections back to Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry, and forward into Calculus.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
I would advise the students to search for a tutor that understands the way courses have changed in the post-COVID era and the pressures that high school and college students face in advanced STEM curriculum to succeed.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
The student should think about the areas that they are struggling in. Even if it is just identifying a problem set that they don't understand. It really helps the teacher hone in on what concept or theme they are having trouble with and not waste time teaching the wrong thing.
The other thing is do not say you understand or that makes sense if it does not. Teachers are happy to go back and explain in a different way, but it is important to communicate this need as they are not mind readers.