About
I have tutored many classes, ranging from college algebra to graduate-level restricted electives like cancer biology. All of the classes I have listed are still familiar to me (taken within the last two years) and I have received a grade of A (or equivalent).
My teaching style focuses on both learning the material from multiple angles and testing how well the student can apply that material.
Testing is a major hurdle and one of the main things it checks is the confidence-level of the student. Many times, you will see options in questions that seem very similar, or just plain confusing looking questions as a whole. My plan ideally tries to build confidence in the student for tackling problems; once you are comfortable and certain, the questions do not seem as intimidating anymore and it is much easier to solve them.
I feel that the "hard" subjects that many students struggle with, such as physics and math, just need some perspective as well as regular practice. At the end of the day, a good result is mostly the product of the effort put in by the student, my role is to give much-needed direction to ensure that the effort is being put to good use.
I think that seeing a student learn something new or finally master something they had been struggling with is a very rewarding feeling. Being able to make a positive impact in their lives and encouraging academic success is why I feel especially enthusiastic to tutor and teach others.
Highlights
Reviews
Xavier C.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first thing I do is assess how well they understand the material. Based on that, I would model my approach and try to start off where they feel most comfortable content-wise. It also depends on the learning style; some students are visual learners, while others prefer writing everything out. I try to accomodate those learning styles and change my methods to suit those, which allows for maximum content retention.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have both been a TA (Teaching Assistant) as well as a private tutor for roughly 3 years now. I feel I have learned a lot about how to effectively convey ideas and the best ways to ensure students learn difficult material. I also have taken a wide-range of STEM-related courses so I feel that having the familiarity both as a student and as a tutor, I can better understand common problems that many students might face.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Usually my lessons run depend on the subject. High School level tutoring is $15, and increases with subject difficulty as we get to college-level subjects. If the student wishes for extended lessons I almost always lower the price. If the student feels they did not learn anything or are otherwise unsatisfied with my tutoring, then I do not charge anything.
How did you get started teaching?
I first began as a peer tutor for incoming freshmen at UCF, generally answering questions that they had about the school resources etc. It eventually progressed to being a group leader for many study groups and further to being a TA for larger, more complex courses.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked primarily with students at the college level. I have tutored for 8-12th grade students as well, but not as frequently.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
The biking trail behind my house just finished being rebuilt so I take time out every day to decompress.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Try to go over the material that you're struggling with beforehand and prepare some questions. Sometimes the tutoring experience might be fast-paced or might go in a different direction, and that causes you to forget any questions you might have had. Also, try and be as open as possible about your knowledge on the topic; if you and the teacher are on the same page, it makes teaching become like teamwork, and greatly helps in the learning process.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
First of all, address the extent to which you require tutoring. Sometimes you might need a single session to clear a particularly troublesome topic. Other times, you might need constant tutoring to reinforce your knowledge of certain content. Overall, just know where you stand in terms of familiarity with the material, and know what level of tutoring you require. Sometimes, it may just be possible to watch a YouTube video or google a question, and those results may be enough to get through the material. Just remember that tutors are not miracle workers. we can provide direction and much needed guidance, but we have to work as a team, be ready to devote ample time to the topic being learned. If you are not ready to do so consistently, then perhaps tutoring may not yield the results that you are looking for.