About
I like getting to the WHY behind the subject. In my experience, knowing WHY a method is used makes it easier to see WHERE to use that method...whether on a test, project, or real-life problem to solve!
I've recently graduated from engineering school, and during those semesters I gave and received plenty of help in math, science, and engineering courses. (My roommate remembers a time when 7 students crashed our dorm room for help on a physics problem!) I professionally tutored for 7 of my 8 college semesters.
I love being able to pass on my knowledge. Seeing the understanding in my students and seeing overall improvement encourages me. I enjoy getting to know new people, too. :)
I tutored engineering classes in college, and I got really excited when I could use drawings and stories to help turn an abstract concept into a picture. It was even more exciting to see students adding to my techniques.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I typically begin sessions by asking some questions about the content you've been covering in class, what you already understand, and if there are any particular concepts you are struggling to grasp. If you have particular homework/old test/practice test questions, I'm happy to work through some parts of the problem to help get you started. I enjoy explaining the WHY behind a concept or method, and sometimes that comes up before going into practice problems, sometimes during the problem.
My hope is that by the end of a session, you can answer the questions you started with. Being able to explain what's going on means you understand it.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a math minor and work as an engineer, so math and I go way back...and are still going strong!
I worked as a tutor and supplemental instructor through my school while in college. During that time, I learned to ask open-ended questions, give time for my students to think up an answer, and plan through example problems.
How did you get started teaching?
I started out helping friends and classmates with homework. Near the end of my freshman year in college, I got the idea to apply to work as a supplemental instructor with my college's academic achievement center. I started off as a tutor, moved up to supplemental instructor, and then moved back to tutoring since I saw a need for tutors in upper-level classes.
I've since graduated and work as an electrical engineer by day, but I've always thought it would be nice to do some tutoring on the side.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked primarily with college students, since I was working while in college. However, I am open to working with anyone outside of college or in grade school.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently went on a business trip to Honduras to help start up some field equipment. (My profile pic is a sunset out on one of the Honduran islands, Roatan.) It was a challenge at times, being thrust into a situation where I didn't know much about the equipment in question, having to shout to be heard over the loud work environment--with earplugs, and trying to strike up conversations in my limited Spanish. Overall, the experience helped me to look outside of my own little world and seeing how anything I do has an impact farther than I could have forseen.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Tutors should help bridge the gap between your understanding of a subject and full comprehension of the subject. They should NOT just help you work homework problems...that's what Chegg is for.
I would look for a tutor who will give you time to process what he/she just explained, who asks you questions that force you to think through a problem, and who, ultimately, is in it to help you improve. If they're arrogant and say demeaning things (even innocent-sounding ones like "Oh, that's easy!"), then you probably want to keep looking.
Lastly, be sure the tutor's schedule lines up with yours. If you're in school during the day, you need someone who can help during the afternoon and evening. Travel is also something to consider. I personally don't want to travel more than 20 miles to tutor in-person, but I'm open to online tutoring if the internet connection is there. Be sure you and your tutor can meet at the scheduled time. (Also, if they're consistently late for the appointments, that's probably a sign of lack of commitment.)
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Whenever I asked my professors questions, I put in some effort first. If I was confused about a concept, I'd ask my supplemental instructor about it,and I'd read up on the concept from my textbook (or Google) before knocking on the professor's door. If I was stuck on a specific homework problem, I would move on to the other homework problems and make sure I didn't have any other questions. Sometimes I found that working a different problem would give me enough insight to tackle the original problem, and I'd have learned on my own how to do the problem!