Alex's Private Math Tutoring
About
As someone who knows well the struggles often associated with learning mathematics, I bring empathy and understanding to the tutoring process. I seek to identify the strengths and weaknesses particular to each student, so that I may tailor lessons specifically to their needs.
While serving as a peer tutor for two years at UNC Pembroke, I tutored 70+ students in various subjects, ranging from college algebra to calculus and logic. I mostly worked with students one-on-one, supplementing their lecture material with personalized instruction and plenty of practice problems that we solved together. I would sometimes even create practice problem sets complete with problem-solving tips for them to work on and study outside of our sessions. My lessons would always stress the fundamentals, making sure that the student constructed a strong foundation for tackling more advanced and challenging problems.
I generally enjoy being a service to others, and I find that helping others understand material that was previously inaccessible or impenetrable to be among the greatest services one can perform. I like to help bolster a student's confidence, and give them the requisite tools for success and intellectual independence.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I immediately try to get an understanding of the student's skillset and how it relates to their performance and confidence in the subject. I also try to discern how well they know the fundamentals, as math is a highly comprehensive subject. Sometimes this involves simply asking some candid questions, such as "What do you struggle with the most?" or "How do you feel about this topic?" Other times, it requires more in-depth probing, such as through guided practice problems or by using a "flipped classroom" approach, wherein students generate the answers to their own questions by way of me asking them guiding questions, instead of me giving them the answers outright.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I currently possess a Masters in Physics from the University of Cincinnati, as well as a B.S. in Applied Physics and a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion from UNC Pembroke. During my education in physics, I received ample training in mathematics, and during my undergraduate years, I served as a professional peer tutor on campus to other undergraduate students. While in grad school, I taught numerous physics recitations which employed the "flipped classroom" approach to learning.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I do not. In general, I aim to be flexible with pricing.
How did you get started teaching?
I was hired by UNC Pembroke to serve as a peer tutor, based on my performance in my courses.
What types of students have you worked with?
My students have hitherto been late teens and young adults.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Think carefully about what sort of person from whom you would learn best. We do not always have the luxury of choosing our teachers, but in selecting a tutor, you generally have more of a say. Be honest with yourself: would you more fruitfully study under someone that's pretty casual, or perhaps someone that's highly regimented? Your tutor can be your ticket to improved performance in your courses, so it is something to seriously consider.