Andrew Smith Math Tutoring
About
My name is Andrew and I am currently a student at the George Washington University, but I will be taking a gap year during the 2016-2017 school year. I have worked for various companies and organizations over the last two years where I have tutored students in Math. One thing that makes me unique to other math tutors is that I struggled with math a majority of the time that I was in middle school and high school. This may sound like a disadvantage, but has proven to be an advantage that has distinguished me from other tutors. I understand what it is like to struggle in math, which allows me to explain math in ways that make sense to people who struggle with it.
I utilize unique teaching methods that have proven to be successful. I use direct teaching when necessary, but I generally ask my students questions that guide them to the answer. This is effective not only because it allows students to solve problems in ways that make the most sense to them, but engages students in an active thought process. These methods have helped the 100+ students that I have worked with improve their grades as well as their confidence in math.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
My typical process working with a student involves a combination of direct teaching as well as me asking them questions that will guide them to the answer. This allows students to think about problems in ways that make the most sense to them. If a student is struggling with a new concept, I make sure that they know all of the prerequisite information, then I give the general step by step process, then I give them problems that start easy and get progressively harder.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have over two years of experience teaching math to students of all different ability levels from grades 1-12. I have worked for Mathnasium and Chegg. I have also volunteered for two nonprofit organizations called 826DC and The Higher Achievement Program, in Washington DC. Between these different companies and organizations, I have helped over 100 students build a strong foundation in math and gain confidence in their problem solving abilities.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
My standard price is $15 an hour.
How did you get started teaching?
I got into teaching math by doing community service. I volunteered for non-profit organizations where I tutored students in Washington DC. I found that I was an effective math tutor and it was a fulfilling experience for me to be able to help a student succeed. After I spent a couple of years tutoring for non-profit organizations, I got a job at a math enrichment center called Mathnasium, where I continue to help students of all ages succeed in math.
What types of students have you worked with?
I am fortunate enough to have tutored students of diverse backgrounds and of different ability levels. I am proud to say that I have had success tutoring students of all different ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My most fulfilling experience as a tutor was my time tutoring a fifth grader in Washington DC. This student had previously struggled with math, and had a passionate hatred for the subject and for school in general. His mother told me that she was worried that he was not going to graduate high school. I asked the student why he didn't like math and he said that he didn't like it because it was hard and boring. After working with him for a semester, he had come to like math. I explained problems in ways that make sense to him, and I empowered him to think about problems in the way that makes the most sense to him.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a tutor in your area of expertise?
It is not enough for a tutor to know the material that he or she is teaching, or even for them to be able to effectively communicate the material in a way that makes sense to someone who does not understand it. A great tutor is someone who genuinley cares about their student's success, and is willing to go the extra mile for their students.
What questions should students think through before talking to tutors about their needs?
It is important for students to be aware about what is preventing them from understanding the concept that they are struggling with. Does the student not have the necessary prerequisite knowledge, or is the student just unsure about a certain step in a problem?