Gabriel Jones Tutoring
About
I excel at adapting to different learning styles and translating confusing concepts into easy-to-understand instruction. I've spent much of my time in school and academia struggling to work with standard instruction styles, which left me feeling at a loss and fighting to concentrate through the length of a homework assignment. The discovery that I could try alternative methods--including working with tutors--was an enormous relief, and I have spent years learning how to provide that support to other people.
My favorite part of tutoring is knowing that someone understands something they didn't before, and that I was able to help them get there. It's a great feeling to help someone look at a concept in a new way or piece together a problem so that it makes sense.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I like to start by asking a new student if they have specific areas where they're having trouble, or if they're looking for a more general review, and then tailoring the session to what they want to cover. I also like to discuss what problems a student is encountering, in order to get a handle on ways to help them in the long-term. I believe that a tutor shouldn't just help for the hour or two they're in the same room--they should also provide suggestions and support for how to improve between sessions, or after the student has moved on to new things.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BA with a major in pre-medical studies, and four years of experience in college tutoring, covering everything from organic chemistry to essay and fiction writing. I've also been a teaching assistant for Anatomy, both in-class and in-lab.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
- Tutoring session (in person/over Skype): $40/hour
- Essay/fiction proofing (grammar, spelling, etc): 1 cent/word, $10 minimum
- Essay/fiction editing (structural/subject notes, line-by-line): 2 cents/word, $20 minimum
I'll edit almost any piece of writing, but I reserve the right to decline based on subject matter.
How did you get started teaching?
I got started tutoring in college as part of a work study program, and no one was more surprised than me to find that I enjoyed it! I started out tutoring psychology and branched out into other subjects over the next four years, including biology, chemistry, essay writing, and fiction writing, among others.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have worked primarily with students between 16 and 22, but I also have experience with both older and younger ages. I've also spent my life navigating academia with a learning disability (ADHD) and excel at helping others find ways to accomodate similar issues.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Regardless of subject, I would recommend looking for someone who is willing to match and work with your learning style. If you absorb information best with examples and practical walkthroughs, someone who teaches by lecture won't be nearly as helpful as someone willing to spend extra time on a subject in order to connect it to the way you think. Find someone who is willing to work with you, rather than just someone who's good at working with the subject.
For essay/fiction writing specifically, I would recommend a tutor who understands what "critique" actually means. A critique of an essay or a short piece of fiction should not just be a list of problems. A good critique should suggest ways to fix those problems, point out places where the piece works well, and be willing to ask questions to make sure your tutor is helping you develop the piece in the way you intended it.