Mike's Math And Science

Mike's Math And Science

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Offers online services
New
Offers online services

About

I have a diverse background in math and science, taking high level classes in high school and college, as well as the Naval Nuclear Power Program after getting a 99 on my ASVAB. I love to teach and I can usually find several ways to explain concepts. I'll do what it takes to make sure that concepts are made clear and relateable. This helps the student find meaning in what they learn, generating a positive emotional connection to learning and move forward from struggling to a place where they are eager to be right and succeed. Challenges don't always have to cause distress, it just may take the right nudge to find their way.

I used to tutor friends and help teach as I learned throughout my years as a student, and if there's a subject I'm not familiar with I'm a quick study who's eager to understand concepts.

I took chemistry, AP chemistry (4 on AP test), honors anatomy, honors physics, AB calculus (5 on AP test) and various other higher level classes at Lakota East High School where I was raised in West Chester Ohio. The Lakota local school district has a great reputation for excellence. Before the Navy I was in college and took chemistry, biology and calculus courses.

The Naval Nuclear Power Program is a very well known rigorous program dealing with nuclear physics, chemistry, materials, fluid dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics, math, and other focuses with real life application at a high level. They have extensive testing and qualifications programs with high level math/science and you must be a sharp mind that is dedicated to succeed. I was a trained operator on a nuclear powered aircraft carrier that, with extensive training and qualifications, focused on radiological controls and water chemistry.

Since I got out of the navy, I started working at a Data Center here in northern VA in January and converted to Amazon last June. As an Engineering Operations Technician I've been trained in and work on electrical switchgear, HVAC, and various other mechanical/electrical systems.

I have gotten rid of my facebook, but my linkedin account- https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hoekstra-b1827560/


Highlights

1 employee
5 years in business
Serves Grove City , OH
Offers online services

No reviews (yet)

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Frequently asked questions

I ask a student what the curriculum has been like and if there is a syllabus to work off of, and find out their strengths, weaknesses, and current study habits (if they exist). I'll work on a "right now" study session to make sure all the concepts are hammered out, make sure they're organized, and look forward to the next meeting while I review future concepts/ subjects they will need to succeed in that class.

Chemistry, AP chemistry, anatomy, physics, AB calculus, and other college prep classes in high school with a ~3.8 GPA. In college I took more calculus, anatomy, biology, and chemistry courses. The nuclear power program was an extensive 2 years or more (overall, with A school, Power school, prototype, and shipboard qualifications) of chemistry, radiological controls, math, thermodynamics, mechanics, fluid dynamics, and other math/science related items.

I always had a head start in school because my father pushed me to succeed. Success early on breeds excitement for school and learning new things, but I loved helping my friends out to make sure they didnt fall behind, ever since I can remember. I was the nerd who helped the jocks and pretty girls in school, and even though I didnt choose teaching as a profession (monetary considerations), I did take a couple courses in college geared toward becoming a teacher (basically my minor at one point) and would continue to teach math/ science to my fellow students as I was learning alongside them. This continued into all my years in the nuclear power program and even today when new hires at Amazon come along and need to learn the business.

I've never been part of an organization that pays to tutor, but I've tutored people who dont know their times tables, to people who have a difficulty understanding english, to kids with below average testing scores, to other people in my field that just may not grasp a particular concept because there is a small misconception or the books/teachers miss the students needs.

I was helping a fellow coworker at Amazon study for his electrical operator qualification boards, and when we started discussing electrical theory, his eyes started to light up as he had just never had explanations or formal training before. I really love the moment when someone finally understands something theyve been struggling for years on.

Don't get frustrated if I speak over your head at first or say things that are unrelateable to you. I will back track and find how to relate something to you so that you will understand and find meaning in school. School can be frustrating and it isnt my intent to assume someone's level of knowledge, whether it's assuming you know something or speaking as if you dont. Learning is a process and a new person may be a bad fit but at least try to give them an honest chance.

A student should be honest with the following-

Am I taking notes and paying attention during class?

Am I asking questions and being actively engaged in the material when it is being presented to me?

Am I finding meaning in the homework that is given to me and how it relates to the end goal/curriculum?

If I have a problem, am I confident in myself to be able to eventually figure it out, even if it takes a couple times to hammer out a concept?

If I want to ask someone for help or ask a question during class, am I too worried about what other people may think of me or how I word a question?

Some of the best questions I've had were ones that my teachers and fellow students didnt understand at the time- books arent always correct and neither is your teacher. It is ok to question, as that is the foundation of science.


Services offered

Science