College Level/AP Chemistry, Calculus Tutoring, Math SAT, And College Application Advice
About
I ran optional general chemistry discussion sections at Cornell for pre-med students seeking extra help for three years. I was supervised by education PhDs at the Cornell Learning Strategies Center, where I was trained to increase student participation. These experts convinced me that lectures are virtually useless for student learning because the vast majority of people are ACTIVE learners. This means that the student needs to be participating in the conversation and the tutor needs to reduce the amount of "lecturing" they do by continually asking leading questions to the student. I have nearly 10 years of experience with this conversational method. My credentials:
1) I was the head teaching assistant at the pre-freshman summer program at Cornell University. After three years of training, the education PhDs entrusted me to supervise and train all other chemistry tutors at Cornell University.
2) Led discussion sections for dozens of pre-med/biology majors at Cornell University seeking to improve their Chemistry grades.
3) I subsequently received a PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware, where I won several teaching assistant awards, and mentoring awards for undergraduate students who worked with me in a research lab.
4) I began tutoring as a high school student, where I had one student who was a C student trying to get B's, as well as an A- student trying to improve her Math SAT scores to gain attendance to elite colleges. She attended Wesleyan.
5) I also can offer college application advice, including tips on applying for financial aid. I grew up in a working class town with few college graduates. I studied hard for the SATs and earned strong scores, including an 800 in math. I'm confident a student who wants to improve their SAT score and general college application can improve, and I would be happy to help.
I find the conversational teaching/learning process fun. It's cliche but it's true. I like people and social work.
Highlights
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I prefer to meet in a public place like the library or a college campus common area. Get to know the student's goals and what the student finds challenging about the subject.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50/hr, except the first session, which is half price.
How did you get started teaching?
High school peer tutoring, followed by tutoring and running discussions at Cornell.
What types of students have you worked with?
All skill levels of high school and college students trying to improve, from many backgrounds.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a teacher who doesn't lecture, and gets you involved. Listening isn't learning, only active learning will help you perform in a test situation when the tutor isn't next to you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are your goals? Is there anything specific you want from a tutor? What have you ever permanently learned from sitting through a lecture?