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About
Over five years experience tutoring high school and undergraduate math, chemistry, and physics. Proud to provide clear, comprehensible lessons at each student's level of expertise without sacrificing rigor or leaving holes in arguments.
2022 PhD candidate. 2021 BS Chemistry, magna cum laude; all-campus award winner for physics; proficiency in both applied and abstract mathematics, including core abstract algebra, topology, and analysis.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/makowski-joseph/
I enjoy helping enthusiastic students learn to use quantitative reasoning to enjoy the full beauty and elegance of math and physical sciences.
Details
Grade level
Middle school, High school, College / graduate school, Adult learner
Type of math
Pre-algebra, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-calculus, Calculus, Statistics
Reviews
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carlan G.
Joe does a fantastic job translating complex information into understandable language. For example, I struggled with generating appropriate costs functions to generate accurate mathematical models of systems. Joe was able to simplify the idea of modeling optimization into a very intuitive concept of error minimization in an iterative process. My projects ended up being some of the best in the class and my understanding of the concept impressed my professor.
February 09, 2024
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sidharth Y.
Mr. Joseph is a really great teacher and knows a lot about the fields of math and science and is very helpful and supportive.
February 08, 2024
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george C.
Great guy. Patient with students like me but effective at teaching you the subject you need help with. I would NOT have gotten a 5 on my AP Calc BC exam if it weren’t for Joe.
February 08, 2024
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Geoffrey F.
Provided understanding about a troublesome real analysis question.
May 17, 2021
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Generally, I seek information about each new student's goals and any time constraints so we can make a "SMART plan" (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound) to maximize the student's chance of succeeding. For instance, if a student is preparing for an exam, I will work with the student to establish a plan for reviewing all relevant topics by the test date, ideally leaving time to spare to focus in on any remaining areas of confusion.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am currently a PhD candidate with research interests in computational chemistry. I graduated from Bethany College in 2021 with a BS in Chemistry and minors in mathematics and theoretical physics, where I tutored other undergraduates in math, physics, and chemistry. I am currently pursuing an advanced certificate of university teaching in addition to the requirements of my PhD.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$35/hour for one-on-one lessons, assistance reviewing assignments, help with coursework, preparing for exams, etc. Rates may vary for lessons requiring more substantial preparation. I am open to negotiating a lower rate for students interested in meeting regularly for longer periods of time.
How did you get started teaching?
I started teaching math and science while working on my bachlor's degree, where I worked for three years as a math, chemistry, and physics tutor. My earliest teaching experience was in high school, where I taught chess lessons to elementary school students and at community events.
What types of students have you worked with?
I worked with hundreds of undergraduates, both STEM and non-STEM majors, while I was in college. Since graduating and starting my PhD, I have mostly tutored middle school or high school students, but I still enjoy tutoring undergraduate college math or physics students to help me keep sharp in those subjects. I have also taught several hundred students in organic chemistry labs since starting graduate school.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you struggle (or get bored) with the way math or science is taught in school, you may benefit from a new perspective on the subject. Unlike most tutors, my approach is informed by experience gained from applying math and science to the cutting edge of research.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Do you actually have a question for your teacher? In other words, if you are having difficulty understanding something, do you know what specifically is confusing you? This kind of reflection will not only help your teacher answer your questions; it will also help you become a better independent learner and find the answers to your own questions!
(e.g., "I don't get this" versus "When I'm asked to convert this equation into slope-intercept form, I get stuck at finding the y-intercept. Can you help me understand what I need to do?")
Services offered
Math
Science
Test Prep Tutoring