Christopher: Brookfield tutor
Certified Tutor
I graduated from Drew University in May 2013 earning a Bachelor of Arts with a major in physics and minor in mathematics. I was a member of both the physics honors society, Sigma Pi Sigma, and the mathematics honors society, Pi Mu Epsilon. My accomplishments include being the inaugural recipient of the Robert L. Fenstermacher Summer Research Fellowship-2012, earning the Novartis Science Award in Physics-2012, and was awarded the Arnold S. Boxer Memorial Prize in Physics-2013. My research fellowship focused on utilizing Raman spectroscopy as a tool for determining pollutants in water samples. During college, I taught two weekly review sessions for the introductory physics classes. The first session was for the calculus-based introductory mechanics and electromagnetism courses while the second was for a conceptual physics course aimed towards non-science students. These sessions were a highlight of my college career and taught me a variety of teaching strategies. I learned to relate physics principles to the students everyday lives while still communicating the elegant mathematics behind the physical world. Mathematics and physics are difficult subjects but I believe anyone can understand them with a little work. There is no more satisfying feeling than comprehending a new equation or principle for the first time. In my free time I enjoy fishing, reading, weightlifting, and spending time on the beach. I am an aspiring Medical Physicist and will be attending a PhD program in Fall 2016.
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Undergraduate Degree: Drew University - Bachelor in Arts, Physics
Fishing, reading, weightlifting, swimming
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- College Algebra
- College Physics
- High School Physics
- Math
- Physics
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Science
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
Mathematics and physics are the language of our universe. Anyone is able to comprehend these subjects; they just need to learn the translations.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would learn about the student - who they are, and who they aspire to be. I would find out their strengths and weaknesses and modify my teaching style in accordance with these.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Mathematical techniques can be viewed as tools; as you practice them you'll start to fill your toolbox and eventually be able to build anything. I would stress to the student how important it is to focus on the big picture when solving a problem. Practice enough problems, and they will start to see patterns. I do not teach them to memorize a bunch of different equations, but instead, I explain how to recognize a type of problem and then employ their tools accordingly. This enables a student to fearlessly approach any problem with confidence.