Robert
Certified Tutor
I attended the University of Massachusetts for two years, in which time I obtained a B.S. in Applied Mathematics and a B.S. in Pure Mathematics. I have been tutoring since 2008, working with students of all ages, from kindergarten to undergraduate. I am especially passionate about tutoring mathematics, given that I have a very thorough understanding of all facets of the subject, and have always been gifted at helping pass that understanding onto my students. I also tutor subject tests, such as the SAT, ACT, and AP tests, and can give my tutees a feeling of true confidence when they sit down to take those exams.
I have found that the biggest obstacle that students face is a lack of self-esteem, and approach my clients with the hope of teaching them self-assurance first, and the subject matter second. I lead my students to an understanding of their classwork by showing them that they have all of the tools for learning right in front of them, and that if they are doing the best work that they can, they have nothing to worry about. I strive to show students that they can always accomplish academic success, and give them the ability to better themselves both with my guidance and individually.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy swimming, running, traveling the developing world, and playing the guitar.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, Pure and Applied
- ACT Composite: 36
- ACT English: 35
- ACT Math: 36
- ACT Reading: 35
- ACT Science: 36
- SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1550
- SAT Math: 800
- SAT Verbal: 730
- SAT Writing: 750
Swimming, running, traveling the developing world, and playing the guitar.
- ACT Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Algebra
- Calculus
- Elementary School Math
- Math
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Writing Skills
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Reading
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- SAT Subject Test in United States History
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- SAT Writing and Language
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
Practice makes perfect.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Generally, we talk about what the student is struggling with, why they think they're struggling, and what they're hoping to accomplish. If time allows, we might do some preliminary practice problems.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By finding the aspects of learning that excite the student, we can work together to find a way to encourage them to study independently.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
The key to motivation is showing the students the results of their studying, and tracking their improvement.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Generally, with reading comprehension, the best method is to slow down and see what level they ARE capable of reading comfortably at, and then build up from there with basics of vocabulary and syntax.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Practice problems and exercises after our lessons are typically the best tools for ensuring that the student does, in fact, understand the material.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
During our first session, we will do preliminary practice problems and talk about what the student feels they are most lacking in.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I typically use whatever resources the student is comfortable working with.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Generally, practice and review of old schoolwork or test material tends to be the best way to start sessions with new students.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
When a student is struggling, the best way to engage them in the subject is to ask them to explain the problems that they are having with the subject, and ask them how they would restructure the subject's practice work if it were up to them. We then use that as a model to restructure their work.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
We work together within their strengths in the subject, focusing on the positives instead of the negatives.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Whatever the student needs to work on, that's what we work on. If they struggle with reading comprehension, we work on their vocabulary and speed of reading; if they struggle with mathematics, we do mathematics problem sets.