Sean: Montreal tutor
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (B.A. in Economics and in Psychology) with 5+ years of teaching and tutoring experience covering a wide range of subjects, including various standardized tests, math, writing, and literature.
During the years I spent living in Shanghai, China, I helped hundreds of Chinese and international students achieve their dreams of studying abroad by preparing them for the SAT and SSAT exams. I also served as an English language teacher in a large Chinese university and in the country's leading private language institute. Since moving back to the US, I have continued helping high school and college students conquer standardized tests including the SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT exams.
I believe that students learn differently and that everyone can achieve given the right motivation and learning environment. That's why I use my experience to best understand each student's learning style, strengths, and weaknesses and tailor an effective study program aligned with the student's needs.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy travelling, playing sports, and writing/playing music.
Connect with a tutor like Sean
Undergraduate Degree: University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Economics, Psychology
Plays a few instruments (guitar, cello, piano, clarinet), bowler and plays in a bowling league, enjoys reading when he can.
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- College Algebra
- College Geography
- Geography
- Geometry
- GMAT
- GMAT Analytical Writing Assessment
- GMAT Integrated Reasoning
- GMAT Quantitative
- GMAT Verbal
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE
- GRE Analytical Writing
- GRE Quantitative
- GRE Verbal
- High School Geography
- Math
- Middle School Math
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Writing Skills
- Quantitative Reasoning
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Reading
- SAT Writing and Language
- SSAT Prep
- SSAT- Middle Level
- SSAT- Upper Level
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that students learn differently and that everyone can achieve given the right motivation and learning environment.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session, I try to get to know the student and establish a rapport, administer some diagnostics, and set a clear study plan in line with the student's needs.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I help students become effective independent learners by providing them with the motivation and tools they need to succeed.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I help students stay motivated by linking our activities to the student's ultimate learning goals. Students are more likely to engage in learning when they understand how the lesson will ultimately benefit them.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, I would try to explain the concept in as many different ways as needed. Some students are visual learners, some auditory learners, some tactile learners, etc., so I would find try to find the best way to present the material.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Learning to read actively is key to increasing reading comprehension. Active reading - which involves strategies like summarizing the reading passage, questioning the author's purpose in presenting the material, etc. - helps readers engage more fully with the material and is useful for test taking and reading in general.