Dylan: Stirling tutor
Certified Tutor
I have a BSE in Mechanical Engineering with minors in Mathematics and Chemistry from Northern Arizona University. I have tutored for my university and privately for the better part of 6 years. During this time I have tutored students from middle school entry level algebra to adults in college taking linear algebra. I emphasize learning and understanding base concepts over memorization. I have extensive math background which lets me better explain, in multiple ways, most math concepts.
I primarily tutor math from algebra through calculus.
My tutoring philosophy is that students learn and do best when they understand their assigned material. While getting full credit on assignments is important, it is more important a student knows the material and can get excellent scores on quizzes and tests.
I am a diversified person outside of my career search and tutoring time. I paintball, enjoy hiking, take part in Spartan Races, and play video games with my friends.
I look forward to meeting and helping you with whatever subject I can!
Connect with a tutor like Dylan
Undergraduate Degree: Northern Arizona University - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Videogames, Paintball, Hiking, Martial Arts
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- College Algebra
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pre-Algebra
- Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in students learning and understanding concepts to get the "right answer," and more importantly to be able to use and connect theories to other subjects and ultimately succeed in their education.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I will spend a little time relationship building by introducing myself and talking a little about my school background, while also asking the student about their interests, weak points, and skills. After that I would figure out how to best help you understand your material you need help with.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Hands on practice is the best way to reinforce a subject, skill, or concept.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Leading questions, connecting material to real life subjects, connecting material to future related education options.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Explain and connect the subject material to something the student is already passionate about.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Leading questions tell if the student knows how to go through the thought process of the material; I ask the student to explain/summarize the material to me after completing the exercise.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Explain to the student that part of the learning process is getting some problems wrong. Through this process and frustration comes skill and ability. Gentle encouragement paired with the above helps most students gain in confidence.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Discuss with the student issues they are having with material and find out their learning needs. These two things dictate how I approach a student's tutoring needs.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I alter speaking style, vocabulary, teaching methods, encouragement tools, leading question types, etc. to adapt to the student's needs.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I generally use a whiteboard for tutoring sessions.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Have the student do the work while I help them achieve their goals by assuring they have the knowledge and ability to do well in their course.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Keeping students engaged is often accomplished by keeping the student working on the task at hand. If the student is unmotivated sometimes it can be best solved by talking about how the subject connects with the students interests.