Kevin: Essex County tutor
Certified Tutor
I'm a 25 year old Computer Information Systems student at the University of Houston. I have a passion for learning, and I think it's one of the traits that makes us human. I enjoy biking, programming, reading, video games, and doing what I can to make the world a better place. I've been told that I'm pretty intelligent by most people I know, and I always do my best to be a patient teacher/mentor in all situations. I wasn't always the fastest learner and know what it's like to not understand something. Sometimes we need a little push in the right direction, which is why I'm here.
I'm thoroughly excited to have the opportunity to work with people who have a true desire to better themselves. Let's learn.
Connect with a tutor like Kevin
Undergraduate Degree: University of Houston - Bachelors, Computer Science
Biking, Programming, App Development, Video Games
- C++
- College Computer Science
- Computer Science
- High School Computer Science
- Other
- Psychology
- Python
- Social Sciences
- Spanish
- Summer
- Technology and Coding
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Try to gauge the type of student I'm working with and assess their knowledge of the particular subject.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
You've got to be patient with someone trying to learn - the worst thing a teacher can do is get frustrated. Positive reinforcement and inspiration is key.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Pause. We've got to make sure not neither the student or mentor are getting discouraged or frustrated. We'll then come back and analyze the problem step by step until it starts making more sense. Then we'll do some more practice until it finally clicks.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading is an amazing skill because it allows us the opportunity to explore different worlds. I'd probably share some of my favorite stories or have them verbally tell me a story of their own creation. Then we'd go over it all. Reading is fun and it grants you a gateway to the Universe! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Lessons have to be interesting. If you lose your students' interest you've lost the purpose of the lesson. The world is an amazing place. Teach about first hand, tactile, experiences, and do your best to inspire the student's own inner curiosity. That's your only job as a mentor.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Make it fun! Make it real. The rest they do themselves.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Review works best and, ultimately, will be similar to how their actual tests will be. The best way to learn something is to create using your knowledge and teach others.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Start off small and allow them to grow beyond their expectations without them realizing it. Once you make them realize that it's all possible, you've given them the confidence they need to achieve whatever they set their minds to.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
It's an imperfect practice, but you can tell a lot from someone just by talking to them and asking questions.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
You adapt every situation and interaction to the unique personalities surrounding you. You just have to be able to empathize- something I consider myself exceptionally good at.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Videos are useful, books can be as well, example problems and mini-projects that make learning fun as well.
What is your teaching philosophy?
The world and universe is an amazingly interesting place. Learning comes naturally to us - even though sometimes we stumble and find ourselves discouraged. It's at those moments of hesitation and uncertainty when you need a mentor to come along and nudge you in the right direction - which is why I'm here. I want you to succeed and better yourself as a human being.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
You just have to spark the innate curiosity of anyone trying to learn - once you do this nothing can stop someone from absorbing information, like I said, it comes naturally to us. We start by building confidence and learning basics, then we open our eyes to the wonders of the world around us. Pretty soon we're drinking in all the knowledge we can.