Matthew
Certified Tutor
I am studying mathematics as a graduate student at Middle Tennessee State University. I graduated from University of Florida with my BS in Mathematics. I have Pre-Calculus - Calculus III tutoring experience and have taught College Algebra. I am great at explaining complicated mathematical ideas and helping students build the tools and intuition to learn how to solve such problems.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida - Bachelors, Mathematics
Graduate Degree: Middle Tennessee State University - Current Grad Student, Mathematics
Family, math, programming, and video games.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
The main strategy that I have found to be most successful is to do a problem with a student, and then have them repeatedly do problems, helping them when they get stuck. That way, they develop intuitive insight into the nature of the problems which are being solved, which leads to a much stronger grasp of the content.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would try to relate the problems to what they are interested in.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I have them progressively do more and more difficult problems so that they develop mastery of concepts.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I build a student's confidence in a subject by telling them they're doing well or that their questions are great. I try to make sure to emphasize that asking questions is a good thing that should be encouraged.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
I evaluate a student's needs by asking them to solve a problem so I can see where they get stuck, and then I build on the issues from there.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I am a flexible person and try to adapt to a person's needs. I can relate concepts well and am able to teach using a variety of techniques.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I typically use a whiteboard if in person or a pen and paper. I use a lot of drawings and I try to get them to physically understand problems if at all possible. When tutoring online, I use a 2-way whiteboard which enables the students to see what I am writing.