Alexander: Lower East Side tutor
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate student at UNC pursuing my PhD in Physics. I received my Bachelors of Science in Physics with a minor in Mathematics at Augusta University.
Previous to my collegiate education, I was a member of the US Navy where I was an aircraft stuctural mechanic. During my time as a military member, I trained a large number of people on the proper ways to repair aircraft as well as providing support in the form of tutoring for math and science exams.
Since my separation from the Navy, I have been tutoring people and providing supplemental instruction to students of the university level. I have done this about 20 hours per week for the entire duration of my undergraduate career. Additionally, now as a graduate student at UNC, I have also acted as a TA where I've taught labs and helped people get through exams and homeworks by teaching them the concepts of the material.
My preferred teaching method is to get an understanding of what the student doesn't understand by having them walk me through their problems, taking note on where they struggle. Once this is performed, I like to explain the concepts in different ways depending on the students learning style - some students are more visual whereas some are more hands on. Once the student believes they have the idea, we will do a round of practice problems to solidify this knowledge and recheck to see if any other issues remain.
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Undergraduate Degree: Augusta University - Bachelors, Physics
Graduate Degree: UNC Chapel Hill - PHD, Physics
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- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP Physics 1
- Calculus
- Calculus 2
- College Physics
- Geometry
- Graduate Test Prep
- GRE Quantitative
- High School Physics
- Math
- Physics
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Science
What is your teaching philosophy?
Ask questions of the students, see how they think and approach problems, and afterwards, attempt to provide correction and examples in a similar manner to their thought process.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
After introductions, ask if there is any particular problems they are having. Problem solving, concepts they are having struggles grasping, what they expect of me, etc. I will address how we will tackle their problems. Have them explain what they do understand, and go from there.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Remind them that there is purpose to the class/exam that they are taking and explain how it impacts their life. Provide more interest to the subject by showing real-life examples.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Go over more problems. If it is a concept that after initial explanation they don't understand, provide more real-world examples such as a hands-on approach.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Have them actually explain to me what they understand is going on with the problem. Simply having them verbally explain the issue and what they do know tends to allow them to think deeper about it and gives rise to finding the solution on their own.