Certified Tutors From William Peace University

We covered the file folder convention as we created folders for him on the computer in preparation for his "Portfolio" project. I had him begin some required documents and showed him how to use PowerPoint slides for title pages. I had him create a required outline based on what we created. We also began an extra credit assignment involving memorization of 3 essay forms. He began to hand write the first essay outline (a requirement), Fiction Narrative, and I used the story of Jack and Jill as a memory technique for him. I also gave him a sample of a smaller portion of the outline on an index card so he could break down some of the longer essay formats into easier chunks for memorization. He struggles with organization, but once he set up file folders and created documents, he seemed excited to get started and when I left he was still working on his project. I told him he needed to plan his time for this project and waiting even a week before it was due would not allow him enough time to complete it. I reminded him of a book I had mentioned the first session, called "Bird by Bird," which basically has a story about a young boy who is overwhelmed by a report he had to do on birds. His father said not to think of ALL the birds but just to begin writing "bird by bird." He seems less anxious about assignments when I mention this to him and his enthusiasm is visible once I get him started and organized.

During this session we went over precalculus, chemistry, and Spanish. For PreCalc, we went over questions on the three variable system of equations. We went over a question on combustion for chemistry. We also reviewed questions for the student's oral exam in Spanish.

The student showed drastic improvement in her algebra skills from the last session. I was thrilled to see her solve problems on her own and correctly utilize the methods for solving quadratic inequalities. She has obviously worked hard and practiced, and it is starting to show. Her mathematical skills and confidence are now catching up with her strong conceptual instincts, and she is becoming more fluent in the material.

The student and I went over inverse and direct variations again, as well as other miscellaneous homework problems including his POW. He needed help with identifying inverse and direct variations from word problems. We did a lot of practice problems and we talked more about them. His attitude was good. We will continue to do work and prepare for any incoming tests. If need be, I can give him additional explanations of what they cover in class.

We reviewed double angle, half angle, and power reducing formulas in preparation for the student's quiz Tuesday. I think she has a strong understanding; she just needs to make sure she reviews the formulas before the quiz. She does a great job at asking specific and important questions.

The student and I worked on review of homework for Chapter 2 (incorrect answers). He made ~86% on this assignment, which is great! We looked over chapter 3 about atomic masses, mole, molar mass, and conceptual problem solving. He should review the polyatomic ions some more from chapter 2 (names, formulas, and charges). He is progressing very well!