Tom
Certified Tutor
I am a Professional Engineer with degrees in Mechanical and electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh along with an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. My professional career assignments include product development, engineering and operations management. I also have approximately 12 years as adjunct faculty teaching graduate students for the University of Phoenix in the areas of statistics, project management, quality systems, SPC and mathematics.
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Undergraduate Degree: Pittsburg State University - Bachelors, engineering
Graduate Degree: Carnegie Mellon University - Masters, MBA
guitar, making classic cars go fast
- Algebra
- Discrete Math
- Electrical Engineering
- Engineering
- Finite Mathematics
- Math
- Mechanical Engineering
- Pre-Algebra
- Science
- Statics
- Statistics Graduate Level
- Structural Engineering
What is your teaching philosophy?
I have 12 years of teaching experience. I boil down and distribute the most salient aspects of the subject material. I stress situations as to why the material is relevant to their educational and career goals. I require student interaction and feedback.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In my first session I inquire as to the student's prior educational and or work experience and what their ultimate goals are, explain the intent of the course and what my expectations are for successful completion of the course are.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I don't give them the answers; I tell them how to determine the answers.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Keep the material relevant to real world situation with examples. Tell them why this knowledge will differentiate them from others.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Use one-on-one discussions and bring the concept into their current situation.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Recommend additional training specifically aimed at improving those skills.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Direct engagement; a two-way dialog that develops a level of trust and communication.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Bring the material down to the fundamentals and show them that they do have the capabilities. Motivate with success.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Testing obviously, but prior to that a back and forth dialog. I ask as many questions as I answer.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Make sure they have the knowledge and tools to address the material from the bottom up.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
This is eluded to by the manner and caliber of their response to direct questioning.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Determine what the needs are and address them first.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I generate a document with a high-level outline of the material, and leave plenty of space between bullet items. I have them fill in the details. I also distribute a Word or PowerPoint document for a permanent record.