Thao: St. Charles tutor
Certified Tutor
After years of tutoring math and chemistry at Hillsborough Community College and as a private tutor, I found my deep passion in helping students to excel in school and achieve their academic goals. I really look forward to sharing this passion with Varsity Tutors.
I have more than 2 years of experience working as a math and science tutor in one-on-one or in group settings. By creating a stimulating and friendly environment, I not only engage students in active learning, but also help students reduce the stress that are related to school. With a strong interpersonal skill and an understanding of diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, I can relate myself to each individual's weakness and strength in order to effectively help students thrive in their academic performance.
Having been through the challenging environment of schoolwork myself and with a strong desire to help other students to overcome their own challenges, I strongly believe I have all it takes to be a great tutor
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Undergraduate Degree: University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelors, Biomedical Science
Hiking, biking, traveling
What is your teaching philosophy?
Having tutored for more than three years at a community college and as a private tutor, I have developed an excellent ability to explain math by simple analogy that makes math easier for students to understand the concepts. When working with students, I recognize and encourage their strength to build up their confidence in solving math. With the concepts they are not good at, I provide them with simple examples to help them relate what they already knew with what they are learning, which in turn helps them understand and remember the new concepts. And the student's smile after being able to solve a math problem is an invaluable reward that motivates me to be a better tutor every day.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would greet them friendly and ask how he/she is doing, what is his/her favorite subjects, and what he/she likes or does not like about doing math. I would create a comfortable environment for the students to freely express their opinion and feel confident about solving math.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I encourage students to try their best to figure out a problem on their own by asking how they would approach and solve that problem. And whenever they can't solve it, I will give them hints to boost their confidence and not give up.