Joel

Certified Tutor

I am currently an undergraduate student at Cornell University. I intend to major in physics and either minor or double major in computer science.
In the past, I have tutored middle school and high school students, mostly in mathematics, but I also helped with middle school science and English as well as ACT preparation. I look forward to tutoring students in computer science, especially object-oriented programming; mathematics, from middle school mathematics to multivariable calculus and differential equations; preparation for the ACT, SAT, and AP tests; and topics in literature and history. My favorite subject to tutor is probably calculus because calculus really opens students' options for further exploration in math, science, economics, and pretty much every other STEM field.
When it comes to tutoring, I believe that in order to give useful feedback to a student I need to observe and listen to them just as much they need to listen to me. Only then can I see what they need help understanding and how best to approach explaining it to them by building on their strengths. I think it's important to allow students time to think about problems and try to approach them on their own before giving them guidance so that they can develop confidence in their own ability to approach similar challenges independently.
I have many hobbies outside of my academic pursuits. I enjoy reading a variety of genres especially science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction, and all sorts of non-fiction. I sometimes try my hand at writing short stories or poetry. I also frequently play musical instruments and listen to music. I play the guitar, mandolin, and trumpet and sometimes the keyboards or bass guitar. My favorite genres to listen to are jazz, progressive rock, folk, classic rock, and classical music. Some of my favorite bands and composers are King Crimson, Pink Floyd, Yes, Sun Ra, Miles Davis, Paul Simon, Led Zeppelin, and many others.