Michael: Leeds tutor
Certified Tutor
My goal is to help make things accessible for the student. I want to show the student how to develop a process-based approach to problems, adapting to the student's particular needs.
I specialize in SAT and ACT test prep. My students have seen immense leaps in their scores. On average, my students' SAT scores increase by 200 points (equivalent to 6 points on the ACT). I even had one student increase her score by 350 points, achieving a 1560!
I have extensive experience tutoring the following academic subjects: Algebra 1 and 2, Trigonometry, Geometry, Calculus (AP and IB), Physics (AP and IB), Chemistry (AP and IB), Statistics (AP), Java programming, and chess (1850 elo).
My hobbies include video and tabletop gaming, indoor rock climbing, and watching Star Trek with my wife and two cats.
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Florida - Bachelor of Fine Arts, Directing and Theatrical Production
Undergraduate Degree: Arizona State University - Current Undergrad Student, Computer Science
- SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1540
- SAT Math: 800
- SAT Verbal: 700
- SAT Writing: 750
Gaming, programming
- ACT Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- ACT Writing
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Calculus BC
- AP Physics 1
- AP Physics 2
- AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
- AP Physics C: Mechanics
- AP Statistics
- C
- C++
- Calculus 2
- College Algebra
- College Computer Science
- College Physics
- Competition Math
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- CSS
- Data Structures
- Discrete Math
- Geometry
- High School Computer Science
- High School Physics
- HTML
- IB Computer Science
- IB Further Mathematics
- IB Information Technology in a Global Society
- IB Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches
- IB Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation
- IB Physics
- IB Theory of Knowledge
- Java
- Math
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- PC Basic Computer Skills
- Physics
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Probability
- PSAT Prep
- PSAT Critical Reading
- PSAT Mathematics
- PSAT Writing Skills
- Ruby
- Ruby on Rails
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Reading
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Science
- Software
- Software Engineering
- SQL
- Statistics
- Technology and Coding
- Test Prep
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that the best learning takes place when the student is excited to learn. I want to help my students get excited about the material by helping them to approach it in a way that is fun and interesting to them.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would get to know the student by asking them about their interests and hobbies. I would use my knowledge about the student's interests to help them approach difficult material in a way that makes sense to them.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Process trumps product. A student can achieve anything when they can figure out the process on their own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
The key is to find the approach that works for the particular student. If something isn't working, we need to find a different approach.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Break. It. Down!
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
If the material doesn't excite the student, I'll ask them what does. Then, together, we can find a way to connect the two.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
First, I'll explain the material. Then, I'll have the student watch me solve another problem. Next, I'll help the student another problem. Finally, I'll watch the student solve a problem.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Confidence is all about letting go of past frustration and focusing on current and future successes.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
Getting to know the student is key. Through conversation and observation, I'll discover what each student need to be successful.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Some students might need to watch me solve a problem and others might need a visual aid. I'll work with students in a way that works for them.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I think that process is the most important thing to emphasize when working with students. Sometimes something seems easy when the tutor is with you, but what about during a testing environment? Developing a disciplined problem-solving process will make tests a breeze!
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
I usually try to make a drawing of a problem so that the student can see what the equations we're writing mean in the real world. Connecting the math to their application helps cement an understanding of the concepts.