Patrick
Certified Tutor
I love to see the light bulb click on. When the student finally grasps, understands, and comprehends the math after so much struggle makes it rewarding for both.
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Undergraduate Degree: Youngstown State University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Graduate Degree: Nova Southeastern University - Masters, Educational Technology
music, video games, sports
- ACT Prep
- ACT Math
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP Calculus AB
- ASVAB Prep
- Basic Computer Literacy
- C
- C#
- C++
- Calculus
- Calculus 2
- Computer Science
- Discrete Math
- Finite Mathematics
- GED Prep
- GED Math
- Geometry
- HTML
- ISEE Prep
- ISEE-Lower Level Mathematics Achievement
- ISEE-Lower Level Quantitative Reasoning
- ISEE-Middle Level Mathematics Achievement
- ISEE-Middle Level Quantitative Reasoning
- ISEE-Upper Level Mathematics Achievement
- ISEE-Upper Level Quantitative Reasoning
- Java
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Excel
- Middle School Math
- Pascal
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Relational Databases
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Statistics
- Technology and Coding
- Trigonometry
- Visual Basic
What is your teaching philosophy?
Do what you must to transfer math concepts.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Start with homework... strengths and weaknesses will eventually appear.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
It depends on the student. The bottom line is that the student must practice.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
The student reveals interests and personality during tutoring, which I then use to foster motivation.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Explain it 10 different ways.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Again, it depends on the student, but drawing a picture of the situation usually helps.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
The best strategy is no strategy, because when you first begin to work with a new student, you do not know what strategies will work and which ones will not.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
Appealing to their personality and interest will help. But somewhere along the line, the practical, real-world use of the concepts must be shown.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Evaluation is done several times over the learning cycle: (1) as the lesson is taught -- "OK, try this one right now" (2) homework and independent practice (3) quizzes (4) formal tests.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
Practice, Practice, Practice.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
A student's needs also reveal themselves over time, unless explicitly stated up front.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
Explain the concept several different ways, including concretely. This requires patience.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
It depends on the lesson and the student. I've used dice, tape measures, and water balloons.