Award-Winning Test Prep & Academic Tutoring in Los Altos Hills, CA

"We took up where we left off last time and reviewed fractions. We changed complex fractions into improper fractions for the purposes of multiplying; we found common denominators for the purposes of adding and subtracting; we multiplied and divided fractions, even in the solution to a couple algebraic problems. He did a good job. He likes to do things in his head and feels that doing problems in steps means he is not very good. He takes his time on fractions so he thinks this means he is not an expert, but I want him to take his time and always do the steps in anticipation of more difficult problems in the future. In the last ten minutes I introduced some graphing to him. This allowed me to assess his knowledge. He knows the quadrants and how to graph pairs of numbers. He showed he could apply a linear equation and graph this. I found he has not been introduced to the idea of subtracting a negative or multiplying two negative numbers. He also did not understand how a larger line or a larger triangle did not affect the angle of the lines; I showed him similar triangles: those that had the same angles but were clearly bigger and smaller to help him see that angle and size are two different forms. My plan for the student is to continue to let him direct what we explore so that he is always interested in what we are doing, but also to try to push him further along towards a middle school level in whatever we are doing at the moment. At some point I will fill in the pieces of what we have not covered: I intend to move him towards a 7th grade understanding of algebra, geometry, probability, etc. We will always start at the lowest level and move upwards, and go backwards if we need to review."

"During this session, we started reviewing for the student's final. We looked over an old test on functions that she did not do very well on and talked about her mistakes and anything that she was confused about. Then we looked back over the chapter and reviewed what defines a function, how to find slope, how to write equations in slope-intercept form, and how to find an equations if you're given two points. I stressed checking her work after each question. She did well with the concepts and I felt like we made progress. "

"We continued to do practice problems solving for single variables using fractions, decimals, and distribution. The student did well."

"The student and I continued to work on the new chapter, Trigonometric Functions. We reviewed the six trigonometric functions and their identities in relation to points on the unit circle. She understands the main concepts and possesses the required skills to complete the problems. "

"Tonight was part two of trying to finish the student's new English paper. We went over the two main body paragraphs she wrote as well as worked on her third body paragraph and counter argument. She then worked on her government assignment on creating a bill which is due tomorrow. She is progressing quite well in her writing skills as she has many good points and sentences with well developed structure. "

"We worked on study strategies and time management/pacing for specific questions types. We worked through various problems and prompts. The student was able to grasp the concepts and was eager to learn. We worked on a concrete study plan for the student and assigned work sessions for the student to complete prior to my next visit. "

"The student and I discussed polynomial and exponential expressions. He improved significantly on his ability to manipulate and perform exponential operations. We went through his old quizzes, and when he went over the old material, he was able to do it correctly and quickly, which shows that he's ready for the exam. He also was pretty good at grouping for third order polynomial expressions and overall understood how to factor numbers. Overall, he improved quite well and is probably very ready to take the exam on Wednesday. "

"We studied science together which was successful. I wrote some math problems that she solved after a few simple mistakes. Next time I will be quicker to write my own problems because it's much easier to keep the student focused on individual tasks than broader topics. I will look into ways of gathering more material and keeping her engaged in studying. "

"We covered a lot of areas that are on the Calculus AB exam that include integration (definite and indefinite), differentiation, Riemann sums and the trapezoidal rule, finding limits of functions using L'Hopital's rule, etc. The student was incredibly friendly and easy to work with. I talked to him about what problems are likely to be on the AP exam as well. At this point, he is studying for the AP exam, and I'm sure if he keeps these sessions up, he will definitely pass the AP exam. "