What is your teaching philosophy?

I majored in engineering and minored in math. My career was in telecom/computers with extensive mathematical analytics. I tutor almost any college and high school math course. I get a thrill in watching the light turn on students' heads when they see how easy math can be once it's explained properly to them. I hear "My child has this or that learning problem..." but I've not met one yet that can't improve. I instill a lot of CONFIDENCE IN MATH in them. I've always tutored my 2 daughters and their friends for years in high school and college. I taught at private schools and college -- 5 years in math and SAT prep. I've tutored every kind of math for 8-10 years in this area also. I aced the teacher math tests and can get you through any kind of problem you may be having. I don't teach techniques but need to understand how your teacher wants you to work a problem. Believe me-- even in college, when you hit that wall and nothing seems to work, just having someone explain what you missed in the previous lessons or missed in your note taking is all it takes. I've tutored students in at least a dozen different online universities, some straight forward, some very tricky and not so easy. You really have to know the fundamentals in these online courses because they use simple trick questions a lot. I also have increased student's ACT and SAT scores significantly so they could get into the schools of their choice. This takes several sessions concentrating on some deficiencies they may have with Algebra and Geometry as well as particularly how approach SAT problems, which are nothing like homework. I have a lot of fundamental practice problems for you depending on the topic you may be weak in.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I watch you work a couple problems and can tell immediately what areas you need to strengthen, and usually have more than one method to solve a particular problem; but I want the method that you have been taught by the teacher, and then I may show you an alternative method.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

As you become more competent in working the problems and basics of that problem, you will become an independent learner. In essence I work my way out of a job.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Your motivation is to score at or above the level you want - passing, B or A, etc.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I probably back up and go over the basics or fundamentals that lead up to solving a particular problem type.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

Word problems are a big problem with many students. Understanding how to translate from English to math formulas for solving the problem is practiced until you can feel comfortable in moving on.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Listen...Watch them work a problem...Assist with similar problems to solve...Go over fundamentals and alternative solution methods...Compliment you on your success.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

Success is when you can work a problem category. If you aren't comfortable, I'll bring other techniques or problems for you to practice on until you are successful.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Each step in solving mathematical problems is analyzed and improved. If there is a problem, we'll work on each step until success is achieved.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

Success! I'll see your expression and know if you are confident. If not, this session isn't over until you are confident.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

I understand what fundamentals you need to understand math, and if you struggle, we'll work on those elements and achieve a level of success you are comfortable with.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

You have guidelines from your teacher, and I've seen every type of solution for these subjects. We'll master what you have been taught, and if you like an alternative method I may show you, then that give you more confidence.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

I want to know or have copies of what you are currently working on. Then I normally bring or have available, similar problems and solutions, with notes and techniques summarized for this assignment.