Peter
I started getting interested in Biology in the 10th or 11th grade. That was when I began to think about the world from a scientific perspective. I studied Biology at Wayne State University for five years on a presidential scholarship, for which I am eternally grateful! I minored in Chemistry after getting interested in the inner workings of organic chemistry. While going to college I earned money by tutoring classes I had already taken. I also offered "supplemental instruction" which were informal classroom question and answer sessions. I worked in a research lab after earning an undergraduate research fellowship and explored Physiology at the School of Medicine. Then went on to study Toxicology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. While there a decision appeared clear between focusing on research or teaching. I like teaching better. I truly enjoy spreading knowledge about Biology and Chemistry and finding fun ways to introduce people to these (often difficult) subjects.
Wayne State University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
SAT Math: 700
GRE Quantitative: 750
Anatomy & Physiology
College Biology
College Chemistry
Ecology
High School Biology
High School Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Life Sciences
Quantitative Reasoning
What is your teaching philosophy?
Students should be shown how to find answers on their own. If the tutor looks up information or solves a problem, they should explain what they are doing so the student can learn to do it themselves.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Taking a quick look through the course syllabus to look at the overall structure of the course, and where the student is along that path, is a great way to start. Also, looking at the types of materials the student is using.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By not just answering a student's questions, but also showing them how the tutor arrived at that answer and what resources were used, a student is better able to work things through the next time or on an exam or quiz.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Trying to relate course materials to real-world situations or relevant and recent developments motivates a student and increases interest in the subject.
