Alex
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Stony Brook University - Building Engineer, Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Degree: Stony Brook University - Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering
I am very dedicated to my Tai Chi martial arts practice. I am a retired Ultimate Frisbee player that still plays for fun every now and then. I dabble in playing the guitar and piano.
College Physics
High School Physics
Mechanical Engineering
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that my role as a teacher is to create a spark and fan the flame for the student. I cater my explanations to each student to resonate with their particular interests and aim to inspire within them a passion for learning that I hope will stick with them for the rest of their lives.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I like to get to know the individual that I am working with. The better I understand the student, the better I can personally tailor my instruction in a way that resonates more strongly with them.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Mainly, I can encourage them to help them find their true potential. Once they believe in themselves and their own abilities, there is no stopping them. In addition, I can help them focus on the most important aspects of the subject so they can take an efficient and effective approach to tackling a subject.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Each student is different and has their own struggles. Appreciating them for their individuality and connecting with them on a personal level is the best way to encourage them in a genuine fashion.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
If I am having trouble going through the front door, I will try the back door, or the side window. Everybody learns differently. By approaching the issue from multiple angles, I have the best chance of reaching them in a way they can best understand.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I try to relate the subject they are struggling with to something in which they are already interested. This way, they can bring passions that they already have and use them to tackle something that they may be less interested in.