Edgar
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Saint Xavier University - Bachelors, Chemistry
Graduate Degree: DePaul University - Current Grad Student, Chemistry
Yoga, Writing Music, Reading, running and research.
Algebra 3/4
Analytical Chemistry
AP Music Theory
Applied Mathematics
Bass Guitar
Biotechnology
College Chemistry
College Math
College Physics
GED Math
General Chemistry
Graduate Level Chemistry
Guitar
High School Chemistry
Honors Chemistry
Laboratory
Medicine
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office
Middle School Science
Music
Music Theory
Other
Physical Science
Quantum Mechanics
Summer
Technology and Coding
Thermochemistry
Thermodynamics
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is allowing students to become independent learners and to help students build confidence to approach problem solving, so that they are successful in their academics.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
In a first session I would ask a student how comfortable he or she is with the subject at hand and begin by going through practice problems to gauge what concepts need to be discussed.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Teaching students how to approach problems and things they should consider when setting up problems. I would also suggest students get as much practice as possible when trying to become an independent learner in a particular subject area.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
To keep students motivated I would encourage their efforts and help them to visualize how to break up complex problems into simpler tasks.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
When a student has difficulty learning a concept, I generally try to explain the concept in a different manner. I find diagrams and visuals work best for most students; however, I also encourage lots of practice in trying to apply the concept to something relevant to them.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
For students who struggle with reading comprehension, I suggest they break up the passage into sections and try to understand each individual section, then combine the sections to understand the entire passage.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I have found using lots of examples, practice problems, and visual aids to be most successful when teaching students.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
When a student is struggling in a subject I have found if you relate what they are learning to something that is significant to them, then they become more interested in the subject and become more focused.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
To ensure a student understands the material he or she learns I would start the lesson with a comprehensive problem set from the previous lesson. I would then, end the lesson with a problem set that covers what he or she should have learned during the lesson. I would also have the student try and explain how the concept is used in an application.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
When a student needs their confidence built in a subject I find that reassurance in their abilities and repeatedly encouraging them helps to build confidence. I also explain to students that lots of other people struggle with the same question(s), so they should not be discouraged.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
To evaluate a student's needs, I am attentive to how they perform during the lesson and guide the lesson to tackle the issue quickly so that it is not a lingering problem in the future.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I find that changing the approach to best fit the student's needs works best in making sure a student gets the most out of a lesson. I ask the student what confuses them about the subject to then break down the topic in a way that is best for them.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
During a tutoring session I generally use problem sets that I have developed specifically for the student. I also like to use visuals like graphs, diagrams, and models, when appropriate.