
Matthew
Certified Tutor
Undergraduate Degree: Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelors, Aerospace Engineering
ACT Composite: 31
ACT Math: 35
ACT Science: 32
SAT Composite (1600 scale): 1430
SAT Math: 750
Avid computer gamer, backpacker, runner
College Physics
Engineering
High School Chemistry
High School Physics
MATLAB
Mechanical Engineering
SAT Subject Tests Prep
Statics and Dynamics
Technology and Coding
Thermodynamics
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Generally, in a first session, I try to familiarize myself with the student's course load and syllabus. I identify the areas where they feel they need the most help and develop a lesson plan for how we can most effectively reach their learning goals.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
The main benefit of tutoring is that it helps a student learn new ways of solving problems for themselves. An effective tutor will help target the student's critical thinking skills and help them come up with new learning strategies. Tutoring sessions by themselves aren't often long enough to cover all of the necessary topics, but they enable the student to learn on their own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I've found that many students lose motivation when they find their work to either be too challenging or not challenging enough. Lecture-style instruction is often a poor motivational tool because it is difficult for a student to find success when they aren't actively practicing their skills. It is important that the student is as involved as possible in the learning process, as interactive learning is both motivating and effective.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I try my best to identify the reasons that a student is struggling with a certain concept. Generally, students can begin to grasp tougher subjects if you are able to relate them back to skills that they have already mastered, or give them examples of practical applications.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Students with the strongest reading comprehension skills are generally the same ones who choose to read for fun in their free time. Reading comprehension is built through volume by increasing the library of examples that a student can draw from. If a student is reading a passage and they are having difficulty understanding its meaning, it is best to help them by giving them other examples that drive similar points.