Alexander

Certified Tutor

My philosophy as a tutor has always been: if I am doing my job right, then I will not have to help my students for long. This is because my intention is to not only get my students caught up in their current class but to also prepare them for their future classes by teaching them the tools, tips, tricks, and techniques necessary for efficient learning. Many students believe that the only way to get good grades is to spend countless hours hitting the books; although, it is important to spend a good amount of time studying; more time does not always lead to better grades if that time is not spent efficiently. Tutoring is the most effective way to learn new concepts because when a student hits an obstacle and has difficulty fully understanding a concept, there is someone right there to show them the right way to think about it. This one-on-one experience is much more effective than the traditional classroom experience with a teacher that lectures to a class full of students who all have different learning styles and abilities. The personal experience allows us to remain on the same page as we go through the material to ensure that the student understands it every step of the way. When I work with students, I try my best to bring an open, warm, and friendly environment so that my students can feel comfortable to make mistakes and ask questions. This is the key to success because it points to what we need to focus on. An accurate analogy I once heard was that learning is like a puzzle, the student begins already having a few pieces in place from what they learned in the classroom, and it is my job as a tutor to recognize the blanks and provide the missing puzzle pieces so that the student can see the full picture and finally grasp the concept. My goal is to not only teach concepts to students but to also create a fundamental change in the way my students perceive their education so that they can recognize the importance of this opportunity and find the motivation within themselves to put in the work now so they can become successful later in their professional lives. Not only that, but I want my students to realize that this process can be fun and fulfilling when they see their hard work pay off. This way, after having learned all of the tools, tips, tricks, and techniques I have to offer them, they can take that knowledge and new found confidence and apply it, both in and outside the classroom.
I am currently a Chemistry major with minors in Physics and Philosophy at U of M Dearborn. I am also a member of our University's Lacrosse team. I plan on earning my Masters of Arts in Teaching as well as my Teachers Certificate so I can live my dream of being a High School Chemistry Teacher and Lacrosse Coach so I can inspire others for a living.