Christopher
Certified Tutor
Hi everyone. Let me introduce myself. My name is Chris Smith. I have just graduated college for the second time a little over a year ago. I have an A.S. in Computer Science and a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering along with minors in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Astrophysics. I love to talk about these subjects among others. I have taken Math courses up to Vector Calculus and enjoy teaching all mathematics. It does not matter your background or where you are from because math is universal. Numbers are the same everywhere. This helped in my university environment because the diversity of the campus was quite large. I enjoyed this because I got to meet different people. Of course, physics and engineering is always my love. Many of my colleagues got together to tackle our problems together. I have taught many people and also learned quite a bit from others. I was part of a fraternity where I was part of the scholarship committee. This means that I was in charge of my brothers grade reporting and study sessions. I lead most of these tutoring sessions, so I have many years of experience teaching. I love to do it and hope to continue it here. I have done many different levels of tutoring. I hope to be able to help anyone that wants the help and willing to learn. I believe that no matter what the problem is, together we will find the answer and be able to master any concept and be able to apply these concepts to harder problems. No matter what, there is always a way for a person to learn, and it just requires the right way of explaining it. I love finding a way because it is a challenge and I love challenges. The harder it is, the more I try and enjoy it. I hope that you will be able me useful, and please always ask questions. It is the ONLY way to learn, and I will love to help you achieve those goals!!
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Undergraduate Degree: Purdue University-Main Campus - Bachelors, Nuclear Engineering
Web Design, Gaming, Tutoring, Auto Care, Troubleshooting, Hiking, Biking, Running
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP Calculus AB
- BASIC
- College Algebra
- College Computer Science
- Competition Math
- Computer Science
- Finite Mathematics
- Geometry
- High School Computer Science
- Homework Support
- Math
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- Statistics
- Technology and Coding
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
My teaching philosophy is to go slowly through each concept and have multiple ways of explaining a concept. Everyone can learn, but it may take different ways of explaining it for an entire group to understand.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I like to get to know the student. I like to find out what they like to do. This will help in finding the best way of communicating and explaining different concepts to him/her.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I will teach them how to read a textbook and locate examples. Anyone can read, but you need to be able to understand how it is trying to say it and find other ways of having a concept spelled out for a student.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
I would stick with them and continue the same concept or type of problem until they feel comfortable. I would try something easier to ensure they get the answer to boost their self esteem, so that way, they will not just give up, but try even harder to fulfill their potential.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I would find as many ways and examples of this skill or concept in order to find a way that they could understand the basic concept. The next step would be to try to find as many problems like it, so they could practice it.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
I would go over the material with them to find what they are not understanding, and explain the material part by part to see where they are missing out, or any other problem they may have been having, and address it as they are being seen.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
You want to get to know the student and make it fun. Learning does not always have to be a "bore." You can usually find a way to get them to have a good time and learn at the same time. Make it a game if possible.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
I would break it down as much as humanly possible. The game idea would be good, because everyone loves a simple game over a boring textbook book. Examples in real life would help them understand why it is important as well.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
I would quiz them after the session on part of the material to ensure that they do understand. Going back to the games, everyone loves to win and complete the game, so you will know if they really know the material or not.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I will start small and work in to the more difficult material. When answers are correct, the normal reaction is that they are confident in the material, so it is better guaranteed if you start simple.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
You HAVE to get to know the student. If you don't know them, then you have no idea of their needs. You may have to come up with a special way of teaching to understand how to reach the student.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
I would do whatever is needed to ensure that the student gets what is needed for them to learn. You want to make sure that they are getting what the need when they need it, or it is all for naught.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
It is always good to have a lot of paper and pencils, along with a tablet or laptop to ensure that more examples can be obtained from the Internet or other sources.