Derrel
Certified Tutor
I like to learn, and I am confident that I can help you learn. I hold a PhD in Computer Science and I also have a Masters in English.
I have taught first and second year Computer Science at university, along with College Freshman English.
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Undergraduate Degree: The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelors, Computer Science
Graduate Degree: University of Memphis - PHD, Computer Science
Hiking, watercolor
- Algebra
- American Literature
- AP Computer Science
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science Principles
- C
- C++
- College Computer Science
- College English
- College Level American Literature
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Programming
- Computer Science
- Computer Theory
- Concurrency
- Data Structures
- Discrete Math
- Elementary School Reading
- English
- Finite Mathematics
- High School Computer Science
- High School English
- High School Level American Literature
- HTML
- Java
- Linux
- Math
- Microsoft Office
- Operating Systems
- PC Basic Computer Skills
- Pre-Algebra
- Python
- Reading
- Technology and Coding
What is your teaching philosophy?
I have a wide background in English, Mathematics and Computer Science. This interdisciplinary experience enables me to help you tackle a wide range of problems at once. Students learn when they apply their knowledge. They learn by doing. I can help you learn to do math and computer science. And yes, you can even "do" English.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Give them enough help to get started, and then just enough encouragement to do the work on their own.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
To be motivated, a person must believe they can accomplish the goal. I can show them that it can be done.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Try to approach the question from several angles, rather than just hammering one viewpoint.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
Reading is not monolithic. To help, first identify what part of the reading process is giving trouble, and then focus efforts there.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
Something many teachers forget is to leave time and space enough for the student to work through the idea, rather than just showing the right answer and moving on.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
It depends on the student. People are motivated for different reasons. But they have to see value. Try to understand their values, and approach it from that direction.
What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?
Conversation, but practice problems are also necessary for objective evaluation.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
They will have successes. Remind them of that success.
How do you evaluate a student's needs?
First, just listen. Since they have sought out a tutor, they clearly feel they have need of improvement in some specific area.
How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?
That can only be an organic process during the back and forth of teaching.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
Get to know each other and establish a good working relationship.
What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?
Since I can cover a wide range of subjects, the materials must be similarly broad. But overall, they have materials; what is needed is personal explanation.