All of
Kevin’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Kevin’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
American History
American history is my strongest subject, both in terms of subject understanding and research. Political and diplomatic history are my best areas of American history, but I am very good in other areas.
I am superb in research in both primary and secondary sources. Primary sources include government documents and legal materials, such as the Congressional Record, volumes with federal court decisions, and volumes with treaties. I also know how to put together a report, including appendices, footnotes, and bibliographies.
I would be extremely helpful for both advanced placement and regular middle school and high school students. I can also help elementary students, though I recognize that I would need to teach at a slower and less difficult pace than at the middle school or high school levels.
English
I am extremely proficient in good English writing and comprehension, such as the standard five-paragraph essay. I am a very good speller, and am very good with grammar and punctuation.
ESL/ESOL
In working with an ESL/ESOL student, I use several methods.
Vocabulary is a major part. I would have a student create vocabulary lists with the help of a dictionary and thesaurus.
I also emphasize sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.
I further use books with both words and pictures so that the student can visualize the meanings of the words. In fact, looking at objects inside and outside the student's home also helps him or her visualize word meanings. Finally, I have a student practice writing sentences and paragraphs, with an emphasis on outlining, topic sentences, transistion sentences, and parts of speech.
Underlining all of this is the fact that I am very patient and am a good listener.
European History
I am strong in European history, both in terms of subject understanding and research. Political and diplomatic history are my best areas of European history, but I am very good in other areas.
I am superb in research in both primary and secondary sources. I also know how to put together a report, including appendices, footnotes, and bibliographies.
I would be extremely helpful for both advanced placement and regular middle school and high school students. I can also help elementary students, though I recognize that I would need to teach at a slower and less difficult pace than at the middle school or high school levels.
Government & Politics
I am quite proficient in American government and politics. I know the structure of government, including the branches of government and how they operate. For example, I know the bill-making process.
I have long been very familiar with the political process. I know how to contact government officials at all levels, and where their offices are located.
I am familiar with how to do research in this subject, including where to find information both in academic libraries and on the websites of government officials.
I have been politically active for many years, so I know who to contact for information.
Grammar
My grammar skills have been proven in my own writing activities. I have had articles and book reviews published. When I proofread my work, I make sure that there are no mistakes, and this is shown in my publications. Proper word usage is part of my skill.
Literature
I have been reading all of my life. A study of literature requires comprehension, summarizing, and explaining what is read. I have had these skills for many years, and can apply them to all kinds of literature.
Proofreading
I have a strong eye for detail, and can easily catch mistakes. I proceed carefully and slow enough, meaning that I do not rush through a proofreading activity.
Reading
I have been doing much reading all of my life. Comprehension of what I read is one of my skills. I am also very good at pronunciation. Summarizing and explaining written material are other skills that I have had for many years.
Social Studies
I am skilled in various social studies skills. In geography, I am good at using map skills, such as locating places on maps.
I know the difference between physical and cultural geography. Physical geography involves concepts from geology. Cultural geography involves different cultures from around the world, including such things as government, language, the arts, and literature.
I am very capable when it comes to research and writing about different cultures, elements of physical geography, history, government, and anthropology. Organizing research papers on these topics is part of my skills. I have done this many times for my own purposes.
I hold an A. A. in history, a B. A. in history, and an M. A. in social science. My M. A. is in history and political science. I also took geography and anthropology classes during my years in college.
I have had articles and book reviews published in a magazine and a scholarly journal.
Vocabulary
I have a large vocabulary in the English language. I also am quite familiar with both the dictionary and the thesaurus.
I believe in a variety of words rather than using the same word over and over in an essay or a paper.
World History
I am strong in world history, both in terms of subject understanding and research.
Writing
My writing skills are superb. I have had articles and book reviews published. I know how to build a paragraph and an essay. I am an excellent speller. I know how to organize thoughts and information into a comprehensible essay or paper.