Mark N.: Math and Science Tutor (available for Home Schooled students)

I have been involved in scientific research for 20+ years both in academia and industry. I have a PhD in Pharmacology and a BS in Biochemistry. I was an Assistant Professor at a medical college and more recently an entrepreneur in biotech startup companies.

So what you really want to know is how would I tutor? My approach to tutoring has always been to "keep it simple" and break down the concepts into small and understandable parts. I first determine where the student is in terms of understanding the subject matter and identify those areas where the student needs extra focus. I then try to use examples from the student's life to illustrate concepts (more so in math) particularly for middle school/high school students.

Something I have noticed is that students, especially middle school/high school students, are not told why they are learning something or what use does the information have in the real world. They are not told the history behind the scientific discoveries. I always try to give the student real world examples of the material they are learning and how the information they learn may be of use to them even if they are not interested in a future in math and science.

Finally, as a teacher I always felt that if a student did not understand something then I did not present the material in a clear enough manner. It is not always an issue with the student if they do not understand something they were taught at school.

Mark's Subjects

Math:	algebra 1, algebra 2, geometry, prealgebra, precalculus, SAT math, trigonometry
Science:	ACT Science, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, genetics, pharmacology, physics
English:	grammar, reading, SAT reading, writing
Test Preparation:	ACT Science, ISEE, SAT math, SAT reading
Computer:	Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word
Elementary Education:	elementary math, elementary science, grammar, reading, study skills
Business:	Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word
Corporate Training:	grammar, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word
Homeschool:	algebra 1, algebra 2, biology, chemistry, geometry, physics, prealgebra, precalculus, reading, SAT math, SAT reading, study skills, writing

Algebra 1

I am qualified to tutor in Algebra 1. I first alleviate any anxiety students may have over math. I breakdown problems into smaller, easy to understand parts. I utilize flashcards to help reinforce key concepts. Flashcards also allows for quick, daily review. My rate is flexible and I am available on weekends.

Algebra 2

I am very capable of tutoring in Algebra 2. It seems that many students these days have the most difficulty with math. I think this in part do the lack of pattern recognition (that is, the student sees every problem has new instead of variations on similar concepts).

Biology

As a scientist, I am capable of tutoring in biology, and I love sharing my knowledge with my students.

Chemistry

Being a scientist I enjoy sharing my passion for science with my students. I give students real world applications for the material they are learning. My approach to teaching chemistry is to breakdown the concepts into smaller, easier to understand parts. I develop flashcards with the students to aid in the learning process.

Geometry

I am most capable of tutoring in geometry. Students seem to have the most difficulty in math as compared to other subjects. When working with student,s I try to reduce their anxiety towards math and show the logic behind math. To make it easier for the student I break down key concepts into smaller parts. I develop flashcards with the student to help them quickly review the material in an easy to access manner. My rates are flexible and I am available on the weekends.

Prealgebra

I am capable of tutoring in Prealgebra. I understand that many students have a certain anxiety when it comes to math. I try to reduce their anxiety by breaking down problems into smaller parts. I show them the logic and elegance of math and how one can always check to see if their answer is correct (the beauty of mathematics).

Precalculus

I am most capable of tutoring in precalculus. I find many students have a certain apprehension towards math. I try to reduce any anxiety they have by breaking down problems into smaller parts. I find that developing flashcards with my students helps them to quickly review the key concepts on a regular basis. My rate is flexible and I am available on weekends.

Trigonometry

I am most capable of tutoring in Trigonometry. I break down the concepts into smaller parts. I like to use repetition, key phrases and mnemonics to help my students remember the concepts. For example, to remember the relationship of the sides of a right triangle and the functions sine, cosine, tangent: Oscar Had A Headache Over Algebra (sine=Opposite/Hypotenuse, cosine=Adjacent/Hypotenuse, tangent=Opposite/Adjacent). I make flashcards for the students. I have found that this helps the students... Read More

Study Skills

I have BS and Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and Pharmacology. I was an assistant professor for five years. Over this time I developed study skills allowing me to successfully complete my studies and to use these skills in teaching. In my present role as tutor I have already given my students study and test taking tips. For example, I have shown them how to write and use flash cards. I have also taught my students to see repetition/overlap in their course material as a tool to learn and retain... Read More

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Undergrad, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio (CWRU) Graduate, PhD, SUNY Buffalo

Great tutor! — Mark has been working with my son now for about a month in chemistry. He has helped tremendously. He is very patient and VERY informative. It has really helped. I highly recommend him in this subject.

— Vicki from Glendale, CA

More Student Reviews »

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $50.00

With Prepaid Discount: $42.50 - $47.50

Save up to 15%

Cancellation: 8 hours notice required

You don't pay until after your tutoring and there are no hidden fees or charges. The price you see here is the price you pay.

Your first hour with any tutor is always 100% refundable. You must be completely satisfied or we will gladly issue you an instant refund.

Travel Policy

Mark will travel within 20 miles of Pasadena, CA 91104.

Email Mark

Send Mark a message about your needs and you will receive a response to the email address entered below.

Message

Tutoring Subject (ex: algebra, chemistry)

First Name

Last Name

Email Address

Confirm Email

Zip Code

Phone Number (optional) ( ) -

Have other tutors contact me

I have read and agree to the terms of use.

Please indicate that you agree to the WyzAnt terms of use.

Credit	For Only	You Save
$200 - $399	$190 - $379	5%
$400 - $999	$360 - $899	10%
$1,000 +	$850 +	15%

Mark N.