World traveler, businessman, college instructor and tutor

I have been tutoring all of my life. I started out in high school where I was the Latin reader for our one teacher of Latin. Upon entering college, my first job was as a peer counselor and tutor in Monterey Peninsula College's Equal Opportunity program. Later, after completing my BA in Chinese Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies, I became the coordinator of the Learning Center at Monterey Peninsula College. Within one year our program had over 1,000 students enrolled and I had a tutoring staff of approximately 30 students working with me tutoring most subject content, learning skills, language and math skills as well as specifically designed programs of instruction.

As time passed, I became credentialed as a community college instructor in California. Eventually, I also taught English as a second language to newly arriving students from Cuba, Central and South America for Miami City College. Over the years I have also done a considerable amount of private tutoring in French. I attended the L'Universite d'Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, France, for one semester. Nearer the end of my professional career I was a partner in a French company based in Paris, France, for eight years.

My method of instruction and tutoring is very much based on a European model, while at the same time incorporating the technological innovations of American instruction. Aside from my formal educational background, I have lived and worked to varying degrees in approximately sixty-five countries worldwide. From Paris I managed international sales as well as financing projects throughout Europe, Russia, China, the Caribbean and South America. I also was part owner of a joint venture in Venezuela. All of this exposure to languages, cultures and travel has given me a deep understanding and respect for students all over the world regardless of their sex, religion, social class or limitations. My desire as a tutor is to open windows of opportunity for all students so that they may achieve their personal dreams.

David's Subjects

Science:	psychology
English:	English, grammar, literature, proofreading, reading, vocabulary, writing
Language:	Chinese
History:	American history, classics, European history, geography, world history
Elementary Education:	grammar, reading, study skills, vocabulary
Corporate Training:	Chinese, grammar, proofreading
Homeschool:	English, reading, study skills, writing

American History

I had a strong history minor from high school throughout college. American history is of particular interest to me, especially the early days of settlement and the process of gaining independence from England. I am also certified in European history which is essential to the understanding of the growth of America from independence up to and including today. History is fascinating to me and I believe I do a good job of instilling the same enthusiasm with my students.

Vocabulary

I have always had a very strong knowledge of English vocabulary. My Latin studies in High School deserve most of the credit. I have also taken a course in Greek, two years of German, five years of French and a couple of courses in Spanish. Exposure to other languages certainly adds vocabulary knowledge of English which has absorbed so many other languages in its evolution. And, last but not least, I always use a dictionary and a thesaurus!

Grammar

An understanding of English grammar demands, first of all, on the basics of the structure of English followed by a never-end review of acceptable usage. English is filled with exceptions. Of the Western European languages, it is very imprecise. Because English has drawn from so many linguistic sources, it is composed of bits and pieces of French, German, Latin and old English. They only real way to understand the evolution of the grammar is to understand some of the history of its contributing... Read More

European History

I have attended numerous European History courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. I also attended courses at L' Universite d'Aix-Marseille in Aix-en-Provence, France. From 1993 - 1999 I visited all European countries, both Eastern and Western. While there, I studied European History extensively, visiting numerous museums, palaces, battle sites and landmarks. I have studied Napoleon for many years, having done much of my own research in institutions founded by him.

Reading

I'm an avid reader of biography and history. I can read very detailed and difficult materials with as much ease as a light novel. I have studied numerous foreign languages, including Latin. Therefore, armed with a very strong vocabulary I feel confident that I can read and comprehend most anything. Most importantly, I enjoy teaching the skills that I have learned to others. Reading is probably the most rewarding and enriching tool that we have in our quest to gain knowledge and understanding. Read More

Writing

I've always leaned more in the direction of creative writing, however, I can churn out a 30 pages research paper just as good as the next person. Writing, to a degree, is a letting loose of the creative juices that have a solid grasp of vocabulary, reading and grammar. I've taken all of the required college courses in English, and then some. I've studied British and French literature. Once, a long time ago, I read Latin with fluency and I've read all of the Chinese classics in the original. Writing... Read More

English

All levels from remedial to university level.

Literature

Literature has been not only a part of my academic training, but I've incorporated the habit of reading literature since first studying it in High School then on through under-graduate and graduate studies. World literature has always been my greatest interest as a way to learn about other cultures and people at the individual level. Internationally, I'd say my strongest areas are in works from Russia, England, France, Germany, Japan and China. With a BA in Chinese and a year of graduate study,... Read More

World History

History, in general, has always fascinated me. Having studied several languages and traveled so extensively, I've enriched my course knowledge of World History through actual experience. Today, I continue to read World History on a regular basis. I would estimate the number of books that I read specifically about history at two or three per month. I've taken many courses in Asian, European, History of the Americas as well as the history of the United States. With a better understanding of a country's... Read More

Proofreading

Proofreading requires the knowledge and experience gained from studying, reading, writing and use of a given language. It requires, in addition to actual courses on the subject, a lot of time using a language in many different situations and for often very different purposes. I have had a great deal of experience using English as well as a having a strong background in Latin. A good knowledge of Latin opens the "bowels" of English. Our grammar and an overwhelming amount of our words are Latin... Read More

Study Skills

I taught Study Skills at the Community College level.

Chinese

I have a BA, 1985 in Chinese Studies from the Monterey Institute of International Studies in Monterey, CA.

Read all subject qualifications »

Education

Undergrad, Monterey Institute of International Study Graduate, Coursework, Monterey Institute of International Study

Hourly Fee

Standard Hourly Fee: $45.00

With Prepaid Discount: $38.25 - $42.75

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Travel Policy

David will travel within 5 miles of San Diego, CA 92116.

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