All of
Alvin’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Alvin’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT English
I have done well on all my standardized tests, and preparing for the exams are important. Initially, you need to understand the types of questions which will be asked and the subject matter. Additionally, you need to determine the material you do not understand and focus on that. Time should not be spent on material that you already know but on concepts you have difficulty remembering. As a tutor, I will identify and guide my students through material which they need to remember.
ACT Math
The ACT is a comprehensive standardized test which evaluates how well students understand different topics from their high school education. Usually, to answer question correctly, you need to understand the question, analyze the information provided and select a choice. While many students have a good understanding of the test's material, significant gains to their overall score can be obtained by test taking practice.
ACT Science
The ACT Science Exam is not just a test of scientific facts but the student needs to evaluate scientific ideas. You need to interpret scientific data but also place the information into real world or historical context.
I have taught different levels of science for many years. I will help you focus on the important information required to answer the test questions correctly.
Algebra 1
Algebra is generally the introduction to higher mathematics. While the ability to manipulate equations in order to solve problems is essential, student will also use verbal, numerical, graphic, and symbolic forms in the course.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 is a continuation of topics first discussed in Algebra 1. Not only is success dependent upon a good understanding of basic calculations (multiplication, division, subtraction and addition), but students will be introduced to more theoretical ideas such as imaginary numbers, matrices and roots of equations. While practice is important, students may need a comprehensive explanation of new concepts in mathematics.
Biology
Biology has been a dynamic science for the last few years. Traditionally, it was the first science studied in high school, probably because much of the material could be understood using careful observations. The greatest difficulty in the course was often learning the vocabulary associated with different phenomena. (Latin isn't for everyone) Recently with advances in genetics and biochemistry, the course has become much more theoretical and abstract. While organized thinking is still essential, there are a variety of ideas which need to comprehended. Organization is important to do well in this course.
Calculus
My goal is to have students eager to continue their studies in the next school year.
I emphasize that calculus is a useful tool for many people in this world besides mathematicians, i.e. economists, scientists, and individuals in business. If you want to learn the material as a mathematician understands it, great! I can help you. However, once you have earned a good grade, a student should understand calculus in a useful way.
Differential calculus is a useful tool for students to understand the mathematics of change. Previous math subjects are concerned with describing a static world. The volume of the sphere in geometry never changed and the sphere did not move. Using the ideas of integration and differentiation, students will learn to describe a more dynamic world.
Chemistry
Understanding the atom is an essential element for studying chemistry. All of the problems and the questions ultimately relate to these small pieces of matter which we cannot see and ultimately have to image.
Success in chemistry demands that students are able to relate their observations in the real world with the theory in the course. Fundamental concepts of chemistry include atomic and molecular structure, physical and chemical properties related to structure, periodic relationships, mass relationships, thermochemistry, and properties of solutions. While technical, many of these topics can be related to such ordinary items as candles, food. soap and perfume.
Elementary Math
Elementary Math is an introduction to the subject. A solid foundation in math is useful not only for further work in school but for job prospects later in life.
I teach math through hands on exercises but also persistent practice. Understanding money, time and measurement allows individuals to realize the usefulness of the subject. Consistent practice allows young children to internalize basic facts. Students will learn how to use information that they already know and to gain insight on new ideas.
Geometry
Geometry the mathematics associated with describing space and area. Of course for college bound students, it is one of the major portions of standardized tests, such as the SAT's and the ACT. Additionally geometry is an important course because students are asked to use logic and reasoning to create different mathematical proofs.
Physics
When studying physics, an important goal is to understand how to use mathematics as a tool when trying to understand real world phenomena. Some students find physics obvious and the easiest science to understand. Others, however, find the material confusing. As a tutor, I coach students to focus their ideas. Usually, once a topic is explained, students are able to make connections required for class exams.
Prealgebra
PreAlgebra is a wide range of subjects which introduces students to many ideas developed later in high school mathematics. A good foundation in PreAlgebra allows students to proceed with confidence in additional classes. When tutoring this subject, I expect some time to be spent on organizational and study skills.
Precalculus
PreCalculus may be one of the most difficult mathematics courses. Many of the concepts begun in preCalculus will not be fully explored until the student takes the following calculus course. Problems of require students to manipulate functions instead of obtaining simple numerical answers. Along with the trigonometric functions, students will become more familiar with exponential and logarithmic functions.
SAT Math
SAT math is an overview of several topics encountered in high school, from prealgebra to geometry.Practice is essential because problem solving speed is important to achieve the highest score. As a tutor, I will make the time spent completing exams more efficient by emphasizing good test strategies and providing an understanding for the more difficult concepts
SAT Reading
When taking the Reading Portion of the SAT, students need to recognize different styles of writing and to understand different tones from the author. Often this requires significant practice reading different test samples. As a tutor, I will provide encouragement and motivation to continue preparing for the SAT's. Personally, I have done well on the standardized tests and I have taught many during after school sessions. I believe consistent practice is essential for earning a good score on this exam.
SAT Writing
The most important skill for teaching writing is to allow the student to express their ideas clearly. Yes, I have earned high scores on my writing standardized tests and have taught students to write in my classes. There are specific rules for grammar which should be followed and proper word choice reflects a strong vocabulary. However, writing ultimately is an expression of ideas and feelings. While knowing the rules of writing is important, becoming comfortable with your own thoughts is vital.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is an important math used for many technical classes such as physics and engineering. Most importantly for high school students, trigonometry will be on standardized tests such as the SAT and GRE. There are specific rules and problem solving techniques which need to be learned. However, once these are committed to memory, you can use them in a variety of situations.