My academic background is rooted in science and engineering and I regard my expertise in mathematics and science subjects as extensive. I also have excellent skills in English (grammar and writing) and am well versed in history and geography. My formal education includes a bachelor of science degree (U.S. Coast Guard Academy), two master of science degrees (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and special coursework in Systems Engineering (Defense Systems Management College).
I completed a full compendium of post graduate coursework in teaching (George Washington University) to sit for teacher certification exams and taught at the secondary school level. However I have found tutoring to be far more rewarding and successful and have instead applied my time and effort to this end. Students I have assisted perform very well and often mention that had I been their teacher they would have learned the material easier. I always explain that I am teaching, but they are learning better because I have customized the instruction to their learning style, interest, aptitude and ability.
It is my belief and experience that learning is most effective when one has grasped the fundamental concepts rather than simply committing to memory specific examples or regarding completion of certain rote assignments as the only metrics of subject matter mastery. My teaching approach therefore focuses on this more than "exercise drilling." After covering the subject matter with appropriate examples I often query the student about it from several perspectives to verify understanding. I emphasize understanding the process more than arriving at the "right answer," since a process well understood and followed will inevitably yield the correct answer. At that point the student is ready to apply the knowledge themselves via exercises or homework assignment. Because the student has achieved satisfactory understanding in advance, the extent of reinforcement needed via independent exercise is often less than what is required in generic classroom environments. Whenever possible I introduce real world applications to demonstrate the practical worth of mastering the concepts and subject matter.
I take personal interest in the progress of each student and will move with deliberation to a new topic rather than belabor a topic that has been satisfactorily mastered. When they make errors I am always clear that the fault is not due to any inherent defect on their part but rather on misunderstanding, carelessness or other factors that contribute to error. I never condemn or demean a student. Rather, I frequently applaud their correct understanding and encourage them to exercise and extend their knowledge without fear of failure.
I offer broad expertise, dedication, quality teaching, efficient use of tutoring time and honest assessment. If these are what you seek in a tutor it would be my privilege and delight to work with you and see you progress to high levels of accomplishment.
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