All of
Sheila’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Sheila’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT Math
The ACT Test is designed to help prepare students for college and/or a career. According to their website, "ACT is helping students stay on target to reach their full potential throughout their educational journey."
It is my job to help students practice for the exam, and help them improve their knowledge in each of the testing areas - English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional). I also show students useful test-taking tips.
Algebra 1
Algebra 1 is where abstract concepts begin. The idea of working with variables (letters that represent unknown values) frightens many students. My job is to help students understand how to use a concrete, step-by-step process to solve these kinds of problems.
Algebra 2
Algebra 2 picks up where algebra 1 stops; there are also some geometry concepts introduced. A student learns how to solve more complicated equations, sometimes with many variables. As the problems gradually become more difficult, a student may need a little prompting and direction. It is my job to guide students through the process, and hopefully they will be able to use this knowledge for other problems on their own.
ASVAB
ASVAB stands for "Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery." The ASVAB is a timed multi-aptitude test, which is given at schools and Military Entrance Processing Stations nationwide. It is developed and maintained by the Department of Defense.
Scores in four critical areas -- Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge on this test determine whether you're qualified to enlist in the U.S. military. Scores in other areas of the ASVAB will determine how qualified you are for certain military occupational specialties and Enlistment Bonuses.
A high score will improve a test taker's chances of getting the specialty/job and signing bonus he or she desires.
My job as your tutor is to help you prepare for this important test. Mathematics is my strength, but I can help you in many areas of this test.
Bible Studies
I have a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction and I am an adjunct math professor at Lorain County Community College. While I am not any type of clergy, I have learned (and taught) so many things from the Holy Bible. Our family incorporated Biblical studies and religion as part of our children's Christian home-school curriculum.
There are so many lessons to be learned historically from the Bible as well as practically and spiritually. As a tutor in this field, I can help you understand some of the stories from the Old Testament and the parables from the New Testament.
College Counseling
My Master of Education degree is in Curriculum and Instruction. I have learned so much from life experiences too. Both of these have helped prepare me for college counseling.
I have guided our children through many facets of college. Our oldest child recently graduated with his bachelor's degree (December 2012), and the other two are still pursuing their college degrees. Our family has gone through the college selection process together, and we've worked through various dynamics and adjustments for each child's individual college experience.
I have also helped many families in the home-school community with decisions regarding higher education. Additionally, I have had opportunity to help students enrolled in my college math courses with some of their dilemmas.
Sometimes scheduling can be such a challenge, and working with a not-so-perfect professor can be overwhelming. But there are appropriate and effective ways to get through these issues.
I would be delighted to help you prepare for college and/or help you as you experience college life as well.
GED
The GED stands for General Equivalence Degree (or Diploma). The GED Test offers adults who left school an opportunity to earn a high school credential. GED test takers must
demonstrate skills taught in high school via a battery of tests covering five subject areas. These include: mathematics, reading, writing, social studies, and science.
As a tutor, I can help you prepare for this test. My strength is mathematics, but I can help you in all areas of this test.
Geometry
Geometry is unlike the algebra courses, although having algebraic knowledge helps with some of the computations. Geometry helps students understand why something is true (geometric proofs strengthen skills in defending an argument). Geometry also gives way to drawing pictures to help see the problems. It is my job to help students draw pictures or diagrams correctly and to draw accurate conclusions.
Prealgebra
Prealgebra connects the concrete arithmetic processes with the abstract principles of algebra. This is a great opportunity for transitioning from arithmetic to higher order mathematics. In prealgebra students review how to work with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals. Then the course shows how to use the order of operations to calculate an expression. Lastly, variables (letters that represent unknown values) are introduced. My job is not only to help students learn these new concepts, but it is also to help decrease their anxiety while learning.
PSAT
PSAT/NMSQT stands for Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. This test provides practice for the SAT. Test topics include critical reading, math, and writing.
My job is to help you prepare for this test. My strongest area is mathematics, but I am glad to help in reading and writing as well.
Trigonometry
Trigonometry is defined as "the mathematics of triangles and trigonometric functions." Trig students learn about the relationships between the sides and angles of triangles, and they use what is called Trig Identities to discover other relationships in the triangles. This course gives students opportunity to use concepts learned in Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry. My job is to help students see the relationships in triangles and to give them tools to understand (and even memorize) the trig identities and functions.