Hi,
My name is Manuel, and I have been teaching and tutoring math and science for the past 5 years. I recently completed my PhD in biomedical engineering at Drexel University. At the same time, I find teaching very rewarding so my career goal is to become a college professor. This is why during grad school I took every opportunity I could to teach at local schools in the Philadelphia/New Jersey area including: Roberto Clemente Middle School, Science Leadership Academy and Haddonfield Memorial High School.
At Drexel, I was also a teaching assistant for the Introduction to Engineering sequence and Calculus 101. I know that teachers sometimes fly through the material, so I always took it upon myself to break down concepts for the students who came to see me during office hours. I am very patient with students and I try to help them build confidence in their study habits. I think teaching one-on-one is very effective, and I don't give up until the student can do it one their own.
I know that it is sometimes difficult to get excited about a particular math concept, especially when you don't think you will need it down the road. Chances are that you won't. But what you will use is the critical thinking skills that you learn by solving that problem. This takes practice and the ability to recognize the solution to a problem from a different angle (i.e., word problems).
During tutoring I usually like to see how a student solves a particular problem, and I identify basic concepts that need strengthening. Then I recommend practice problems or assign quick drills to strengthen basic skills. I think this helps build confidence and allows one to get more comfortable with the harder problems.
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