Now actively seeking summer students!
My Education
I have a bachelor's in Chemistry from the University of Delaware (2006) and a Master of Science in Materials Engineering from Drexel University (2011). I have a general enthusiasm for History, Economics, and Government and keep up with current events and politics.
My Experience
I have tutored many friends throughout high school and college in chemistry. I have also tutored privately for several years. I have been told that I should be a teacher because of my patience and ability to explain complex material. While I don't have a formal teaching certificate, my students and parents have asked me to apply to teach at their schools. Who knows! Maybe one day I'll be your chemistry teacher!
My Philosophy
Chemistry and science in general are complex topics, but they can be taught effectively using everyday circumstances. Chemistry in its purest form is just about relationships. When people think of chemistry, they get caught up in numbers and complex science, but when the relationships between materials are show, it all fits together like a puzzle. When it "clicks," it's so incredibly useful in daily life. This the primary technique of how I get my students to realize the cool things about chemistry and how to remember them.
I apply this same technique to history and government. Everything has a reason as to why it happened or existed. We create a mental ladder between events, laws, polices, etc. Whenever we come across a new one, we ask, "why?" As these "why's" are answered, the web of information grows and a greater understanding of the topic ensues.
About Me and My Hours
Currently, I work at a local biomedical company as a research scientist during normal business hours. For tutoring, I have flexible hours in the evening during the week and am open for most weekends. I ask for about 1 week's notice to start a new student. I need that for prep and for scheduling purposes. I also request that any evening tutoring session change be made before 5pm the day of in the form of an email.
Let's Get Going!
I'm a friendly guy with a lot of energy. The tutor student relationship is crucial to having a successful learning environment. I like to keep the environment relaxed, yet I demand private study and some productive work ethic both in and out of the tutoring session. I am not there to do your homework, I'm there to help you through the concepts so you can do the homework yourself. After all, I won't be there when you take the test!
See you at our first session!
Kevin
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