All of
Bruce’s current tutoring subjects are listed at the left. You
can read more about
Bruce’s qualifications in specific subjects below.
ACT Math
I have ACT math resources which can be used to diagnose students' particular strengths and weaknesses from the onset. Skill building strategies can then be modeled and implemented to bring students to higher levels of achievement.
Algebra 1
Easily dealt with are the following topics routinely covered in middle or high school Algebra I: handling equations(particularly in word problems), solving inequalities, explaining a variety of functions(including graphical interpretation), solving systems of linear equations and linear inequalities, handling exponents and polynomials, factoring polynomials, handling exponential and radical functions, and dealing with rational functions and equations.
As an additional resource I also possess an Algebra I "Teacher's Edition" text.
Algebra 2
I can handle most topics in Algebra II and am especially strong in word problems, exponents, solving both logarithmic and radical equations, factoring polynomials, simplifying expressions involving both radicals and complex numbers, and describing the behavior(domain, range, presence of asymptotes) of a variety of functions, including inequality(to include absolute value), rational, inverse, and transformed. Conic sections is also a familiar area of expertise.
As an additional resource I also possess an Algebra II "Teacher's Edition" text.
Word problems are a particular challenge for a number of students for whom the following steps must first be modeled: 1) drawing an appropriate diagram, if required, 2) establishing the correct algebraic representation(s) for the unknown(s) and then using this information to label the correct part(s) of the diagram, as needed, 3) linking together the algebraic representations by the correct math operations required by the problem, 4) carrying out the algebraic manipulations to solve for the unknown(s), and 5) checking the solution(s) for both accuracy and mathematical validity.
ASVAB
I will assist clients with the verbal, mathematics and science sections of the ASVAB test.
Particular strengths are in unfamiliar word meanings deduced from context clues and in mathematics problems requiring both reading comprehension and correct algebraic representations and setups.
Chemistry
I am exceptionally knowledgeable in every important topic that is a part of each level (regular, pre-AP, AP, and IB) of high school chemistry and that is also a component of college allied health sciences-nursing (1405, 1406, and 1407) and GENERAL I (1411) and II (1412) chemistry. This expertise also includes thorough handling of the procedures and calculations involved in laboratory experiments for both AP and college-level chemistry. More and more, students, especially college-level and high school AP level, are requiring assistance with both lab and lecture information during a lesson, particularly during a fast-paced summer session.
I also have keen insight into successfully handling online MASTERING CHEMISTRY assignments for INTRO and also GENERAL I and II.
In addition, I have successfully worked with students in preparation for the SAT Chemistry subject test, the AP Chemistry exam, and the Chemistry sections of the PCAT.
Even more, I have the talent to completely and simplistically explain any topic so that the student will easily grasp it and then use it to successfully learn a new bit of related information. A good case in point is a demonstration of a blueprint model of the unit factor method for solving many types of quantitative conversion calculations, especially those dealing with reaction stoichiometry, encountered in chemistry.
Elementary Math
Students at the elementary level, particularly in grades 5 and 6, have been successfully tutored in math.
With patience I break down problems(particularly word applications)into parts that are simple for students to understand.
My approaches are also adaptable to different learning styles.
Geometry
I easily handle any topic (including applications problems) covered in a regular, PAP, or honors geometry course and am excellent in both inductive and deductive reasoning, the various methods for proving polygons both congruent and similar, and the interplay between algebra and geometry in word problem situations.
GRE
I have very keen insight into general mathematical, algebraic, and geometric concepts such that effective problem-solving strategies of the types emphasized on the GRE can be modeled for the student.
Nutrition
I am exceptionally knowledgeable in the principles of 21st century nutrition and have even created an international food pyramid (which I have followed daily for years) after having conducted many years of research on the healthiest worldwide eating patterns. My fact sheets "The Maximum Mental Health Diet" are based upon the organization of this pyramid and are offered to any client at the first help session.
I also offer nutritional counseling for weight loss, increased energy, improvements in cardiovascular health and blood sugar control, and potential cancer prevention.
Organic Chemistry
I have a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and have gained much experience utilizing Organic Chemistry in the private sector, teaching Organic Chemistry concepts within both 2-year and 4-year colleges, as well as having tutored private clients in both first semester and second semester Organic Chemistry.
Nomenclature by IUPAC rules, interpretation of spectral data (NMR, IR, mass spectrometry), all types of isomerism, chirality, functional group chemistry, reaction mechanisms, cycloaddition reactions, organometallic chemistry, carbanion reactions, and substitution/elimination reactions are particular areas of expertise.
My strong background in General Chemistry I and II enables me to much more effectively explain many features of Organic Chemistry. For this very reason a number of students partner with me during the summer to get a heads-up for Fall Organic. During this time, their strengths and weaknesses in a variety of core General Chemistry topic areas are assessed and remediated, if needed. This process significantly cuts down on the amount of memorization required for success in O-Chem.
Prealgebra
Prealgebra is that critical point between the student's prior math experiences and the more challenging upcoming courses in algebra and geometry. With my skill set in the basic handling of numbers and the symbolic representation of numbers and ideas, I will build up the confidence level of the student through patience and encouragement. This will establish a strong foundation for future studies.
Performance exceeding 90% was achieved on the Texas State Educator's Gr. 4-8 Math Exam.
Precalculus
I am proficient with general functions and graphs, polynomial, rational, radical, absolute value, exponential and logarithmic functions and their various transformations, fundamental trigonometric concepts, including the Laws of Sines and Cosines in applications problems, the cosine and sine of angle sum and difference formulas, handling trigonometric identities and polar coordinates, solving systems of equations in 2 or 3 variables, parametric equations, vectors and their applications, and graphing conic sections.
SAT Math
I have multiple SAT resources which can be used from the onset to diagnose students' particular strengths and weaknesses in geometry, algebra, and trigonometry. Skill building strategies can then be modeled and implemented to bring students to higher levels of achievement on simulated tests.
Trigonometry
I can handle most topics in trigonometry and am especially strong in application-type problems, converting between degrees and radian measure and polar and rectangular coordinates, solving trigonometric equations, simplifying trigonometric expressions and identities, graphing trigonometric functions and their transformations, and applying the Laws of Sines and Cosines to practical problems.