Subjects Tutored:
I offer tutoring in all levels of mathematics from kindergarten up through high school pre-calculus. I provide individual tutoring as well as group tutoring. Locations for tutoring are up to the student. You must be comfortable in your choice of settings. Feel free to request criminal background checks at any time you feel it is necessary.
My Services range from tutoring that is limited to single sessions for specific problems to true re-education of subject matter limited only by the student's needs or desired outcome.
What will you learn from me?
To begin with, you already have books, classes, teachers, and a basic understanding of what is required of you. What you may be missing are tried and true methods you need to master in order to gain a true understanding of mathematical concepts.
1. My style of tutoring is based upon mutual effort. I will teach you the material. It will be up to you to learn or tell me when a subject is not clear.
2. You will learn to relax and not allow the subject matter to overwhelm your progress. Fear of failure often prevents the mind from reacting logically.
3. You will learn to feel comfortable in expressing any personal lack of true understanding. A simple lack of understanding basic division can be a critical obstacle with any math subject.
4. You will develop an understanding of mathematical concepts, which will allow you to be more confident as well as increase your accuracy in calculations.
5. You will find it is sometimes necessary to take a step back to re-learn basics in order to understand subjects that are more complex. This will be a part of my tutoring style.
6. I will teach all steps to problem solving. Shortcuts will come when appropriate. My methods will not necessarily match those to which you have been accustomed. I will coach students through any process that proves to be an obstacle to understanding. Patience is a critical virtue in proper instruction.
7. You will learn that calculators are critical tools but must be used only to "number crunch." They must not be used to separate your thought processes from learning. You must learn the mathematical process! Keypunching and calculator skills are taught in the classroom.
8. You will ultimately come to understand that math is not insurmountable and can be mastered by anyone. It is not a magical dragon to be slayed only by true scientist and engineers.
Overview:
It is critical for students to have a solid understanding of basic mathematics and science principles. Mastery of the subject requires retention of all basic levels of understanding from kindergarten to post-doctorate research. Those who do not attain a conceptual understanding of mathematics as they progress through school will find that complex subjects will be more difficult to master as time progresses.
Background:
I am a degreed electrical engineer with a solid background in mathematics and engineering systems. My professional expertise is with electrical power distribution systems as well as naval shipboard power and communication systems.
My experience also includes two years as a contract instructor for Alamance Community College in Haw River North Carolina. I taught remedial mathematics and residential carpentry. The remedial mathematics class was structured to prepare prospective college students for entry-level classes in college algebra. I taught both traditional students as well as adult returning students.
At present, I support my youngest child's high school teaching staff as a substitute teacher for all high school subject matter.