Tutor for Elementary and Middle School Science and Mathematics

Jenna R.

I recently graduated with Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Colorado School of Mines. While navigating the rigorous curriculum, teaching and tutoring students in mathematics and science motivated me to complete my degree. I have been volunteer tutoring mathematics and science off and on for approximately for 1 year. I have seen the importance of consistent structured weekly tutoring. I have worked with elementary students to college students. My goal in each session if for you to see mathematics as a fun puzzle, which will enable you to enjoy mathematics, rather than struggle with it.

Here is my main method for tutoring mathematics. In my own experience of tutoring, mathematics is a lot like solving a puzzle. There are many different types of puzzles such as: logic, word, and jigsaw. For each puzzle, there is a different method for solving it. In working with you in mathematics, I would focus on classifying the problem type, i.e. factoring, and then understanding methods to solve the specified problem type (i.e. factor by grouping, completing the square, the AC method for factoring quadratics, etc.).

The following would be how I would structure our weekly tutoring sessions. Prior to each session, I would ask the topic or topics that would like to be covered. During each session, I would initially review the general concepts or principles associated with the given mathematics topic. Next, I would see if the student had any concept questions. Afterwards, I would work alongside the student to solve multiple problem types, which increase in difficulty. This would be the general framework of each session. If needed, I could also provide worksheets and answer keys to continually practice the topic, which we reviewed during our tutoring session.