I work with high school physics students who feel confused or overwhelmed by problem solving, even when they understand the formulas. Many students can follow examples in class but struggle when a problem looks different on a test. My sessions focus on building clear, step-by-step reasoning so students know how to decide which ideas apply before jumping into equations.
Most struggles in physics aren’t due to a lack of effort, but to uncertainty about which ideas apply in a given situation....
I work with high school physics students who feel confused or overwhelmed by problem solving, even when they understand the formulas. Many students can follow examples in class but struggle when a problem looks different on a test. My sessions focus on building clear, step-by-step reasoning so students know how to decide which ideas apply before jumping into equations.
Most struggles in physics aren’t due to a lack of effort, but to uncertainty about which ideas apply in a given situation. In our sessions, we break problems into manageable steps, clarify the underlying concepts, and practice choosing the right approach before solving. The goal is for students to become more confident and independent when facing new material.
What Sessions Are Like:
* Work through current class material or assignments
* Student explains their reasoning step by step
* We pause to identify exactly where confusion begins
* Clarify the idea and rebuild the reasoning
* Apply the new understanding immediately to a similar problem
This approach helps students move away from guessing or memorizing steps and toward clear principles they can reuse across topics. Over time, this reasoning becomes more natural, so students recognize what to do with less help.
“What stood out most was your ability to break down complex concepts into manageable steps. It made a real difference for both of my children in understanding the material and building confidence. You offered a framework through which they could tackle any problem. It was excellent work.”
- Jocelyn, parent of two former students
I hold a B.S. in Physics (Magna Cum Laude), with additional university-level math, biology, and chemistry coursework.
Most students don’t start out fully independent, and that’s expected. Early on, sessions involve guidance and support, but over time the focus shifts toward helping students rely less on me and more on their own judgment. The goal is steady progress toward independence so students can solve problems on their own.
