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Math PhD, 14 yrs experience Pre/Calculus: confidence through precision
Kevin S.

5.0 (1,135 ratings)

3,201 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $56
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About Kevin

Bio

I focus on tools to make problem solving straightforward: a simple reductionist approach to concepts (e.g. calculus I only has 2.5), insistence on fundamentals, and helping students to be kind to themselves. Students’ main obstacle is not conceptual, but assuming math is complicated, having learned a long list of processes instead of the short list fundamental laws. That causes sloppy “bookkeeping”, then losing track of if you’re right (the student’s job). I’ve been teaching/tutoring for...

I focus on tools to make problem solving straightforward: a simple reductionist approach to concepts (e.g. calculus I only has 2.5), insistence on fundamentals, and helping students to be kind to themselves. Students’ main obstacle is not conceptual, but assuming math is complicated, having learned a long list of processes instead of the short list fundamental laws. That causes sloppy “bookkeeping”, then losing track of if you’re right (the student’s job). I’ve been teaching/tutoring for eight years: seven calculus and precalculus, full-time tutoring for four. Students who stick to my approach consistently report improvements of one or two letter grades. A fundamentals approach also applies to all material, so it adapts well to students of different strength. Do math like the big kids.

My main goal is to make the boring parts of math quick and painless so students have more room for the cool parts. By learning flexible techniques to apply the right rules to any problem, and writing efficient, clear solutions that make mistakes less likely, we can handle problems without the stress and eliminate the urge to do millions of useless practice problems or searching for deeper meaning that isn’t there. Confidence comes through competence. Competence comes knowing the rules of the game. You don’t need a “deep” understanding of things to get started (calculus is broad not deep), all you need is the safety net of fundamentals so you can explore.

I focus on making sure you:
- Graduate from "The Steps": Use fundamentals to handle new problems. No more "we haven't done this problem type before". Only problem type is “follow the directions”. Communicate solutions, not incantations.
- Develop Agency: Knowing if your work is right is your job, not the teacher’s. Experiment, get your own feedback, answer your own curiosity. Math is your sandbox.
- Solve Word Problems Systematically: Strip context, convert to math as you read, solve like any other problem. No more “read the problem multiple times to understand it”.

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Education

Whitworth University
Math
University of Tennessee
Masters
University of Tennessee
PhD

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Approved Subjects

Calculus

Calculus

I taught calculus for four of my years at UTK. There I worked with a team of others to incorporate innovative results-based techniques to improve student understanding and reflection. That is where I developed my systematic rule-based approach that fits so well with the rigid calculations in calculus, freeing your mind up for the more creative parts of problems.
Differential Equations

Differential Equations

I spent my last year at UTK group tutoring exclusively in differential equations and working with the instructor. So I know the curriculum and common issues students have. In fact, my research falls under differential equations, and I still use some of the techniques from this class now and then. So I am able to explain the ideas behind the techniques, specially the core principle of linearity/superposition.
Discrete Math

Discrete Math

As a math PhD, of course I have taken the discrete math course, and I've also graded for it. It's typically an intro to proofs and logic, so every math PhD is an expert in the material. The subject fits well with my rules-based approach to other courses, since that's how you should approach proofs.
Linear Algebra

Linear Algebra

Linear algebra is important to every field of math, so every grad student must be an expert in it. I used it heavily in my research in both geometry, partial differential equations, and dynamical systems. I also taught a unique technology-based multivariate calculus class that place extra emphasis on the applications of linear algebra there. So I have a number of different geometric and algebraic perspectives that can help different students understand the material.
Precalculus

Precalculus

I taught precal at UT for one year.

Examples of Expertise

Kevin has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 12 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Kevin ’s answers ›
Kevin S.'s Photo

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Ratings and Reviews

Rating

5.0 (1,135 ratings)
5 star
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4 star
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3 star
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Reviews

Extremely knowledgable and excellent at explaining material!

I never understood how much I was missing out on with my math classes until Kevin changed my perspective on the subject as a whole. He understands that math is far simpler than it’s taught, and he understands how to teach it simply, making the subject about logic and reasoning instead of memorization. Previously where I would memorize formulas and cram for exams, I now have a better understanding of the logic behind these formulas and the methods I’m taught to use. Kevin taught me in a way that altered my perspective, and I now approach math with less fear overall.

Milo, 22 lessons with Kevin

very knowledgeable

My daughter has been working to understand trigonometric identities for over a week, and despite her efforts, she found the concepts challenging to grasp fully. Kevin, however, managed to simplify these complex ideas in just 30 minutes, making an impressive difference in her understanding and confidence. He not only broke down the identities in a way that was accessible but also provided tips and methods that made it much easier for her to remember and apply them correctly. Thanks, Kevin, for helping her feel more capable and confident in her math skills!

Saritha, 1 lesson with Kevin

Helpful and patient tutor

He taught me trigonometric functions. He also taught me unit circle. Another thing was at the end, he gave me some tips for memorization. I will do another meeting with him very soon.

James, 1 lesson with Kevin

Pre Calculus- very good .

My daughter is at 9th grade and struggling with few graphing concept. Kevin explained that very well . After 1st session now my daughter wants to continue with him for rest of the semester.

Torsa, 6 lessons with Kevin

Good communicator!

Kevin explains the concepts to my daughter in simple, easy to digest, lessons. He's better than her teacher! Kevin also keeps me posted with quick reviews of the topics they covered. He's given my daughter a lot more confidence in the class. TY!

Evelyn, 4 lessons with Kevin

Good communicator!

Kevin explains the concepts to my daughter in simple, easy to digest, lessons. He's better than her teacher! Kevin also keeps me posted with quick reviews of the topics they covered. He's given my daughter a lot more confidence in the class. TY!

Evelyn, 4 lessons with Kevin

Patient and effective.

Kevin helped me understand better the chain rule and other exam questions. I was struggling with all the rules, and he provided a road map that made the use of the many rules to wither them down to simple logic.

Sal, 1 lesson with Kevin

Got the work done effectively!

I contacted Kevin short notice and he was able To fit us in his schedule and work with my son on pre-Calculus for one hour and boy did it make a difference! My son understood everything.

Dana, 1 lesson with Kevin

Knowledge and patient tutor

Kevin is really funny and super nice! He made everything so simple. I have confidence in myself this semester because of him! We went over my calc 3 homework and he also offered to review some pre calc for me!

Kahli, 5 lessons with Kevin

Highly competent

Kevin provided crucial support in solving a differential equation. He had a thorough understanding of what the subject is about. He was kind enough to answer to all the questions that were of interest to me. I am willing to keep on the tutoring with him in differential equations.

Ibraim, 3 lessons with Kevin
Hourly Rate: $56
Response time: 3 minutes
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