Master's in Organic Chemistry. Trained in Making Thinking Visible

Michael M.

Organic chemistry does not need to be the scary monster it seems to be!
I earned my Master's specializing in Organic Chemistry with a 4.0 GPA. There are ways to tackle this beastly subject, I found them! The hardest part is translating organic chemistry to students, and the classroom setting doesn't always cut it. I have accumulated almost seven years of experience working with college students—first tutoring at the University of New Hampshire, then serving as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Oregon. Throughout this time I realized that the best way to learn organic chemistry was through problem-solving and dialogue, things you don't get in lecture. While my main background is in STEM, I also have a B.S. in the Humanities, the roots of my clear communication and ability to connect with the ideas of my students. I cater to the individual needs of my students. I work in small steps to handle big problems. I work along the model of Peer Led Team Learning which strives to "make learning visible".

My teaching philosophy is built on lessons I have had in the classroom, as both a teacher and a student. My teaching approach is based on several fundamental principles: students learn well from activity-based, problem-solving sessions; students benefit from scaffolding, learning that builds off previous ideas; students have success when concepts are broken down into clear parts. In pedagogy terms, this is an approach that “makes learning visible”. I keep these fundamentals in mind whenever I tutor. I check myself for expert syndrome. I ask students questions that look for an answer, but also a pathway to that answer. As such, mine is a teaching philosophy of patience, perspectives, and problem-solving. If you are interested in my approach and are looking to take control of organic chemistry, please reach out.