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Helping students to learn. First session FREE if not satisfied.
Benjamin S.

4.9 (534 ratings)

1,450 hours tutoring

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Hourly Rate: $30
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Response time: 1 hour

About Benjamin

Bio

ABOUT SCIENCE......

Science is magic and is THE supreme illustration of the aphorism:

"THE WHOLE IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS !!!!.

For example, the total price of all the chemical elements that make out our bodies is about $600. Clearly we are worth more than that and, when combined, these elements can think, learn, dance, sing, and build.....

ABOUT LEARNING

My two mottos are :

1) "What you learn has to make...

ABOUT SCIENCE......

Science is magic and is THE supreme illustration of the aphorism:

"THE WHOLE IS ALWAYS GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS !!!!.

For example, the total price of all the chemical elements that make out our bodies is about $600. Clearly we are worth more than that and, when combined, these elements can think, learn, dance, sing, and build.....

ABOUT LEARNING

My two mottos are :

1) "What you learn has to make sense to YOU ! "
2) "I can teach but, ONLY YOU CAN LEARN ! "

In general, there are no bad students, - just inadequate instruction. I teach by listening to each student, by trying to understand their difficulties, even if unarticulated, and by helping them to devise their own solutions and their own methodologies.
However, no matter how well I teach
,
THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBIILY FOR LEARNING RESTS WITH THE STUDENT,

This includes making mistakes and, with my assistance, correcting those them.

BACKGROUND

I was educated at Columbia University and in "The Graduate School of Life". I have BS in Electrical Engineering, a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and over 40 years of research and teaching experience.

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Education

Columbia University Engineering
E.E.
Columbia University GSAS
PhD

Policies

  • Hourly Rate: $30
  • Rate details: Post-session work will be charged at the hourly rate. An Urgent Instant Book request with less than a two-hour notice will be assessed a 25 % surcharge.
  • Lesson cancellation: 24 hours notice required

  • Background check passed on 3/1/2019

  • Your first lesson is backed by our Good Fit Guarantee

Schedule

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Approved Subjects

ACT Math

ACT Math

I feel very comfortable teaching math at all levels and I found myself able to adapt to many learning styles (all of them, so far), including what's on the ACT.
Algebra 1

Algebra 1

I understand math well, and I know to impart my knowledge to others. My philosophy of teaching can be summarized in a phrase: “IT HAS TO MAKE SENSE TO YOU !!!!”. I use a variety of approaches to make sure that my students get to the point where they really understand the basics of the topics they are working to master. Different approaches are needed for each student but I have yet to encounter an individual who cannot learn, given the proper guidance.
Algebra 2

Algebra 2

I am fluent in the language is science (math) and I quite a bit of experience using, teaching and tutoring math, physics, chemistry and biology with more than a modicum of success.
Biochemistry

Biochemistry

I have a Ph.D in biochemistry and I performed hands-on bench research for 25+ years. I love the field and I think that it is one of the most exciting (and demanding) fields of science. I have been successful in mentoring and teaching dozen of students at all levels and I know that I can do it for you.
Biology

Biology

I have worked for over 25 years as a research biochemist and have an excellent grasp of the field. I have also spent several years teaching biology at the High School and Middle School level. This latter experience allowed me to expand my view of biology beyond biochemistry and molecular biology. During my teaching years I realized that I am (with all due modesty) a very good teacher who has been able to teach and excite student of all abilities and interests in biology an, just important, teach them to think and ask questions.
Chemistry

Chemistry

I have been fascinated by chemistry ever since I learned in 7th grade about the compilation of the periodic Table by Mendeleev in what in its time (19th century) was an act of mad genius. I have always done well in chemistry courses and, for 25 years I have worked as a research biochemist trying to understand the chemistry of life. I love teaching and (with all due modesty) I am quite good at it. MY operating motto and principle by which I approach each student is: "It has to make sense to YOU." This means that I individualize my instruction to each student and explain the subject to them at their level and with a language that they understand.
Geometry

Geometry

I have always loved math and one of the high points of my academic experience was Eucledian geometry in the eight or ninth grade. I enjoy tutoring and I enjoy doing this successfully with a number of students (mostly not through Wyzant's platform). In my work I use a variety of approaches to make sure that each of my students gets to the point where she (he) understands the basics of the topics they are working to master. I have found that such understanding is much more effective than rote learning of formulas or memorization.
MCAT

MCAT

In 1978 I took the MCATs and scored among the top 2%. I finally decided not to go to medical school and decided to obtain a Ph.D. in biochemistry which I did in 1984. Since then, until 2007 I worked in research. Following my retirement that year I worked as a teacher and a tutor. I have an extensive and deep knowledge of all the subjects that are included in MCAT's.
Physics

Physics

In my undergraduate education I took many courses in physics and did very well in them. In my subsequent careers as an engineer and research biochemist I came to appreciate even more and learned more about this "Queen of Sciences". I tutored quite a number of students in HS and AP physics and had a tremendous satisfaction in seeing them achieve things which they did not think possible before we worked together. My basic philosophy of teaching can be summed up in one phrase - "It has to make sense to YOU !"
Precalculus

Precalculus

I have been doing math, including pre-algebra, algebra, precalculus and calculus sine high school. I am well versed in all these subjects and having taught them I know how to impart that knowledge. Please try me, you will not regret it.
SAT Math

SAT Math

I have tutored successfully for SAT math which is a test that requires not only knowledge of the subject but also, and sometimes, primarily good test taking skills. I know that I can be extremely helpful in both aspects of this test.
Trigonometry

Trigonometry

I find trigonometry fascinating and ingenious. As a student I loved learning it and have used it in my career extensively. The only irksome fact about trigonometry are some of the identities but there is one identity equation which all students should know namely: cos(x) [squared] + sin (x) (squared] = 1. knowing this and the definitions of trigonometric functions will get you through most trigonometric problems.
Elementary Math
GED
GRE
Prealgebra

Examples of Expertise

Benjamin has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 14 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

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

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Response time: 1 hour

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (534 ratings)
5 star
(509)
4 star
(19)
3 star
(3)
2 star
(2)
1 star
(1)

Reviews

The Best Tutor. Highly Recommended.

I love the way Ben's emphasis on having the student writing down the problem solving step by step. This is critical to avoid mistakes. I also love the fact that he constantly ask questions every step of the way to ensure that the student understand the concept thoroughly. Ben also let the student write down the solutions as part of the problem solving process to ensure they don't skip any steps or making assumptions so it is easier for the atudent to identify the mistake. He provides words of encouragement, and praise the student appropriately which helps build their confidence. My daughter enjoys his tutoring sessions thoroughly. Thank you, Ben.

Stephanie, 7 lessons with Benjamin
Tutor responded:

Thank you !!!!!! Audrey is a very intelligent and dilligent student.

Knowledgeable, Patient, and Kind Tutor

Benjamin taught me biochemistry concepts like stereochemistry, cyclic structures of carbohydrates, and sugar differences, and I’m so grateful for his help.. He was incredibly patient and kind, :) Benjamin helped me grasp complex topics and provided visuals I can review in the recording. His kindness and expertise are unmatched—I highly recommend him!"

Ntnjade, 1 lesson with Benjamin

Excellent

Very satisfied with Benjamin's abilities to explain concepts. Kid enjoyed the class very much & is a little less scared of Chemistry! Thank you & highly recommended!

Lorena, 1 lesson with Benjamin

Knowledgeable and patient

Ben helped me with my AP Physics class. He taught me how to apply and solve proper equations for force and kinematic problems. He was kind and very patient. I will use his help again.

Laura, 2 lessons with Benjamin
Tutor responded:

Thanks you very much ! I hope that from now on you will not need assistance in this course.....

Knowledgeable Tutor

He was able to help clear up some questions and knows the step-by-step process very well. He is also very knowledgeable about the subject and was able to inform on a formula I didn't know beforehand. He did not limit himself to only explaining the problem but also tried to explain the underlying concepts.

Neha, 1 lesson with Benjamin
Tutor responded:

Thanks ! I appreciate being appreciated.

Knowledgeable and patient

We worked on a number of problems involving conversion of units, estimation of the order of magnitude of the answer and learning how to use significant figures.

Shivaprasad, 12 lessons with Benjamin

King of Basics!

Very helpful and detailed in explanations and examples, making it clear to connect the dots. Nifty tricks and tips to help memorize certain concepts as well.

Saad, 1 lesson with Benjamin

an exceptional teacher

My son just started AP Chemistry this year, and we were warned by many about how challenging the course could be. Thankfully, we found Benjamin, who has been an exceptional teacher. He is incredibly patient and takes the time and effort to walk through the material with my son, ensuring he understands each concept fully. Benjamin’s dedication to teaching and his ability to make complex topics more accessible have made a world of difference in my son’s confidence and progress in the class.

Sandy, 1 lesson with Benjamin

Chemistry

Benjamin is tutoring my daughter and I am very happy with his performance. Benjamin is very efficient and experienced tutor. I am planing to keep him tutoring my daughter for several more lessons in the future.

Chokri, 16 lessons with Benjamin
Tutor responded:

Thank you ! Your daughter is an exceptional young lady !

Great tutor, even better person

I pinged Benjamin for a same day appointment and he responded quickly. My daughter was super stressed about Physics, and Benjamin was great about being flexible with the time (she was running late and Benjamin offered to start half an hour later to get a breather). After the lesson, he provided an assessment on my daughter's knowledge and sent us a tips and tricks sheet afterwards. I appreciate that Benjamin is trying to do the best for the child and his/herfamily.

Patricia, 1 lesson with Benjamin
Hourly Rate: $30
Response time: 1 hour
Contact Benjamin