Why does math and science feel so complicated? - Since I started tutoring remotely in 2021, I have noticed from my students this is “the” question they want answered. Historically, mathematics evolved out of necessity. They were developed to simplify and to record essential financial and astronomical information. In my view, math still feels complicated today because the culture surrounding it is still evolving - despite unprecedented access to technology and educational content. One...
Why does math and science feel so complicated? - Since I started tutoring remotely in 2021, I have noticed from my students this is “the” question they want answered. Historically, mathematics evolved out of necessity. They were developed to simplify and to record essential financial and astronomical information. In my view, math still feels complicated today because the culture surrounding it is still evolving - despite unprecedented access to technology and educational content. One practical way to address this disengagement is to make math personal. For me, this means offering alternative interpretations, encouraging discussion, and treating math as a language to be understood. Then, the procedures you learn and memorize in class will make sense. My methods help answer “why do I need to know this”?
Thus far my educator experience has been focused on engaging students in statistics and chemistry, but more statistics at the high school and college level. My plan for every lesson is to explain boring topics using analogies and common sense, and then follow up with examples. When applicable, I initiate dialogues that will allow the lesson to feel accessible, not just instructional. Some might call this the Socratic method.
If technology has to be integrated, and I am ready to guide the student on using the TI-84 calculator, or using R studio to perform calculations. At the end of the day, I care that the student can exhibit confidence in answering their own questions. That goal can be a struggle for both the student and I, but this is “the” struggle that will be encountered again in the real world. Let’s face it together.
At my core, I am a self-taught data analyst who thrives on learning from success and failure. I am not a professor or math prodigy. I have no certifications. I just happened to be skilled enough at communicating mathematical ideas to diverse audiences. Given the opportunity to tutor statistics, chemistry, or middle school math, I am confident I can exceed your expectations.
