I LOVE TUTORING!

Raja P.

I am enthusiastic about empowering students and finding creative solutions to simplify learning new and complex topics. My journey as a tutor began in Henderson, NV about 14 years ago when I was just beginning my undergraduate journey in mechanical engineering. I started out as a tutor for standardized test preparation, common core, and all levels of kindergarten through 12th grade mathematics and science courses including common core, proficiency exams, standardized test preparation and advanced placement exams. As I progressed in my graduate studies, I was given the opportunity to tutor for and teach undergraduate courses at the University of Nevada Las Vegas Department of Mechanical Engineering. I also worked in tandem at my university's Academic Success Center as a tutor for athletes taking science and mathematics courses. After graduate school I entered the engineering workforce as an intern and later as a nuclear engineer, while I continued to tutor students during evenings and weekends privately and at a local community college.
My approach to tutoring consists of the following. I generally address gaps in learning via intermittent comprehension checks and suggest supplementary reading and assignments for student practice. These usually reinforce habits which lead to long-term and short-term goals outlined by the student. During homework help, I typically expand on concepts covered in the homework to improve and broaden student understanding. At the start of sessions, I provide warm-up exercises to build student confidence. I also encourage students to locate textbook material and class notes and have them available, and carefully read and annotate prior to attempting assignments. For science and engineering courses, I emphasize tabulating nomenclature and governing equations and principles prior to attempting solutions, such that the solutions are completed from first principles and tailored from comprehension rather than from memorization.