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Richard P.

Fairfax County Tutor for HS Math and Science

Fairfax County Tutor for HS Math and Science

$45/hour

4.9 (754 ratings)

About Richard

Bio

I came to tutoring as a second career after retiring from full time scientific work. I have always enjoyed tutoring – especially at the high school level. I now devote more time and effort to it than was possible before retirement. I have hundreds of hours of experience with more than 50 students. I have worked with four Fairfax County Public Schools science teachers and have picked up many of their teaching techniques. I am familiar with many of the student oriented educational sites...

I came to tutoring as a second career after retiring from full time scientific work. I have always enjoyed tutoring – especially at the high school level. I now devote more time and effort to it than was possible before retirement. I have hundreds of hours of experience with more than 50 students. I have worked with four Fairfax County Public Schools science teachers and have picked up many of their teaching techniques. I am familiar with many of the student oriented educational sites available on the web, and have worked with students on the Jefferson Labs, NovaNET and Khanacademy computer assisted learning systems. At this stage of my tutoring career, I have assisted students covering the range from top-of-the-class to barely hanging in there. While I cannot say that I have been successful with all of them, I have helped most of them made significant improvements regardless of learning style. Through practice, I have learned when to use the Socratic Method – leading the student by asking questions, and when to directly demonstrate how to solve a particular type of problem.

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Education

Fordham College at Rose Hill
Physics
University of Pennsylvania
PhD

Policies

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Subjects

Homeschool

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

In my tutoring experience I have found that one topic area is central to Algebra 1. The student must become comfortable with both the graphical and algebraic representations of straight line functions. The good student knows both of these, and can go back and forth between them with ease. Part of my tutoring approach is to help the student gain confidence in doing this. When a student can look at y = -2 x + 3 and instantly know how to put the corresponding line on a graph, I know that my tutoring help has been a success. There is a graphing calculator approach to this, which I do cover, but it is not enough by itself.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

Unlike the situation for Algebra 1,it is hard to point to a single central topic in Algebra 2 as being the key to successful mastery of the subject. There are numerous topic areas that must be worked. In a meeting with a new student in Algebra 2, I talk with the student in an attempt to identify the ones for which he/she may need assistance. To be sure, there are links between the topic areas. I point these out at every opportunity in order to build bridges to material that the student may know well. A simple example of this is the trigonometric identity sin^2 + cos^2 = 1. I explain to the student that this is the trigonometric form of the Pythagorean theorem of geometry. There are many bridges of this type - I try to work them into each tutoring session.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have been tutoring all levels of high school calculus for ten years. In that time I have helped many students prepare for the AP exams. In addition to my tutoring experience, I have a great deal of practical experience with calculus gained from my physics research career.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

Of all the subjects that I have tutored for the last 10+ years, Chemistry has been the one most in demand. This may be due in part to the Chemistry SOL test required in Virginia for graduation. However, for many students, it is also the first science course that requires the use of algebraic methods to get answers to problems. I have found that this is a barrier for quite a few students. I have developed a number of methods for getting students past this barrier. I have picked up some of these methods from full time Chemistry teachers, and have developed others myself. Seeing students gain confidence in doing this is one of the real pleasures of tutoring.
Physics,

Physics

My 30 year full time career was in physics (I still do consulting), so I especially welcome the opportunity to tutor physics. In many high school physics courses the most difficult material comes near the start of the course. This material involves motion under constant acceleration and can involve application and manipulation of a set of non-linear equations. In principle, Algebra 1 and some modest extensions are all the math background that is needed for this part of physics. I find however, that some students - even some with good grades in math - just get lost in a "forest" of algebra and cannot see the physics ideas that are the essence of the material. I have developed tutoring approaches to working through the math to the physics that have been successful. Quite often, once the student gets through the motion under constant acceleration material, the rest of the course goes much more smoothly.
Prealgebra, Precalculus, SAT Math

Math

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

In my tutoring experience I have found that one topic area is central to Algebra 1. The student must become comfortable with both the graphical and algebraic representations of straight line functions. The good student knows both of these, and can go back and forth between them with ease. Part of my tutoring approach is to help the student gain confidence in doing this. When a student can look at y = -2 x + 3 and instantly know how to put the corresponding line on a graph, I know that my tutoring help has been a success. There is a graphing calculator approach to this, which I do cover, but it is not enough by itself.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

Unlike the situation for Algebra 1,it is hard to point to a single central topic in Algebra 2 as being the key to successful mastery of the subject. There are numerous topic areas that must be worked. In a meeting with a new student in Algebra 2, I talk with the student in an attempt to identify the ones for which he/she may need assistance. To be sure, there are links between the topic areas. I point these out at every opportunity in order to build bridges to material that the student may know well. A simple example of this is the trigonometric identity sin^2 + cos^2 = 1. I explain to the student that this is the trigonometric form of the Pythagorean theorem of geometry. There are many bridges of this type - I try to work them into each tutoring session.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have been tutoring all levels of high school calculus for ten years. In that time I have helped many students prepare for the AP exams. In addition to my tutoring experience, I have a great deal of practical experience with calculus gained from my physics research career.
Physics,

Physics

My 30 year full time career was in physics (I still do consulting), so I especially welcome the opportunity to tutor physics. In many high school physics courses the most difficult material comes near the start of the course. This material involves motion under constant acceleration and can involve application and manipulation of a set of non-linear equations. In principle, Algebra 1 and some modest extensions are all the math background that is needed for this part of physics. I find however, that some students - even some with good grades in math - just get lost in a "forest" of algebra and cannot see the physics ideas that are the essence of the material. I have developed tutoring approaches to working through the math to the physics that have been successful. Quite often, once the student gets through the motion under constant acceleration material, the rest of the course goes much more smoothly.
ACT Math, Prealgebra, Precalculus, SAT Math, Trigonometry

Most Popular

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

In my tutoring experience I have found that one topic area is central to Algebra 1. The student must become comfortable with both the graphical and algebraic representations of straight line functions. The good student knows both of these, and can go back and forth between them with ease. Part of my tutoring approach is to help the student gain confidence in doing this. When a student can look at y = -2 x + 3 and instantly know how to put the corresponding line on a graph, I know that my tutoring help has been a success. There is a graphing calculator approach to this, which I do cover, but it is not enough by itself.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

Unlike the situation for Algebra 1,it is hard to point to a single central topic in Algebra 2 as being the key to successful mastery of the subject. There are numerous topic areas that must be worked. In a meeting with a new student in Algebra 2, I talk with the student in an attempt to identify the ones for which he/she may need assistance. To be sure, there are links between the topic areas. I point these out at every opportunity in order to build bridges to material that the student may know well. A simple example of this is the trigonometric identity sin^2 + cos^2 = 1. I explain to the student that this is the trigonometric form of the Pythagorean theorem of geometry. There are many bridges of this type - I try to work them into each tutoring session.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have been tutoring all levels of high school calculus for ten years. In that time I have helped many students prepare for the AP exams. In addition to my tutoring experience, I have a great deal of practical experience with calculus gained from my physics research career.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

Of all the subjects that I have tutored for the last 10+ years, Chemistry has been the one most in demand. This may be due in part to the Chemistry SOL test required in Virginia for graduation. However, for many students, it is also the first science course that requires the use of algebraic methods to get answers to problems. I have found that this is a barrier for quite a few students. I have developed a number of methods for getting students past this barrier. I have picked up some of these methods from full time Chemistry teachers, and have developed others myself. Seeing students gain confidence in doing this is one of the real pleasures of tutoring.
Physics,

Physics

My 30 year full time career was in physics (I still do consulting), so I especially welcome the opportunity to tutor physics. In many high school physics courses the most difficult material comes near the start of the course. This material involves motion under constant acceleration and can involve application and manipulation of a set of non-linear equations. In principle, Algebra 1 and some modest extensions are all the math background that is needed for this part of physics. I find however, that some students - even some with good grades in math - just get lost in a "forest" of algebra and cannot see the physics ideas that are the essence of the material. I have developed tutoring approaches to working through the math to the physics that have been successful. Quite often, once the student gets through the motion under constant acceleration material, the rest of the course goes much more smoothly.
Prealgebra, Precalculus

Science

Chemistry,

Chemistry

Of all the subjects that I have tutored for the last 10+ years, Chemistry has been the one most in demand. This may be due in part to the Chemistry SOL test required in Virginia for graduation. However, for many students, it is also the first science course that requires the use of algebraic methods to get answers to problems. I have found that this is a barrier for quite a few students. I have developed a number of methods for getting students past this barrier. I have picked up some of these methods from full time Chemistry teachers, and have developed others myself. Seeing students gain confidence in doing this is one of the real pleasures of tutoring.
Physics,

Physics

My 30 year full time career was in physics (I still do consulting), so I especially welcome the opportunity to tutor physics. In many high school physics courses the most difficult material comes near the start of the course. This material involves motion under constant acceleration and can involve application and manipulation of a set of non-linear equations. In principle, Algebra 1 and some modest extensions are all the math background that is needed for this part of physics. I find however, that some students - even some with good grades in math - just get lost in a "forest" of algebra and cannot see the physics ideas that are the essence of the material. I have developed tutoring approaches to working through the math to the physics that have been successful. Quite often, once the student gets through the motion under constant acceleration material, the rest of the course goes much more smoothly.
ACT Science

Summer

Algebra 1,

Algebra 1

In my tutoring experience I have found that one topic area is central to Algebra 1. The student must become comfortable with both the graphical and algebraic representations of straight line functions. The good student knows both of these, and can go back and forth between them with ease. Part of my tutoring approach is to help the student gain confidence in doing this. When a student can look at y = -2 x + 3 and instantly know how to put the corresponding line on a graph, I know that my tutoring help has been a success. There is a graphing calculator approach to this, which I do cover, but it is not enough by itself.
Algebra 2,

Algebra 2

Unlike the situation for Algebra 1,it is hard to point to a single central topic in Algebra 2 as being the key to successful mastery of the subject. There are numerous topic areas that must be worked. In a meeting with a new student in Algebra 2, I talk with the student in an attempt to identify the ones for which he/she may need assistance. To be sure, there are links between the topic areas. I point these out at every opportunity in order to build bridges to material that the student may know well. A simple example of this is the trigonometric identity sin^2 + cos^2 = 1. I explain to the student that this is the trigonometric form of the Pythagorean theorem of geometry. There are many bridges of this type - I try to work them into each tutoring session.
Calculus,

Calculus

I have been tutoring all levels of high school calculus for ten years. In that time I have helped many students prepare for the AP exams. In addition to my tutoring experience, I have a great deal of practical experience with calculus gained from my physics research career.
Chemistry,

Chemistry

Of all the subjects that I have tutored for the last 10+ years, Chemistry has been the one most in demand. This may be due in part to the Chemistry SOL test required in Virginia for graduation. However, for many students, it is also the first science course that requires the use of algebraic methods to get answers to problems. I have found that this is a barrier for quite a few students. I have developed a number of methods for getting students past this barrier. I have picked up some of these methods from full time Chemistry teachers, and have developed others myself. Seeing students gain confidence in doing this is one of the real pleasures of tutoring.
Physics,

Physics

My 30 year full time career was in physics (I still do consulting), so I especially welcome the opportunity to tutor physics. In many high school physics courses the most difficult material comes near the start of the course. This material involves motion under constant acceleration and can involve application and manipulation of a set of non-linear equations. In principle, Algebra 1 and some modest extensions are all the math background that is needed for this part of physics. I find however, that some students - even some with good grades in math - just get lost in a "forest" of algebra and cannot see the physics ideas that are the essence of the material. I have developed tutoring approaches to working through the math to the physics that have been successful. Quite often, once the student gets through the motion under constant acceleration material, the rest of the course goes much more smoothly.
SAT Math

Test Preparation

SOL,

SOL

I have tutored more than a dozen students in the Chemistry and Algebra II SOL tests on a volunteer basis. The students did pass the tests after my help. For the Chemistry SOL test I have tutored 10+ adult students using officially released tests from prior years. Most of the students were not native English speakers. Despite this, the ones who actually went through with taking the test passed it. I have also done more limited tutoring for the chemistry SOL test working with the Jefferson Labs software package in a Fairfax County volunteer setting. Due to the nature of this volunteer setting, I had only an hour or two with each student. Thus I cannot assess how successful that I was. However, I did get valuable insights into the Jefferson Labs approach to preparation for this test. For the Algebra II SOL test, my experience is limited to helping students work through the Jefferson Labs preparation material. I was very successful with at least two students.
ACT Math, ACT Science, SAT Math

Examples of Expertise

Richard has provided examples of their subject expertise by answering 577 questions submitted by students on Wyzant’s Ask an Expert.

See all of Richard ’s answers ›

Ratings and Reviews

Rating

4.9 (754 ratings)
5 star
(694)
4 star
(48)
3 star
(12)
2 star
(0)
1 star
(0)

Reviews

Show reviews that mention

All reviews helpful explains things able to explain prepared really liked

Knowledgeable and helpful

Our lessons have gone really well. He is helpful, concise, and knowledgeable about the material being presented. He does a great job going through material quickly without rushing anything. He is also very kind.

Andrew, 3 lessons with Richard

Knowledgeable and Patient

Richard was thorough and explained each problem that was understandable. I worked on college level calculus and reviewed optimization scenarios. I will be working with Richard again, when I come hone from break! Excellent review!

Samara , 1 lesson with Richard

Very helpful and easy to understand

My daughter just got back from a tutoring session with Richard. Subject: high school AP Physics. She was amazed. After Richard explained the material, it was light a light went on in her head. She couldn't believe that material her Physics teacher made so difficult, was so easily clarified and taught by Richard.

Dave, 1 lesson with Richard

Great experience of teaching

Richard taught my son Algebra 2. He would come before the time, has experience for teaching, and is also very patient. Great tutor. My son was happy to work with him.

Ibrahim, 15 lessons with Richard

Richard knows Physics!

Richard helped my son with a variety of topics in preparation for the SAT Physics Subject Test. He clearly had strong knowledge on every topic covered, and was able to thoroughly explain each topic to my son. I'll be scheduling Richard for more physics review sessions.

Dan, 3 lessons with Richard

Knowledgeable and patient

He really helped me simplify some key physics topics. He responded promptly and was very accommodating. I will definitely use him again, and I definitely recommend him!

Merrill, 14 lessons with Richard

Knowledgeable and encouraging tutor

Richard is very helpful with physics review and problem solving. He is wonderful to work with and spends the time necessary to explain the relevant concepts. My son is benefiting greatly from his tutoring.

Carine, 8 lessons with Richard

Knowledgeable in Physics

Richard helped out last minute, was knowledgeable, and explained things well, in an easy to understand way. Would highly recommend! He knew AP Physics concepts very well and my daughter now feels prepared for her upcoming quiz!

Dee Dee, 8 lessons with Richard

prepared and experienced

Richard has been working with our ninth grade son on Algebra 2. Richard is well- informed, clear and concise when sharing his knowledge. He is timely and dependable.Our son looks forward to working with Richard weekly to clarify classroom principles.

Krista, 17 lessons with Richard

Patient and well-prepared

My daughter is taking IB chemistry. Richard came prepared with an IB Chem textbook. He was prepared and very patient and answered all my daughter's questions. We will be using him again very soon!

Tania, 2 lessons with Richard
Contact Richard

Response time: 2 hours

$45/hour

Richard P.

$45/hour

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Contact Richard

Response time: 2 hours