Our Tutors In Missouri

Jim J

Teaching Style

I believe that the possibilities of learning are incredible, especially with understanding the tools of both teaching and learning whether that is textbooks, computers, or something else. It is important to ascertain how a student learns, and adjust to them. I’ve discovered in my teaching of children that it is critical to create a foundation of understanding then build upon it through repetition of the basic ideals while adding to what is already established. Children are amazingly open to new ideas, and take on new challenges with excitement, so it is my job as instructor to guide them in their journey. I also feel that early learning is fundamental to the way individuals learn later in life, so helping children learn how to overcome obstacles becomes a way of expanding their educational possibilities.

Experience Summary

Throughout my higher educational career, I’ve been driven to learn as much as possible to help satisfy my enormous curiosity. I have earned a bachelor degree in English Literature, and am currently a MFA candidate in the creative writing program at Arizona State University. As part of my graduate funding, I work as a teaching assistant. The program requires constant training, and I enjoy taking part in understanding the way students learn. In addition to teaching at the university, I work with the Office of Youth Preparation—teaching not only the craft of poetry, but helping 4th and 5th graders develop language skills necessary to do well in school. Although I primarily work with the study of English, I study Spanish and have become proficient with the use of the language.

John J

Teaching Style

I am convinced, partly because of my own experiences, that the current educational system best serves the needs of the average student. I also believe that it seldom addresses the needs of those students whose learning style is not a good fit with the one size fits all educational system. This may be for a wide variety of reasons, but the result is that the student is left without the needed skill set to compete and what’s worse, left with the message that they are responsible for "not getting it" and are inferior or stupid in some respect. I nearly flunked junior high pre-algebra, and was a mediocre math student in high school. I eventually managed to teach myself, and have subsequently scored 800 on the math section of the GRE and was one of about 50/15000 to score a perfect 15 on the quantitative section of the medical college admission test (MCAT). What is wrong with this picture? My own take is that we all have different styles of optimal learning, and what’s more, are often hindered by simple roadblocks that only 1:1 teaching can identify and redress. I am very passionate about finding the approach that clicks, and building back the esteem that comes with mastery of the subject material.

Experience Summary

Prior to entering graduate and later medical school, I tutored a variety of subjects in the area of mathematics and science. As a PhD candidate, one of the requirements was to assist in teaching the physiology labs, and as an advanced candidate, was given the opportunity to give lectures in physiology to medical and nursing students. Most recently I have been an unpaid volunteer on the on-line physics forum where advanced high school and college students can go on line for assistance with their homework. Because of my career selection, I have had to take many standardized examinations and am quite adept at these. I believe I can help other aspiring students achieve the higher scores needed for acceptance in programs of their choice.

Larry L

Teaching Style

I use the Socratic method of teaching with a strong emphasis on homework. Students are required to summarize all chapters in the text book and write how the math topics relate to their own personal life. By using this method math becomes alive to them and consequently results in them getting a much firmer grasp on how math applies to their everyday life.

Experience Summary

I have been teaching math to college students at Mercy College for the last decade. The courses are in algebra, geometry and statistics. During the week I work as a CPA at an investment firm in their audit department. I have extensive experience in varying classroom settings and have adjusted my teaching style accordingly.

Parth P

Teaching Style

In my own studies I have learned the importance of gaining a firm grasp of fundamental knowledge in order to apply it to situations that one has never encountered. This style of learning is at the forefront of science and mathematics. During tutoring, I make sure that the students have properly attained the fundamental knowledge and avoid teaching only how to solve specific problems or answer specific homework/test questions. By tutoring in this manner, students have had great success in solving problems or answering questions on midterms and final exams. Assisting students achieve mastery in applying basic concepts to unfamiliar situations is crucial in unlocking their potential as they do not have to "memorize" their way through college, especially when it comes to science and math courses.

Experience Summary

Having graduated as a Phi Beta Kappa Scholar from UNC-Chapel Hill, I have always achieved a level of excellence in education. I have earned two bachelor of science (B.S.) degrees in Biology and Chemistry. As a result of achieving mastery in these areas, I have tutored students in subjects such as Genetics, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and Calculus. Through tutoring, I have learned that it helps me enrich my own knowledge about the subject matter thus, allowing me to approach concepts/problems in different ways.

Gary G

Teaching Style

My teaching style has been, for the most part, dictated by student response. I am comfortable teaching in a traditional lecture format, in a format that uses a cooperative learning approach exclusively, or in a hybrid format. The goal is for effective learning to take place, and I believe my strongest quality is to be able to adapt in such a way that best helps students reach their academic goals.

Experience Summary

For eight years, I taught freshman and sophomore-level mathematics courses at Arizona State University. These courses included College Algebra, Pre-Calculus, Calculus, Finite Mathematics, and Elementary Mathematics Theory. Additionally, I have tutored students in these courses both in the Mathematics Department Tutor Center, and on my own personal time.

Robert R

Teaching Style

I’ve always been interested in the application of math and science to the solution of real world problems. This led me to a very satisfying career in engineering. Therefore my approach to teaching is very application oriented. I like to relate the subject to problems that the students will encounter in real life situations. I've generally only worked with older students; high school or college age or older mature adults who have returned to school to get advance training or learn a new trade.

Experience Summary

I’ve always been interested in math and science; especially in their application to solving real world problems. This led me to a very satisfying career in engineering. I have a BS in electrical engineering from General Motors Institute (now Kettering University) and an MS in electrical engineering from Marquette University. I am a registered professional engineer in Illinois. I have over 30 years of experience in the application, development, and sales/field support of electrical/electronic controls for industrial, aerospace, and automotive applications. I’m currently doing consulting work at Hamilton-Sundstrand, Delta Power Company, and MTE Hydraulics in Rockford. I also have college teaching and industrial training experience. I have taught several courses at Rock Valley College in Electronic Technology, mathematics, and in the Continuing Education area. I’ve done industrial technical training for Sundstrand, Barber Colman, and others. I’ve also taught math courses at Rasmussen College and Ellis College (online course). I’ve also been certified as an adjunct instructor for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for math and physics courses. I've tutored my own sons in home study programs. I'm currently tutoring a home schooled student in math using Saxon Math. I hope to do more teaching/tutoring in the future as I transition into retirement.

Ellen E

Teaching Style

I prefer to focus on a child's strengths, even while teaching a subject that may be considered the child's weakest. I believe finding and integrating strengths promotes learning because it creates positive attitudes and a more productive learning environment. While understanding certain systems or theories is necessary, I think it is sometimes easier for a child to grasp challenging material when they see plenty of examples of the theory at work.

Experience Summary

As a recent graduate, with seven years experience writing in a professional environment, I excel at writing and editing because I understand the system of language, and I pay close attention to detail. I have nearly five years experience working with children in a structured environment, in addition to working with children of various ages as a summer camp counselor. I also hold a certificate with significant training in teaching English to non-native speakers.

Saravana S

Teaching Style

While teaching, I constantly seek input from my students. I always try to make them feel comfortable in class, and to let them know that they are the key to the success of the class. I try to encourage them to participate very often, and welcome all their questions and comments. I usually have my students work in groups to discuss problems. I use small groups (of 3 people) because they take the least time to organize, and they are the easiest to adjust to for those who always work on their own. I also encourage them to get together to do math problems outside the classroom.

Experience Summary

I worked as a teaching assistant in Organic Chemistry and General Chemistry courses while I worked toward my own master’s degree at the University of South Dakota. This experience gave me the opportunity to transfer from online tutoring to classroom teaching and individual tutoring. The total experience has educated me with the ability to handle students based on their own style and teach them the subject in creative way.