Garrett
Certified Tutor
I am currently a sophomore at UTSA working towards a B.S. in Environmental Science as well as a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology. In the future I hope to achieve my PhD in Ecology with a focus on indigenous populations living in tropical/temperate rain forests. I love to tutor math as well as any science courses because they have a large quantity of information that needs to be digested, but once you get that light bulb moment it's something you'll never forget. In my personal tutoring style I like to approach problems from many different angles, as well as walk through each one step by step to ensure solid problem solving dynamics. My extracurricular activities include plenty of laboratory work, hardcore computer gaming, caring for various exotic amphibians, and discovering the latest and greatest electronic music!
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Undergraduate Degree: The University of Texas at San Antonio - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science
- SAT Math: 700
Snowboarding, Computers
- Algebra
- Anthropology
- AP Environmental Science
- AP Human Geography
- Chemistry
- College Chemistry
- College Geography
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
- Geography
- Geometry
- Gifted
- High School Chemistry
- High School Geography
- IB Social and Cultural Anthropology
- IB Social and Cultural Anthropology HL
- IB Social and Cultural Anthropology SL
- Math
- Other
- Pre-Calculus
- PSAT Mathematics
- SAT Math
- SAT Mathematics
- Science
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Study Skills
- Study Skills and Organization
- Summer
- Test Prep
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I usually focus on getting to know my student during the first session. I try to find a common connection that we share and go from there. Then I like to figure out what type of learning is best fit to the student-- one that balances both attentiveness and retention.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I really try to drive home the fact that the student is in complete control of their own learning. Studying doesn't have to be boring-- you can design studying in such a way that it can be entertaining!
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
I try my very best to first identify when the student does not understand. Sometimes students don't make it obvious. Once I have done that I go back to where the student's struggles began, and I like to go through the material fresh, but this time framing the topic differently.
What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?
I think my students have done the best when they trust me. When I have gained a student's trust they know that I will not be upset if they don't understand a certain topic, therefore they will not feel any pressure during the session. However in the same light I will also be straightforward with them if need be.
How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?
This is one of my favorite parts of teaching. I really like to tie in some of the student's hobbies or interests into the subject. Sometimes this can be difficult, but if I can manage to make the connection it certainly helps.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I really like going through the material with them and near the end of the session I have them do a problem without any of my help. Once the student completes this alone they become much more confident in their own abilities.