Thomas
Certified Tutor
I majored in Biology in college and earned my B.Sc. from Geneseo in 2012, graduating cum laude. I have applied my education in the professional world, working as a Senior Laboratory Technician at Stony Brook University, and conducting ecological and behavioral research on wild howler monkeys in Nicaragua. Currently I spend my time tutoring students and taking graduate courses at Stony Brook University in the Ecology and Evolution department. I am passionate about teaching and helping students succeed in academics. I believe in treating students as individuals and catering my style to their aptitude and most effective style of learning. I emphasize understanding concepts as opposed to rote memorization, ensuring students have the tools to tackle any problem they may come across.
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Undergraduate Degree: SUNY at Geneseo - Bachelors, Biology, General
I spent my leisure time reading, hiking, mountain biking, and listening to music. With extended free time I enjoy backpacking and traveling to new cities and national/state parks.
- Algebra
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- College Biology
- College Chemistry
- Ecology
- High School Biology
- High School Chemistry
- Life Sciences
- Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Pre-Calculus
- SAT Prep
- SAT Math
- Science
- Statistics
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in catering my teaching style to the student's specific abilities and best method of learning. I think it's important to build a rapport with the student and make them feel comfortable asking questions. I prefer a very active tutoring session rather than a more one-sided lecture style. I believe in having students teach me the material after the lesson as a way to ensure the concepts of the lesson are understood.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would first like to take a couple minutes to get to know the student and say a little bit about myself. It is important that the student feels comfortable and that I understand the student's attitude and abilities. I would follow this with a few exercises to get a feel for the student's current level.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
It is important to emphasize the techniques and methods to not only assist the student while you are present, but also to allow them to continue to work effectively on their own time. Teaching good study habits and extolling the virtues of reviewing the material before and after classes to drive home the lesson is important.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It is imperative to diagnose exactly where the student is having difficulty so that it can be addressed. Some students may have trouble understanding a concept from a certain perspective, so changing teaching styles may be appropriate.
How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?
When a student is struggling with reading comprehension, dissecting the grammar of sentences can be a useful strategy. Pointing out how the structure can teach a student about the meaning of a sentence, and taking it one sentence at a time, can make the task more approachable.