Pat
Certified Tutor
I am a graduate of Arizona State University. I received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering, I also have an Associates degree from Scottsdale Community College in Mathematics. I was employed at SCC for over three years while attending ASU as a math tutor helping students with their homework, preparing for exams, and/or grasping the subject matter. My favorite subjects are trigonometry, geometry and calculus. I enjoy leading students rather than supplying the answers, to stimulate problem solving methods and promote independent thought. I really enjoy helping students reach that "ahh" moment where they get a handle on a difficult topic. I enjoy reading, old movies, riding my road bicycle, and working on cars.
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Undergraduate Degree: Arizona State University - Bachelors, Industrial Engineering
watching old movies, reading, riding my bicycle and working on cars
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- Algebra 3/4
- Calculus
- College Algebra
- Geometry
- Industrial Engineering
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Pre-Algebra
- Science
- Trigonometry
What is your teaching philosophy?
A good teacher doesn't show you what to look at but what to look for. I try to engage the analytic problem solving abilities of my students. Instead of a student looking at a problem as contrived and generic with a rigid set of procedures they need to follow, i.e. plug and chug, I get them to think deeply about what is given, what is desired and how to be able to explain it to anyone.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I first give them a related problem and see just how they go about trying to solve it on their own, and/or see what they have tried and where they are confused. I look at what their teachers at school have introduced and covered, handouts, notes, hw, etc. I ask what methods and ideas they are familiar with and try to stick with those as not to overwhelm at first.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
By instilling analytical problem solving skills. To make a strong web between various topics and ideas, and not become reliant on step-by-step procedures or that problems should fit a certain preconceived example.