"As an Eagle scout and former camp counselor, I have several years experience of informal teaching. I have taught both physical skills like swimming, canoeing, and karate, as well as more "paper-and-pencil" knowledge, including the basic understandings of weather, first aid, and the behaviors and classifications of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. I have also tutored elementary school through high school math at Mathnasium. I have a bachelor's degree in mathematics, and can deliver understanding as foundational and deep as necessary, even for higher-level subjects.

My goal in teaching is to build a foundational understanding of the subject matter, and not simply how it relates to a homework assignment, test, or other requirement. Instead of memorizing a list of facts, I believe allowing oneself to understand why and how something works is what enables enjoyment of the subject. And once the "why" and "how" of the subject are understood, good grades and test scores will follow naturally.

I am very patient with others, and I can easily explain concepts in multiple ways until they sink in for the student. For solving specific problems, I am inclined toward the Socratic method of teaching, asking questions in order to guide the student to the correct ideas. I can spot and correct flaws and misconceptions in previous knowledge, which is often the cause of trouble with new concepts." less...