Russ P.
Private tutor in Gilbert, AZ
Education
B.S. in Mathematics, M.I.T M.S. in Applied Mathematics, Northeastern University M.S. in Engineering Management, Northeastern University
Experience
I began math and science tutoring in high school during study periods because I excelled in these subject areas and other students found me approachable, likeable and non-judgmental about their specific difficulties. Teachers encouraged me when they saw positive results. I enjoyed it and found that helping others also “deepened” my understanding of the material because I had to answer questions and explain it more simply. So I continued this voluntary practice informally at MIT, Northeastern, and then in the technical job world while adding areas of expertise and experience in helping people understand contexts, concepts, methods so they could fly solo and be competent. With growing competence, the students began to appreciate and enjoy their courses despite the work that needed to be done. Over this time span I have tutored students and workers in various levels of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, mathematical physics, numerical methods, probability, statistics, theorem proving, finite math, differential & integral equations, computer programming, linear programming, dynamic programming, physics, economics, marketing, plus some others. I can still do this because of solid academic training that spanned over 40 college-level courses in various mathematical, scientific, business, marketing, computer, and other disciplines, and a lifetime of applying these concepts to technical, government and business problems. What I discovered most often in tutoring is that the inability of a student to understand a topic in mathematics or science results from an explanation or a set of symbols that don't make the necessary connections with what the student already knows. So it doesn't produce understanding or sink in. Repeating that same explanation over and over again to try to get the concepts across is very inefficient and boring to the student. It is better to try a different path around the student's perceptual obstacles. I can approach and explain any technical topic that the student is likely to encounter in at least three different ways, mixing in visual graphics, equations with real-life analogies or applications, and language simplified to the student's background and talents. In this customized way, we can explore together to find an approach and a learning pace that work for that specific student. And this flexible tutoring approach has consistently succeeded!
Availability
Any day at any time
Can Meet
Up to 30 minutes away at my regular hourly rate
Hobbies
Reading, movies, sports, friends
Show More
Inquire About This Tutor
Thanks!
Most tutors respond within 48 hours.
Feel free to contact other tutors while you wait.