Zachary
Certified Tutor
I received my physics degree from the University of Montana, and I started tutoring shortly after graduating. I spent the last three years teaching at a camp and developing a passion for informal education. I enjoy seeing the moment of realization when a student understands a concept that they have been struggling with. I believe that everybody is entitled to an education, and strive to ensure that my students overcome their obstacles. I tutor a variety of math subjects, but I especially enjoy calculus. My college physics classes gave me a chance to utilize all of my calculus knowledge, so it is the subject I am most familiar with. During my free time I enjoy mountain biking, hiking, guitar and blacksmithing.
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Undergraduate Degree:The University of Montana- Bachelors, Physics
Blacksmithing, mountain biking, and hiking
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe that every person should have access to an excellent education, and that every person is capable of achieving an excellent education given the right opportunities. I have had the opportunity to work with a variety of different students, who learn in a variety of different ways. By adapting my teaching style to their learning needs, I am able to get through to each student that I help, and give them a better opportunity to succeed.
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
I focus on each step of the learning process, from specifically identifying the problem, to knowing what tools to use, and finally double checking the answer. I ask questions to make sure that the student understands every step of the solution to each problem they encounter. I show them how to approach a problem so they can do it on their own the next time.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
Math and science are subjects that I care about, and that's why they are the subjects that I tutor. I think that the information is amazing, and I enjoy the problem solving process. By demonstrating my own enthusiasm, and sharing my appreciation for the material, I can inspire my students to be more engaged and motivated to continue.
How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?
I always make sure to acknowledge every success, even small successes. I start by building up confidence with the small concepts and build up to larger ones.