Blake
Certified Tutor
I am an undergraduate student at Vanderbilt University, studying neuroscience and cognitive science in a double major, with a minor in saxophone performance. I have always had a fascination with the concept of understanding, which was a huge factor in the decision to be a neuroscience major. I am very interested in how people learn things, and how they understand the phenomena around them. Due to this fascination, I have spent many hours trying to figure out what makes certain learning techniques "better" than others, and I have become well versed in a variety of teaching styles. Personally, I learn through understanding, and try to teach others through that same understanding. In my spare time I like to practice piano, guitar, and, of course saxophone. I also love to sail, to read, and to draw when I have extra time.
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Undergraduate Degree:Vanderbilt University- Bachelors, Neuroscience
- ACT Composite: 35
My favorite things to do include sailing, playing my saxophone, and playing pick up games of volleyball. I also enjoy reading in my free time (I'm a big sci-fi geek.).
- ACT Prep
- ACT English
- ACT Math
- ACT Reading
- ACT Science
- Advanced Placement Prep
- Algebra
- Algebra 2
- AP Calculus AB
- AP Chemistry
- AP Music Theory
- AP Physics 2
- AP Statistics
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- College Algebra
- College Chemistry
- Conversational Spanish
- High School Chemistry
- Honors Chemistry
- Languages
- Math
- Middle School Math
- Other
- Pre-Algebra
- PSAT Prep
- REGENTS Prep
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 1
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Science
- Spanish
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 2
- Statistics
- Test Prep
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe strongly that to fully grasp a topic, one must understand the basic reasoning behind that topic. In my experiences, understanding the basis behind the concepts, and knowing how they work, gives a much stronger ability to manipulate and analyze questions related to that topic. In short, my teaching philosophy is "reasoning through understanding".
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I treat the first session with a new student as if they are taking a diagnostic exam. I provide the student with questions and will observe the way in which they go about answering the questions. I ask myself things such as "Does this student notice all factors to the question?" and "Does the student skip steps in the answering process that are vital to the answer?" Knowing the way in which a student prefers to work is very important, and I use their preferred method of working as a springboard to assist them better.