WHAT & WHERE

SUBJECTS: I tutor General Math through AP Calculus; Physics, AP Physics, Chemistry, AP Chemistry; Standardized Test Preparation (SSAT, STAR, SAT, SAT II, ACT, CAHSEE).

GRADES: I work with students in 5th grade through College.

LOCATION: I work in the student’s home or at a local public library. If the student is under age 18, I require that a parent or other adult be present at home at the time of the session. If such an arrangement is not possible the student and I can meet at the library.

SCHEDULING

FREQUENCY OF SESSIONS: Often a single, one-hour session per week is adequate.  I recommend two sessions per week if, 1) the student is struggling in the subject being tutored, 2) the student wants help in two subjects.

ON-CALL: I'm also available on-call and for extra session, such as test preparation. I am happy to reschedule due to test dates. Scheduling will be based on my availability. The sooner I know the better I can accommodate your needs.

MY ARRIVAL TIME: I make every effort to be punctual, but please allow for me to be five minutes ahead or behind our scheduled time to start. 

THE TUTORING SESSIONS

WHAT TO BRING TO THE SESSIONS: Students should always come to a session with paper, a pencil, class notes and textbook.  Any test or quiz that was returned since the last session should also be brought so that I can go over it with the student.  Some teachers or departments have policies that don't allow the tests or quizzes to go home.  Under those circumstances, teachers often allow the student to bring it home over night to review with the tutor as long as it is brought back.  Otherwise, the student should copy down the questions s/he missed and bring those.  It is important for me to see the types of questions that are being missed.  Other things that are often necessary are a straight edge, calculator, compass, protractor.

PREPARING FOR THE SESSION: The student should work on as much of the current homework before a session as possible.  This allows the student and me to focus on concepts or specific problems that are more difficult for the student.  Throughout the week, the student should note problems that s/he would like help with.  If the student checks in with the classroom teacher prior to a tutoring session to see what sections will be covered during the next class, I can look ahead with the student without worrying if the teacher plans on skipping any of the coming sections in the book.  Finally, I ask that the student use all resources available in conjunction with my help.  This includes reading the class text and notes taken in class, and seeking help from the teacher during lunch or other times that the teacher is available.

DURING THE SESSION: Independent practice is key to mastery of a subject.  Because of this I try to avoid spending too much time during a session on assigned homework problems.  I strive to assist the student in becoming confident enough with the homework to do the bulk of it on his or her own.  However, this is not a hard and fast rule of mine.  Situations do arise in which working through an entire homework assignment might be the appropriate strategy. Typically, I work problems with the student that match have not been assigned, but that those assigned.  For example, if the teacher has assigned the odd-numbered problems, the student and I might work the even-numbered problems.  Further, if I feel not enough work has been assigned for adequate practice, I will encourage the student to do additional problems.

TEACHING STYLE:

When I'm at the student's home, I use a white board and colored markers to help present the material in an understandable way. I also draw upon the student's interests and incorporate them in the lesson when possible. I am also cognizant of the different learning styles and will adapt my teaching style to accommodate the student. If there are known learning disabilities, please inform me so that I can adjust my teaching style to be most effective for the student.

TUTOR AND PARENT COMMUNICATION

Parents may check in with me by phone or at the beginning of a session.  Speaking with me at the end of a session can work if I am alerted in advance so that I can wrap up with the student five or ten minutes early.  This is so I can avoid being late for my next student.

I don't automatically call parents to report on their child's progress.  If, however, a matter arises for which I feel the parent needs alerting I will call the parent promptly.  On the other hand, I want parents to feel free to call me regarding matters related to their son's or daughter's progress.  While I don't normally contact my students' teachers, I will if requested to do so by their parents.

CONTACT INFORMATION

David L. Porter
415-328-4925
Marin County, California
D14LPorter[at]gmail.com
www.LeverageTutoring.com