Reza S.
Private tutor in Canberra, Australia
Education
* B. Engineering
Communication Engineering
RMIT University
Graduated 2005
GPA 3.05 (out of 4)
1st Class Honours
* Bachelor of Applied Science
Computer Science
RMIT University
Graduated 2005
GPA 3.05 (out of 4)
* Advanced Diploma of Screen
Digital Film & Television
Swinburne TAFE
Graduated 2009
Distinction average
Experience
Hi there! :) My name is Reza, and I am passionate about helping students discover the joy of learning, which I believe is an invaluable life skill. I have always loved mathematics from a young age, and have undertaken and excelled in university level math subjects (high distinction average and top individual subject score of 97) throughout my double degree in communication engineering and computer science. I have had two years formal experience tutoring students in mathematics across all levels of high school (including VCE Maths Methods and Specialist Maths), as well as university level maths. Holding very fond memories of my own wonderful teachers who inspired me with their enthusiasm, knowledge, and gift of distilling complex ideas into easily understood explanations, I strive to follow in their footsteps during my tutoring sessions. My underlying philosophy is that learning can and should be fun! I believe the most important role of any educator is to inspire their students to find pleasure in the process of learning, and to motivate them to always push beyond surface-level knowledge and strive for a more comprehensive understanding. To that end, I am strongly opposed to rote learning and believe it is ultimately quite ineffective, particularly for mathematics and other sciences; to paraphrase the great physicist Richard Feynman, knowledge gained via rote is so fragile! I have experienced firsthand the night-and-day difference between simply memorising information in preparation for an exam, as opposed to meaningful learning and understanding of concepts at their core. The latter not only results in knowledge that is more robust, but also creates a sense of pride and satisfaction in the student that will further stimulate their curiosity and desire to learn. A positive and self-sustaining cycle will ensue: the student will relish being presented with new material and seek to place it within the context of prior knowledge; and, when faced with difficult challenges, they will feel motivated to persist with it rather than give up. I think it is tremendously sad that many students are put off mathematics because they assume they are simply not good at it. In my experience, this is often caused by a simple deficiency in some basic fundamentals (due to an over-reliance on rote learning in the junior years) which makes more advanced topics appear prohibitively difficult. I will work hard to identify and rectify these deficiencies to not only help students feel more confident with their current studies, but also equip them to be better learners in the future. I am of course well aware that most students typically seek tuition having specific short term goals of improving grades or excelling on exams. However, I believe these results will occur naturally as by-products of an effective teaching method that focuses on: * Clear explanation of fundamental concepts * Making the student an active part of the learning process * Encouraging the student to make links between new and previous knowledge * Instilling a love of learning and curiosity I have a very warm and empathetic personality, am courteous and considerate, and can easily relate to and communicate with people of all ages and backgrounds. I am very organised and reliable, and have a current Working With Children card.
Subject Expertise
Electrical and Computer EngineeringAP Calculus BCCalculus 1Calculus 2Calculus 3Multivariable CalculusPre-CalculusDifferential EquationsProbabilityStatisticsElectromagnetismAP Calculus ABElectrical EngineeringEngineeringComputer ScienceTechnology and Computer ScienceComputer ProgrammingProgrammingScientific ProgrammingJavaSoftware EngineeringSAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 111th Grade math12th Grade math6th Grade math7th Grade math8th Grade math9th Grade mathMathematical Foundations for Computer ScienceSAT MathSAT Mathematics10th Grade mathSAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2GeometryAlgebra 1Algebra 2Algebra 3/4College AlgebraElementary AlgebraIntermediate AlgebraTrigonometry
Availability
Weekdays in the afternoon, Weekdays in the evening, Weekends at any time
Can Meet
Up to 1 hour away for a flat fee, Up to 25 minutes away for no additional charge
Hobbies
I have always been drawn to a diverse range of interests and hobbies throughout my life. I believe the process of learning and discovery is one of the biggest privileges we are given in life. For the curious mind, the world really is a wondrous place full of beauty and complexity. Aside from a career in the IT industry, I have also pursued studies in filmmaking and have worked as a camera assistant in the film & TV industry. I have keen interests in the following areas: * Mathematics * Physics * Astronomy * Computer programming * Optics * Photography * Cinematography * Watching films * Languages * Listening to and playing music * Martial Arts, in particular Kung Fu * Playing and watching sports, in particular soccer, basketball, and tennis I am currently learning the setar, a traditional Persian string instrument.
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