Case Studies

Case 1:
High school sophomore, geometry and algebra.

Challenge:   To teach the student how to teach himself mathematics, and require a tutor no more.

Approach:   weekly sessions led to the development of a personalized study regime. we met over the course of 3 semesters. the first semester was every week, sometimes twice a week. the next semester was once every three weeks and for the final semester we met only before midterms and finals.

Result:   He is now a proficient math student working completely independently.

Case 2:
Returning student. Age 45. Taking calculus after 20 years outside academia as an airline pilot.

Challenge:   To teach the student how to teach himself mathematics, and require a tutor no more.

Approach:   Math coaching. When I was contacted during the second week of the semester, the student was ready to drop calculus and abandon his notion of acquiring an advanced degree in economics. I encouraged him not to do so, helped him develop a personalized study regime and convinced him that his best work was ahead.

Result:   He stayed in the course and continuously got better and better grades on his tests, finishing with a 95% on his final and an A in the course. He is now in a Masters program at Berkeley.