Daniel: Woodbury tutor
Certified Tutor
I recently graduated from Arizona State University with a MA in political science, and I also hold bachelor’s degrees from the University of Arizona in History and Physiology.
I have extensive experience both in teaching and tutoring one-on-one in college-level politics, geography, and history courses. I’m looking forward to being able to work with you not only in these subjects, but also in college essay writing and ACT prep.
I have a particular fondness for teaching politics and history, as my work outside of tutoring revolves around these subjects.
In general, I try to work with students to achieve the goals set out for them by their instructors. Subject like history and political science can have a high degree of variability in how they are taught and what a teacher wants from their students. I think that my job is helping students achieve the best grade possible, which means that I often ask that students provide me with a syllabus or rubric. This allows me to focus on what your instructor wants.
Outside of academia, I enjoy traveling. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend significant amounts of time living and working in Asia, and I try to spend a few weeks there every year. Hong Kong has become my second home (though Cantonese still eludes me!).
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Undergraduate Degree: University of Arizona - Bachelors, History
Graduate Degree: Arizona State University - Masters, Political Science and Government
- ACT English: 34
- ACT Reading: 36
- ACT Science: 34
Travel, Language Study
- ACT English
- ACT Reading
- AP European History
- AP U.S. Government & Politics
- AP United States History
- AP US History
- AP World History
- College Level American History
- College World History
- European History
- Government
- High School Level American History
- High School World History
- History
- Political Science
- SAT Subject Test in United States History
- SAT Subject Test in World History
- SAT Subject Tests Prep
- Social Sciences
- Social Studies
- Test Prep
- World History
What is your teaching philosophy?
My goal is the get you the best grade possible in your course or on your exam. I work to teach you the methods your instructor wants you to use.
What might you do in a typical first session with a student?
I would go over the student's goals and work to identify any trouble areas. Does the student know the information, and just needs help constructing an argument? Or would our time be better spent going over the course material, to ensure understanding?
How can you help a student become an independent learner?
Improving one's study techniques allows a student to become more independent, so that by the time we meet my job is only to help revise, rather than teach from scratch. By having a base of knowledge in a subject, the student can then focus on gaining a deeper understanding of important concepts.
How would you help a student stay motivated?
It's important to always look to the next thing. Even if an exam or assignment didn't go as well as hoped, viewing it as an opportunity to learn can be motivating. Look over the assignment, see where you can improve, and work to incorporate what you've learned in the next paper or test.
If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?
Everyone learns differently. As I get to know a student, I try to incorporate a variety of study methods. For history, flashcards are a common way to memorize information. For me though, I prefer outlines. Some find concepts make more sense when discussed in-detail, while others prefer a big-picture approach. Working with the student to find what works best for them is critical.