Experience Summary
In 2003 I returned home from a two-year church service mission in Romania. My time in Romania was mostly spent in the homes of ordinary families where I taught parent and child alike the principles of Christianity. Upon my return I attended, and graduated from, Brigham Young University where I learned the governing laws of the universe. My studies in math and physics (with an emphasis in astronomy) allowed me to gain the confidence I needed to return my knowledge to younger students as their tutor and teaching assistant. This last year I have been studying Geophysics at the University of Utah as a graduate student and was rewarded with the opportunity of teaching two sections of undergraduate physics lab.
Teaching Style
As a college student, I understand the difficulties and frustrations that arise from feeling ignorant at times. It is important to me, when I teach, that my student feels reassured when he or she does not understand something. First, I explain principles on a level that I initially judge to be adequate for the student. Then, if the student does not understand, I come up with a more simplified explanation, and continue in this fashion until the concept is grasped. Throughout this process I always feel that it is very important that the student understands that there is nothing wrong with not knowing how the task at hand is completed or even approached.