PrepNow Tutor - Rob M.
Robert attended Bradley University, where he earned a BS in biology with a concentration in STEM education; he was on the dean's list his final three semesters. After graduating, he worked for a year as a teacher's aide and substitute teacher. “I gained a more diverse experience with education during this period outside of my academic focus (math and science), which broadened my interests in tutoring and teaching more subjects.” Following this, Robert became a lead instructor and center director for a math and test prep learning center for five years. He now works in a job in the field of industrial supply while continuing to tutor test prep. “I get to use math, science, reading, writing, and language skills to assist massive corporations and small-scale operations all over the United States,” Robert says.
Robert has loved teaching since he was a little boy and began to learn things himself. His first formal tutoring experience was as a peer tutor in high school and he has continued to teach in some capacity ever since. “I have worked with volunteer and for-profit tutoring agencies and love the opportunity to help someone not only solve a problem but also learn how to solve similar problems on their own in the future,” Robert says. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a student have the 'ah ha' moment, whether they are a preschooler just getting started or an adult preparing for their teacher education entrance exams.”
In addition to his test prep tutoring experience, Robert has worked with students on math and general academic support. When teaching, he most frequently utilizes Socratic questions, asking open-ended questions. Robert always allows students to think through problems before guiding them to the answer. “Direct teaching can be quite useful in review and to make specific points; however, if one is doing the thinking on behalf of their students, then the students are missing out on valuable learning,” Robert explains. “Meta-cognition is also huge for cognitive development. If a student is not thinking about why they are approaching a problem in a particular way and how their thinking changes as they improve, they are again missing out on valuable learning data as a student.”
In high school, Robert was in the chemistry club, was an elected youth leader in his youth group, and was an avid choir member. His love for choir carried over into college; also, he was a member of the APO service fraternity and developed an interest in programmed fitness at the gym.
“My current biggest interest is programming my workouts through progressive overload training, regimented cardio, and nutrition,” Robert shares. He is an avid fan of all types of hot sauces and has about thirty different sauces in his arsenal. “My girlfriend and I did a custom-made Hot Ones challenge this year on Valentine's Day!”
Robert aims to improve daily by learning, exercising, working hard, and avoiding burnout. “You cannot be the best version of yourself if you do not set yourself up for success.”
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