"I currently teach programming at a community college, so I have lots of experience working with students, both in the class room and for individual tutoring. The languages that I currently teach are Python, Java and Kotlin. I teach a range of courses, from those with no programming background required, through intermediate programming and advanced programming. My students' evaluation of my classes and teaching techniques are consistently good.

I believe programming is best learned by working through examples. When I have to help students who are stuck on a programming concept, I work with them to reduce the problem or question into a few simple steps, then combine these steps into a more complex solution. I always try to give examples in programming about things that are familiar to students, rather than abstract problems. By programming something familiar, like the pattern on a traffic light or simulating a card game, my students see that programming is a way to model reality, rather than an activity not related to anything real. This teaching style results in better learning at all levels.

I realize learning programming can be intimidating at first and it's easy to get stuck on a topic and become frustrated. There are always alternative ways to explain programming topics and opportunities to get over a hurdle when you get stuck. Patience and persistence pays off on both sides of the teaching/learning relationship. I welcome the opportunity to help you understand programming and learn to love it as much as I do.

I only do online tutoring on Wyzant. Please let me know when you are available and what topics you wish to cover." less...