The Tutor.com Blog

It’s National Chemistry Week! When you think about chemistry class, do you think of doing cool experiments, getting to play with expensive lab equipment and the joy of balancing an equation? Or do you conjure up thoughts of heavy textbooks, hours of studying and sheer frustration?

You don’t have to be a chemistry geek, but you do have to get your homework done. Here are some recent comments from students who had a Tutor.com session with our chemistry tutors.

• My tutor was awesome…Best one so far. She really made sure I understood everything before moving on and if I didnt she clearly explained it in a way that made perfect sense! – College student, Navarro College
• Chris G was an excellent tutor who not only helped me work through the problems, but also double checked my work and made sure that I understood certain concepts and steps before moving on. This is a great service. Thanks a lot. – 12^th grade student, County of Los Angeles Public Library
• I love this website, it’s the most helpful thing. Whether I’m just checking over my work or trying to get something really complicated done, I recommend this website. I’ve been using it for years now and I don’t plan on stopping soon. In other words, the tutors here are awesome! – 10^th grade student, Houston Public Library
• I really enjoy using this website. I am taking some very difficult classes at my high school, so only few people can help me with most problems, and I can only ask my teacher so many questions. Each tutor that I have had has been very helpful to me and I have learned a lot. The tutors are very patient and go through difficult problems very slowly for me. We have very limited class time at school, so my teacher has to zip through problems, so I grateful to have somebody thouroughly explain material for me…However, I think that the teachers on this website are excellant, and I am very grateful for this resource. I have definitely learned a lot from this website. – 11^th grade student, Alabama Public Library Service
• thank you so so much tutor for helping me =]! these ap chem problems can get very difficult and i dont stress over them anymore bc these tutors always help me and give me confidence in my work..i cant wait to major in biochemistry next yr bc chem is so much clearer to me now thanks to this!! =] thanks so much again! =] love thisss tutoring program guys! – 12^th grade student, Nassau Library System
• This website is so awesome and helpful. I could not survive without it–my grades couldn’t either!!  - 10^th grade student, Houston Public Library
• Things move so fast in AP Chemistry that sometimes you don’t understand what is going on.  It’s nice to be able to go online and have things explained to you one on one.  You then have the time you need to understand what is going on.  This is the first time I have used this and I have a feeling that I will be using it often. – 11^th grader, Suffolk Public Libraries

Need help with your homework? Connect to a tutor, or check out our chemistry resources.

It’s National Chemistry Week. We asked chemistry tutor and mentor Rosann W. to tell us why she became a chemistry tutor. Rosann has been tutoring with Tutor.com since 2006.

Ask any chemist or chemistry teacher why they got into that field and most of them will say “fire.”  You know, causing explosions, pyrotechnics, burning things up.  Not me. What hooked me wasn’t fire, but colors. Specifically the colors of the gemstones.  See, I was completely fascinated by the fact that if you take an amethyst (February’s birthstone) and heat it up you will get a citrine (November’s birthstone).  What’s the big difference you ask?  An electron.  One measly electron that takes an iron atom from Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺.  That’s it.  Oh, and one chemistry professor, Dr. Kenney who explained it all, in detail.  From then on, I had to know more!

So I studied chemistry in college and I knew I wanted to help other people understand it better (like Dr. Kenney did for me).  And the rest is history.  I became a high school chemistry teacher and now I tutor chemistry.

For a chemist it’s all about the “ah-ha” moment.  Whether it’s making a controlled explosion, creating the perfect firework, finding a new vaccine, solving a problem for a consumer application or helping a student understand how to write and balance an equation, they are all “ah-ha” moments.  And for me the best part is when a student says “Oh so it’s like this…” and she’s off and running because she “gets” it.  That’s why I am a chemistry teacher.  That’s why I’m a chemistry tutor.  That’s who I am … I am a chemist.

Rosann’s birthstone is an aquamarine and her new passion is knitting. Knitting isn’t chemistry based, but the patterns are based in mathematics and just like Professor Dumbledore, she can’t resist.

Do you want to tutor chemistry (or another science or math subject)? Apply at www.tutor.com/apply

Need help with your own chemistry homework? Connect to a chemistry tutor today!

Each month our team of mentors nominates a “Tutor of the Month.” This month’s tutor is Pat C. from New Jersey. Pat has been an online tutor since February 2010. He tutors Algebra, Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus. We are happy to share this interview, so you can “meet” him. Check out our additional tutor profiles to learn more about the people who help serve thousands of sessions, every day.

What brought you to Tutor.com?  How long have you been here?

As a college and high school tutor, I was attracted by the prospect of tutoring kids from all around the country in a variety of different subjects.  The flexibility of Tutor.com appealed to me as well.

What is the most rewarding part of tutoring?

The most rewarding part of tutoring is when a student realizes that they can solve a problem by themselves.  When you see a student become more self-sufficient and excited about what they are doing, it’s very gratifying.

Do you have any funny or touching Tutor.com stories?

During my first week of tutoring, I was still getting used to the online classroom.  I finally realized that students were confused by the fact that I was Patrick C with a female avatar (the default).  One student said, “Is Patrick C. really a girl?? Either way, she was a good tutor!”

What interests do you have outside of Tutor.com?

Outside of tutoring, I am very interested in math and study it in college.  I love watching and playing baseball, but my favorite hobby is juggling!

Any big events or activities coming up?

Over the summer, I will be participating in a program to teach and mentor underserved high-potential middle school students.  I am very excited to further my pursuit of a career in education.

Anything else you would like to share?

Thanks to my mentor Kathleen Z.  She has been very helpful and encouraging since February, helping both me and my students get the most out of Tutor.com!

Each month our team of mentors nominates a “Tutor of the Month.” This month’s tutor is Leah G. from Washington. Leah tutors Statistics and Trigonometry. We are happy to share this interview, so you can “meet” her. Check out our additional tutor profiles to learn more about the people who help serve thousands of sessions, every day

What brought you to Tutor.com?  How long have you been here?

I’ve been with tutor.com for about 6 months now. Tutoring had always been a hobby for me throughout high school and college. I had just graduated and moved to a new city, so I decided to give tutoring a try while I decided what I wanted to do with my life. I heard about the website from a friend and took my chances and applied to be a tutor!

What is the most rewarding part of tutoring?

My favorite parts of tutoring are those AHA! lightbulb moments. When a student enters a session feeling defeated by a problem, I like to turn it around so the student sees it is simpler than they thought and they can solve it too! I find it very rewarding to know that each day I can help several students that I’ve never even met feel more capable and confident in their abilities.

What interests do you have outside of Tutor.com?

Outside of tutor.com, I work in retail sales and tutor in person. In my spare time I love to play board games and I enjoy a good science fiction book every so often.

Any big events or activities coming up?

This summer I’m going on a roadtrip to California and then spending the summer there teaching for Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth for my second year. I’m also planning on beginning a Master’s in Teaching program in the near future, which I’m very excited about. My time with tutor.com has definitely been instrumental to making the decision to go back to school for my Master’s.

Each month our team of mentors nominates a “Tutor of the Month.” This month’s tutor is Mike K.  from Michigan. Mike tutors Algebra II, Calculus, Statistics and Trigonometry. We are happy to share this interview, so you can “meet” him. Check out our additional tutor profiles to learn more about the people who help serve thousands of sessions, every day

What brought you to Tutor.com?  How long have you been here?
I stumbled upon Tutor.com while looking for tutoring websites. It wasn’t anything I’d heard about, so I decided to investigate and ended up taking seven or eight tests within two days (which suggests that I really have nothing better to do with my time). I’ve been tutoring now for about 3 months.

What is the most rewarding part of tutoring?
The most rewarding part of tutoring is knowing that I have the opportunity to help kids succeed in math (the subject I teach), especially during a time when more kids than ever need to be skilled at math in order to do well in college, get a job, etc. I like that I get to be a small part of the move toward helping all kids succeed in school.

Do you have any funny or touching Tutor.com stories?
Nothing really comes to mind, but on a daily basis I experience a feeling of simple good-will from the students who use our service. They really are happy to have us here to help them learn, and they are willing to show that thankfulness when we work with them.

What interests do you have outside of Tutor.com?
Outside of Tutor.com, I love playing with my three children and teaching them to play the violin. I like to keep up with my own music-playing and -writing when I can, and I also teach high school mathematics (a subject in which I have a geek’s need to study and learn more all the time). I race my students to finish the N.Y. Times crossword first, read whenever I can, and run or bike to keep from falling into disrepair.

Any big events or activities coming up?
Not for me – most of the interesting events revolve around my children now, whether plays or recitals or other activities.

Anything else you would like to share?
It might sound like an Oscar acceptance speech, but I want to personally thank my mentor, Josh, for being an incredible source of support, suggestions, and encouragement in the last few months. Anyone else who is on his team of tutors knows how capable and dedicated he is.

Each month our team of mentors nominates a “Tutor of the Month.” This month’s tutor is Brandi S.  from Texas.  Brandi tutors Career Help and Essay Writing. We are happy to share this interview, so you can “meet” her. Check out our additional tutor profiles to learn more about the people who help serve thousands of sessions, every day

What brought you to Tutor.com?  How long have you been here?
I started with Tutor.com in October 2009.  I was looking for some part-time work in addition to my full time job that would allow me to work with students, utilize my writing skills, and be flexible – a tough combination!  I did a search for “tutoring online” and one site led me to Tutor.com.  It was perfect for me!

What is the most rewarding part of tutoring?
Honestly, I have been completely surprised by the way all our students continually touch my life.  I’ve worked with fourth graders reading poetry for the first time, high school students applying to college, adult learners who want their GED, mothers who want to get back into the workforce … although I don’t know who they are, I feel very compelled by what they are trying to achieve.  Their struggles and goals become my struggles and goals, and I think about them a long time after we work together.  This, for me, is the most rewarding part of the job.

Do you have any funny or touching Tutor.com stories?
I worked with an elementary student a few weeks ago who was trying to understand what a “riddle” is.  So I told the following joke:

What do you call a monkey with bananas in his ears?

Nothing, because he can’t hear you!

He thought that was sooo funny!  It still makes me laugh!

What interests do you have outside of Tutor.com?
My background is in creative writing, so I try to engage that part of my brain when I can.  I also enjoy cooking (and eating) good food and getting lost in a movie.

Any big events or activities coming up?
Next month I have a trip planned with my best friend to go antiquing in east Texas.  I’m so excited because I haven’t seen her in a really long time.  It’s going to be a fun weekend!

Anything else you would like to share?
I share my life with my amazing husband, David, and two bunnies:  Honey and Greta.

Lots of great exhibitors, talks and passionate physics educators and students.

Tutor.com recently had the opportunity to visit the 2010 American Physical Society and The American Association of Physics Teachers’ Joint Meeting in Washington, D.C. Despite the 30 inches of snow that brought the city to a halt for a few days, the meeting was very well attended.

The meeting encompassed a series of events with a focus on “Physics for the Nation’s Future”. Between the plenary sessions, such as “Re-Energizing America’s Focus in STEM Education” the exhibits showing the latest technology, programs and services in the world of physics, the poster sessions with many students presenting great research, and the awards ceremonies commending individuals for outstanding contribution to physics, this meeting was an all out physics fest. The Mayor of D.C., Adrian Fenty, even declared the week of Feb. 14 – 21 Physics Education Week!

We also had the opportunity to meet with our partners, The Society of Physics Students and Sigma Pi Sigma Honor Society and were warmly invited to their version of Physics Jeopardy as well as their induction of Honorary Member and Pioneering Astronomer Vera Rubin who discovered dark matter in galaxies. How cool is that? There are more photos of the event on the SPS Flickr page.

Overall, this was a great meeting and we recommend that all of you Physics lovers make it out to the next one. And don’t forget to catch Spectra, the original laser superhero!

Each month our team of mentors nominates a “Tutor of the Month.” This month’s tutor is Monica L.  from Virginia.  Monica tutors chemistry and statistics.  We are happy to share this interview, so you can “meet” her. Check out our additional tutor profiles to learn more about the people who help serve thousands of sessions, every day

What brought you to Tutor.com?  How long have you been here?

I found out about Tutor.com through a web search. It seemed like the perfect opportunity, since I was a full-time college student in need of a flexible part-time job. I have been with Tutor.com for about four months now.

What is the most rewarding part of tutoring?

Those times when I find a simple, elegant approach to a problem a student’s been stuck on for hours. The student’s feelings of relief and gratitude just radiate through the Internet connection and can really make my day. Helping other students with statistics also keeps me on top of my game as well!

Do you have any funny or touching Tutor.com stories?

I was helping a student with a statistics problem that involved calculating the expected value of an insurance plan. When we discovered that the expected value was negative for the insurance purchaser, the student had a “lightbulb moment” and realized why insurance companies make so much money. I really like the fact that a lot of the topics I come across in tutoring are easily relatable to real life.

What interests do you have outside of Tutor.com?

I’m an avid experimental chemist; my dream is to one day establish my own laboratory. I also enjoy writing short stories, composing music, and fitness walking.

Any big events or activities coming up?

I’m just about to start another semester of college, and I’m taking my pharmacy technician certification exam soon. Eep!

Do you want to tutor for Tutor.com? Apply now.

Rachelle and Tom

I think every military story in unique but here is mine… (Rachelle W. is a Senior Mentor with Tutor.com and has been with Tutor.com since August 2005. She tutors mid-level math, algebra 1 & 11 and geometry.)

I grew up near Montgomery, Alabama and although my family wasn’t tied to the military in any way, we knew lots of military people because Maxwell Air Force Base and its Gunter annex are both large bases in Montgomery.  Also, Columbus, Georgia with the army base Ft. Benning is only about an hour away and I had friends who lived near Columbus.

My first real connection to the military was when my then boyfriend joined the Army National Guard in 1985.  He was away at Basic Training and his first skills training during my senior year in high school and then we married during my first year of college.  He was a weekend soldier so we weren’t really “military” minded until he was deployed for 9 months in Desert Storm.  During the deployment, I had to learn a lot about the military and the bases and I decided that it was something beneficial for me. We used the bases after his deployment but not a great deal. During this time, I had a career in computer design and analysis and probably one-third of the people I worked with had been in the Air Force and stationed in Montgomery.

As the Guard was utilized more around the world, our benefits and base privileges grew as well.  As they grew, I took advantage of that. Most of the time, Tom would tell me about the changes as he heard about them at drill.  When he was deployed to Iraq in 2004, my children and I started using base doctors and since we were out there we started using other things as well, like the libraries, stores, and movie theaters.  When he returned, we were able to stay on military health insurance so we have kept going to base. I am on an FRG (Family Resource Group) email list now and get most of my updates and information from them as soon as I get them from Tom.  We also get information from a couple of websites and magazines that we receive.  During his deployments, I was involved in FRG myself but I have not remained involved when he has been at home.

Another tie that I have with military families is through homeschooling.  A good portion of military families homeschool because it avoids “changing” schools so frequently.  I homeschool as well but I also teach upper level math in a homeschool co-op.  This year my numbers are down but I have 22 students and of those at least 9 are either active duty, retired, and Guard/Reserves.  In addition to tutoring with Tutor.com, I also receive calls for tutoring from other military families based on referrals from other military homeschool families.  What I have observed is that the families who have recently moved to town don’t have a family network here to locate tutors so they rely on a military network.

I think the Department of Defense providing Tutor.com to military families is a great benefit.  In the simplest of terms, it means that when one parent is deployed and the other is doing all the taxi and home work there is one less place that students have to be taxied to because they can receive help at home.

U.S. military families around the world now have unlimited access to Tutor.com, provided by the Department of Defense. For more information, access and eligibility, please visit our site.

Tutoring with Tutor.com is a great opportunity for military spouses and subject experts looking for rewarding work with students who need help. For more information on becoming a tutor, please visit www.tutor.com/apply

Face it—it’s been a few years since you’ve thought about homework. So when your kids come to you with questions about symbolism in The Great Gatsby, which quarks make up protons and neutrons or, heck, even how to add fractions, the answers probably aren’t on the tip of your tongue. (Just ask this mom, who confessed in the New York Times, “[my daughter’s] fifth-grade homework is killing me.”) It might be time to direct your child to someone who’s had time to crack a math book in the last year. You might have heard of online tutoring, and maybe you’ve even tried it, but it can be hard to figure out the best fit for you and your child among all the options. After all, just because your long division is coming up short doesn’t mean you can’t stay on top of helping your child succeed. Here are tips to help your child make the most of his online tutoring sessions and how you can stay in the loop (without doing any of the heavy brain work).

Giving Them the Competitive Edge
Between the pressures of standardized testing and heavier competition to get into college, being a student today is more complicated than it was even five or 10 years ago. Student testimonials and studies also show that online tutoring works, with students reporting that they improved grades on tests and papers and gained a better understanding of subjects, particularly math and science. Using online tutoring makes sense—kids already are savvy and comfortable with online tools such as instant messaging.

Communicating the Problem
But knowing how to communicate online doesn’t mean students always communicate their academic problems. Tutors should be responsive and patient, and they need to know their stuff. You can maximize the help by encouraging your child to be specific, especially if they’re struggling with something that’s less than straightforward, such as complex math concepts or essay writing. In return, the tutors should help your child understand the material, not just how to solve the one problem in front of them; they should never just give out the answers. As parents, an easy way to make sure this happens is by tracking the time your child spends online. You also need to know what type of help your child needs, how often they need a tutor and what time of day they’re most likely to want help. Your child might struggle with algebra but also want help brushing up before history tests. An online tutoring company that offers pricing based on minutes used, rather than subject areas, might be your best bet. Some are even available 24/7.

Staying in the Loop
It’s also important to pick an online tutoring service that will help you stay informed without feeling like a micromanager. A great way to stay in the loop is to review your child’s tutoring sessions. Some online tutoring services record sessions between student and tutor so you can keep an eye on your child’s progress when you have the time. You’ll not only find out whether your child maximizes his sessions, but you can ensure the tutor offers the right help. The reviews—also useful to give your child a refresher before an exam—can reassure you that the tutor gives step-by-step instruction when needed. For example, if it’s an English paper giving your child trouble, the tutor might go through the paper sentence by sentence to explain what’s not working; or if it’s help figuring out what went wrong in a calculus formula, the tutor can show them how to look for small mistakes that can affect the outcome. Of course, you always want to make sure the tutoring company you choose uses tutors who are subject experts and properly screens applicants, including performing background checks.

Taking the Plunge
You’re used to being in charge of all your children do, but you know it’s a competitive world for kids and it never hurts to give your child an academic edge. Delegate some of that homework help and stay in the know—what are you waiting for?

Perhaps the last school year didn’t go as well for your child as you both would have liked, or maybe you just know he can do better. It may be that the way he’s being taught doesn’t mesh with his learning style. Research shows there are a variety of ways people learn.

Four of the more common learning styles are verbal (excels in reading and writing), visual (prefers images), auditory (learns by listening) and tactile (good at hands-on tasks). Observe your child’s behavior or take the quiz to figure out which one of these styles best describes your child. Then you can help by creating study aids that play up on his or her strengths.

Wordsmith—Verbal Learning Style
The verbal child excels when it comes to the written word. You’ve probably noticed that your child loves to read and play word games. Tip: To maximize her learning, encourage her to take notes while studying and write out information in his own words, even for subjects like math. Re-reading notes also works, and your child can break down diagrams and other visual materials into words. Make it fun by suggesting she turn her homework notes into a poem or news story.

Artist—Visual Learning Style
If you find doodles all over your child’s notes and she seems to prefer diagrams and pictures to the accompanying words, chances are you’ve got a visual learner. Tip: Give her highlighters and brightly colored Post-its to mark notes, and encourage her to make illustrations, such as maps and timelines, which will appeal to her visual nature and help her retain the material. Colorful flash cards are also useful.

Good Listener—Auditory Learning Style
The auditory learner is the one who benefits from a long lecture. Auditory learners also tend to have musical talents and a knack for learning foreign languages. Tip: Give your child a digital recorder or an iPod attachment that will allow him record his thoughts while studying alone, have him read notes out loud and help set up a study group with classmates. Encourage him to ask questions in class. Listening to music while studying can work, too.

Crafty Creature—Tactile Learning Style
Does your child like to do crafts and other hands-on activities? Did she get an “A” for her diorama but a “C” on the related essay test? Chances are she’s a tactile learner, and excels when given the chance to do something physical with the material, such as a multi-media project or drawing, rather than an essay. Tip: Take her on a weekend field trip to a museum, or help her act out the homework in a role-playing game. You can also suggest she walk around the room while studying for a test and take frequent breaks while doing homework.

Stay Involved
Observation is the best way to discover your child’s learning style—or styles as the case may be. Tip: Take notice of how your child performs in certain environments—maybe he’s easily distracted by noise, or prefers to take notes on a computer. Once you’ve figured out what methods work best, talk to your child’s teachers to find out how you can work together. Teachers want their students to excel, and by working as a team you can make sure your child reaches his or her full potential.

Each month our team of mentors nominates a “Tutor of the Month.” This month’s tutor is Kimberly S.  from California.  Kimberly tutors Career Help, algebra, calculus, and physics.  We are happy to share this interview, so you can “meet” her. Check out our additional tutor profiles to learn more about the people who help serve thousands of sessions, every day.

What brought you to Tutor.com? How long have you been here?

I joined Tutor.com nearly two years ago, pretty soon after my daughter was born. In my case, I was less motivated by earning money than by keeping my physics and math skills sharp. Within the next year or so, I expect to return to school–grad school for physics–full-time. Tutoring keeps my brain sharp, something that’s ESSENTIAL when you’re trying to finish graduate-level coursework in a field like physics, and something that’s incredibly difficult to do when you’re a stay-at-home parent of a little kid.

What is the most rewarding part of tutoring?

The most rewarding part? I’d have to say those moments when you find yourself explaining something so well and with such clarity that both you and your student share an aha! moment. It sounds silly, but I swear I’m a better physicist now than I was two years ago, and tutoring is a big part of that. In these instances, it’s like we’re both learning together; it’s not a one-way, tutor-blabs-and-student-tries-his-hardest-to-understand sort of session, but a joint venture in education.

Do you have any funny or touching Tutor.com stories?

I have so many of both. Funny moments? Countless, both unintentional (e.g. the result of some clumsiness on my part) and intentional. I try to incorporate humor into my sessions whenever possible; so many students, especially AP Physics students, are so stressed out with their coursework that a little bit of humor goes a long way to help them relax, which improves learning. Plus, it can lift the mood of an otherwise heavy session where a lot of tough physics or math takes place.

Touching moments? Every time a student says, “I’m so glad I got you as a tutor tonight…I’ve had you before,” or “OMG! I finally get it!” I just tear up a little bit…

What interests do you have outside of Tutor.com?

I’m such a nerd. Very little interests me outside of physics. I do love linguistics, though, especially how languages evolve over time. I’m always looking up etymologies in the dictionary, or finding cognates between languages. But physics is what I prefer to think about. There’s just so much to understand!

Any big events or activities coming up?

My daughter’s imminent potty training, which I’m certainly going to need help with. Does Tutor.com offer tutoring help in potty training?

Anything else you would like to share?

Since joining Tutor.com, I’ve had the honor of working under two wonderful mentors, Edna and Rhianna. They’ve both been so warm, supportive, and helpful. You would think that a solitary gig like at-home, online tutoring would make you feel “apart” from the company, but it doesn’t feel that way to me. I actually feel like I have co-workers and colleagues, as if I worked in an office. Thanks so much!