Joe Orii

Mathematics is not a memorization game. Instead, it is one that must be understood from the basics, practiced in various contexts, and questioned from multiple perspectives. This is how I hope to present and teach you mathematics—using reason, repetition, and problem-solving.

My lesson style is flexible, but if there is no request, I will probably proceed with the following format. First, present the overall idea that the lesson is concentrated on. Next, provide a step-by-step explanation or proof of the main idea going at the student's desired pace. Third, dig a little deeper at certain aspects of what is being covered. Next, we will go over problems that make use of the notions covered previously. To expand upon the problems I will present to the student, I will not provide simple problems, meaning that they will stimulate the student's problem-solving abilities. Of course, I will not go into these challenging problems from the start, but as the student excels, I hope to present a variety of problems that force the student to truly think. Finally, we will go over the solutions for these problems, and I will answer any remaining questions from the student. As I explain the solutions, I will expand upon the motivation behind them so students can learn to solve similar problems in the future. Please note that there may be slight variations, but the content covered will be similar.

I will make a final note of my experience. First, in my late high school years, I taught small groups of high schoolers and middle schoolers about some competition-style mathematics. Next, in my final year in high school, I was an assistant teacher for one of my math instructor's calculus courses. In each of these, I put an emphasis on comprehension and critical thinking, ultimately aiming to unveil the beauty or elegance of the mathematical idea I was presenting. I hope to do the same for you as well.