Steven Lawrence
Computer Science Tutor at Thomas College: Specializing in Programming & Databases
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Private tutor - Steven Lawrence
Bachelors degree
/ 30 min
Steven - Know your tutor
I am an experienced VBA developer with a deep understanding of Microsoft Access and database management. Over the years, I have built efficient, scalable solutions that streamline data processing, automate workflows, and enhance business operations. My expertise lies in designing structured, optimized databases that ensure seamless data retrieval and manipulation. One of my key strengths is breaking down complex problems into logical, manageable steps. Whether it’s designing relational database structures, optimizing queries, or automating reports with VBA, I focus on creating solutions that are both powerful and user-friendly. I teach my students how to visualize code execution, ensuring they understand how each function interacts within the database before implementation. My structured six-lesson series is designed to equip students with the skills needed to confidently work with Microsoft Access and VBA. From designing tables and queries to automating processes with macros and custom functions, my approach ensures students gain practical, real-world experience. If you're looking for a tutor who can simplify VBA and database management, enhance problem-solving abilities, and help you master Microsoft Access, I’d love to work with you!
Expert in debugging code
Breaks down coding issues into manageable steps.
Rated highly for assignment help
Clear, step-by-step support for assignments.
Highly rated for problem-solving approach
95% of students improve problem-solving skills and speed.
Programming class overview
Mastering VBA and Microsoft Access requires more than just learning syntax—it’s about designing efficient, scalable database solutions. My tutoring approach focuses on problem-solving, code design, and real-world application, ensuring students gain practical skills that translate directly into professional environments. I structure my lessons around three key steps: WHAT, WHY, and HOW. WHAT – We define the problem and identify the business rules shaping the project. A well-structured database starts with clear objectives, ensuring every table, query, and function serves a purpose. WHY – We analyze the reasoning behind each design choice. Understanding why certain database structures and VBA automation techniques are used helps students develop a strategic mindset, making their solutions more effective. HOW – Finally, we focus on execution. With the what and why established, we confidently implement VBA code and database structures optimized for performance and scalability. I foster a relaxed, interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring creative solutions. My lessons are project-based, centered around topics that genuinely interest each student—whether it’s automating reports, optimizing data entry, or designing relational databases in Microsoft Access. By prioritizing code design first, students learn to visualize how their VBA code interacts with the database before writing it. This leads to cleaner, more efficient programs that withstand real-world demands. My goal is to help students master Microsoft Access and VBA, ensuring they can confidently build professional-grade database solutions. Let’s create something powerful together!
Programming tutor specialities
Upskilling
Debugging
Job readiness
Homework help
Project help

Computer Science concept taught by Steven
The session focused on setting up a Python and TensorFlow development environment for a chatbot project, including creating a virtual environment and running a "hello chatbot" script. The student practiced using the command line and VS Code. The homework is to submit the zipped project folder.
Virtual Environments
Package Installation with pip
TensorFlow Installation
Running Python Scripts in the Virtual Environment
Directory Navigation in Command Prompt
Deactivating the Virtual Environment
The Student and Tutor worked on customizing a GPT model to assist with legal tasks, including drafting documents and responding to clients. The Student learned how to refine prompts, constrain the model's knowledge, and tailor the tone of responses. They planned to test the model and refine it based on real-world usage.
Custom GPT Model Creation
Constraining Information Sources
Prompt Engineering and Iteration
Defining Tone and Style
Leveraging GPT Memory and Previous Conversations
Workflow Integration with GPT
The session covered Excel dropdown creation and the SUMIF function. The Student practiced creating dropdowns using both data referencing and manual entry, and learned how to apply the SUMIF function to analyze data. The Tutor sent the practice sheet for further independent study.
Data Validation and Drop-Down Lists
Pivot Tables
IF Statements
SUMIF Function
SUMIFS Function
Relative vs. Absolute Cell References
The Student and Tutor collaborated on building Excel charts to compare pre- and post-intervention dunning metrics for a client QBR, discussing how to present data effectively for different audiences. The student also learned about VLOOKUP and XLOOKUP functions and their use cases for combining data from different sources. The student will try to find more spreadsheets to work on and bring examples to the next session.
Annualization of Data
Efficient Spreadsheet Practices
Data Translation
XLOOKUP Function
VLOOKUP Function
Relative Lift vs. Overall Lift
Data Storytelling
The Tutor and Student reviewed Excel functions to analyze a merchant's revenue data. The Student practiced calculating cumulative revenue and explored different pricing models based on the incremental value provided. They planned to create a chart comparing current and proposed pricing offers for a client meeting.
Data Presentation and Labeling
Cumulative Revenue Tracking
Excel Formatting: Auto-fitting Columns
Transposing Data
Absolute and Relative Cell References
Annualized Revenue Calculation
Incremental Revenue and Lift Calculation
The Tutor guided the Student in enhancing Excel forms for candidate and position management, focusing on dynamic dropdown menus and input validation. The Student learned to link dropdowns to Excel tables for easy customization and discussed logic for unique ID generation. The next session will focus on implementing the validation code and data insertion.
Dropdown Validation
Adding new candidate workflow
Incrementing IDs for new entries
Dynamic Dropdown Population from Excel Tables
Input Box Naming Conventions
Your programming tutor also teaches
Databases
Visual Basic
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Learner for programming class
Adult/Professionals
College
School
All levels
Dynamic programming classes
Parent feedback
Chat for quick help
Pets are welcomed
Note taking
Record lessons

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