Steven Lawrence
Computer Science Tutor at Thomas College: Specializing in Programming & Databases
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Steven Lawrence
Bachelors degree
/ 55 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
Code Optimization
Job readiness
Code Review
Assignment help
Project help

Computer Science concepts taught by Steven
The session focused on streamlining data import from a CRM system into Excel. The student and tutor explored methods for automating data extraction, transformation, and loading. They discussed database normalization principles and practical Excel techniques for data manipulation and error handling. The goal is to automate the process of importing data, validating it, and generating reports for various business metrics. The student was assigned the task of gathering all required data headers from their CRM system to enable future automation.
Data Export and Import
Data Normalization
Excel Shortcuts and Techniques
Using 'IFERROR' Function
Text to Columns Feature
Excel Import Tool with Validation
The student learned advanced Excel techniques for data manipulation, including using the TRANSPOSE function dynamically and managing data integrity during deletions. The session covered sorting and formatting techniques to present data effectively. The Tutor provided a screenshot of the sorting criteria to help the student remember the settings.
Transposing Data with the TRANSPOSE Function
Best Practices for Deleting Data in Tables
Adding Values by Paste Special
Pasting Values and Formatting
Creating Formulas Using Concatenation
Sorting Data in Tables
Filtering Data by Color
The Tutor guided the Student in creating a dynamic Excel sheet for managing employee data. The Student learned how to use VLOOKUP formulas, data validation, and advanced sorting techniques to automate data organization and maintain consistency. The session concluded with setting up error handling and dropdown menus for easier data entry and validation.
Named Ranges
VLOOKUP Function
IFERROR Function
Excel Tables
Sorting Data
Data Validation Lists (Dropdowns)
The student and tutor worked on enhancing a recruitment spreadsheet tool. The student implemented data validation rules, default values, and improved user guidance through error messages. They also started designing the interface for connecting candidates with job requisitions, planning to implement the code in the next session.
Connecting Data Across Sheets
Enhancements: Candidate Sourcing and Candidate Classification
Data Validation and User Input in Spreadsheet Applications
Google Sheets Functionality
The student and tutor reviewed the steps of the data life cycle to build a regression model, focusing on feature engineering, data scaling, and train-test splitting. They analyzed correlation matrices and discussed the impact of data standardization. The student plans to complete the assignment, incorporating the discussed techniques and insights.
Data Life Cycle
Outlier Handling
Feature Scaling (Standardization)
Random Seed for Reproducibility
Importance of Context in Data Interpretation
Data Splitting: Train
Test
The session focused on designing an Excel-based cash flow management tool with dynamic features. The student and tutor worked through data structure, formula building, and user interface design. Follow-up includes the student preparing a spreadsheet with properly formatted and described headers to facilitate formula construction in the next session.
Automating Data Entry with VBA (Visual Basic for Applications)
Data Normalization for Efficient Spreadsheets
Error Handling in Complex Excel Formulas
Distinguishing Actual Transaction Date vs. Expected Payment Date
Dynamic Date Calculations Based on Lookup Tables
Spreadsheet Design Prioritization: Functionality
Ease of Use
Your programming tutor also teaches
Databases
Visual Basic
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Learner for programming class
College
Adult/Professionals
School
All levels
Dynamic programming classes
Open Q&A
Parent feedback
Record lessons
Weekend lessons
Note taking

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