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!
Programming tutor specialities
Project help
Code Review
Debugging
Job readiness
Upskilling
Learner for programming class
School
All levels
College
Adult/Professionals
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!
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.
Your programming tutor also teaches
Databases
Visual Basic

15 days Refund
Free Tutor Swap

Computer Science concepts taught by Steven
The student and tutor focused on improving Excel performance by addressing issues with conditional formatting and practicing advanced pivot table creation. They explored methods to troubleshoot crashing files, optimize data analysis through pivot tables, and implement calculated fields for richer insights. The session concluded with plans to continue these Excel skills in the following week.
Conditional Formatting and Performance
Pivot Table Creation and Manipulation
Excel File Performance Issues
The Student and Tutor reviewed essential Excel skills, beginning with data import and structure using the 'Text to Columns' feature. They then focused on transforming data ranges into Excel Tables, highlighting the benefits of tables for data management, filtering, sorting, and dynamic formulas. The session concluded with an introduction to basic formulas and conditional functions like SUM and SUMIFS.
Sorting and Filtering Data
Excel Functions vs. Formulas
Data Formatting and Data Types
Excel Tables vs. Ranges
CSV Data Import and Text to Columns
The student and tutor reviewed and optimized Excel formulas, distinguishing between functions and formulas. They practiced using `SUMIF` and addressed errors related to incorrect arguments and data structure, with the student assigned homework to correct specific formulas using relative references and avoiding hardcoding.
Functions vs. Formulas in Excel
Optimizing Calculations: Avoiding Unnecessary Functions
Understanding SUMIF Arguments and Errors
Hardcoding vs. Relative References
Data Structure and Analysis Separation
The Student and Tutor discussed advanced Excel functions for HR data analysis. The Student learned about using named ranges and dynamic tables for efficient data updating, as well as `SUMIFS` and `COUNTIFS` for data aggregation based on multiple criteria. The next steps include practicing these functions and building summary tables with dropdown filters based on a sample project.
Filter Function to reduce duplicated outputs
Named Ranges in Excel
Excel Tables for Dynamic Data
SUMIFS Function for Conditional Summation
COUNTIFS Function for Conditional Counting
If Statements and Logic in Excel
Unique Function for distinct rows
The Tutor guided the Student through using `IFS`, `SEARCH`, `ISNUMBER` and `VLOOKUP` in Excel to extract data based on a priority and assign compliance values. The Student reviewed initial steps, including cleaning and sorting data using `TEXTJOIN` and `FILTER` functions. The Student will review a previous lesson with their instructor on Tuesday, but requested an extension to include this lesson as well.
Text Join and Filter Function
IFS Function with Search
ISNUMBER Function
VLOOKUP for Data Extraction
Cleaning Data for Exact Matches
The student and tutor reviewed advanced Excel features, including efficient sheet duplication, formatting techniques, layout optimization, and controlled printing. They practiced these skills to prepare a standardized template for future use, with the student actively participating in the demonstrations.
Formatting for Clarity and Printability
Creating Reusable Excel Templates
Understanding Excel Calculation Settings
Excel Sheet Duplication Methods
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Dynamic programming classes
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