Steven Lawrence
Computer Science Tutor at Thomas College: Specializing in Programming & Databases




Private tutor - Steven Lawrence
Bachelors degree
$18
$15
/ 30 min
About 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
Assignment help
Project help
Debugging
Code Review
Upskilling

Computer Science concept taught by Steven
Steven Lawrence is assisting E.T. in developing a VBA tool in Excel to process data, initially employee data and later E.T.'s Netflix viewing history from a CSV file. Their discussions cover topics including dynamic row counting, variable naming, data loading efficiency, error handling (including alternative reporting methods beyond message boxes), data parsing using delimiters, and creating output sheets with error indicators. The goal is to create a standalone tool that imports data from a user-specified path, validates records, and provides comprehensive error logging for analysis. They plan to meet again to review progress.
Storing Error Information
Looping Through Data
File Path Reliability
Adding Sheets in VBA
VBA vs. Python for Excel
Text to Columns Feature
Error Handling in VBA
Variable Naming Conventions
Steven and S A reviewed a database design for a dance studio, identifying issues related to normalization, data integrity, and relationships within the tables. Steven provided recommendations for improving the database structure, including creating new tables, using auto-numbered primary keys, and implementing lookup wizards. S A will discuss the feedback with her group and potentially schedule another session to address any remaining questions.
Event Date and Time
Primary Key Auto Number
Foreign Keys and Lookup Wizard
Data Types and Validation
Database Normalization
Active/Inactive Indicators
Customized Forms in Access
Contact Information Storage
Zach is analyzing changes between initial and final school funding and staffing allocations in Excel, focusing on the Division of Specialized Instruction. Steven is guiding him to improve his analysis by using VLOOKUP for data integration, calculating percentage changes to highlight significant impacts, and presenting findings clearly and simply for executives. While a deeper dive into school-level data is suggested for future analysis, Zach is prioritizing a concise presentation of the current findings, particularly the significant reduction in behavioral technician positions, for immediate submission.
Inferences and Patterns
VLOOKUP Function
Data Analysis Perspective
Simplifying Complexity
Percentage of Change
Steven assisted Breana in completing her final Excel assignments for her associates degree in small business management. They worked through formatting, formulas, charts, pivot tables, data consolidation, and "what-if" analysis across multiple worksheets. Breana used the completed worksheets to create a sales report and no follow-up was mentioned.
3D Formulas
Adjusting Column Width
Conditional Formatting
VLOOKUP Function
Absolute References
Pivot Tables
Protecting Worksheets
Text Split Function
Steven guided Zach through an Excel assignment focused on financial projections for a school district. Zach practiced using `SUMIF` to calculate unit and total costs, created data visualizations (pie and bar charts), and formatted the spreadsheet for a professional presentation. They discussed how to interpret the data to identify cost drivers and prepared the analysis for presentation to a manager.
SUMIF Function
Formatting Consistency
Relative vs. Absolute References
Chart Customization
Projected Cost Analysis
Steven tutored Alyne on various Excel functions and techniques, including cell referencing, IF statements, Text to Columns, COUNT/COUNTA, SUM, and AVERAGE. They discussed using these functions for data validation, calculations, and automation. Alyne will bring a real-world data problem to the next session to apply these concepts practically.
Data Consistency
COUNT vs COUNTA
Data Validation with IF Statements
Text to Columns
Dynamic vs. Absolute Cell References
Automating Tasks with Code
Your programming tutor also teaches
Databases
Visual Basic
Free lesson slots
1 / 1
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Student types for programming class
School
College
Adult/Professionals
All levels
Interactive programming classes
Record lessons
Note taking
Pets are welcomed
Parent feedback
Open Q&A

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