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
Assignment help
Debugging
Job readiness
AI modules
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15-days refund
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1-yr validity
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Adult/Professionals
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College
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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

Computer Science concepts taught by Steven
Student and Tutor continued working on an Excel project to identify and manage account discrepancies within a business context. They focused on refining complex spreadsheet formulas and data organization to streamline the identification of accounts needing performance adjustments, specifically utilizing XLOOKUP and IF statements for dynamic owner assignment and advanced data filtering. They also discussed setting up saved filter views for efficient data analysis, with the Student planning to apply these techniques.
Leveraging Filter Views for Personalized Reports
Identifying Hidden Revenue Discrepancies
Dynamic Partner Assignment for Performance Adjustments
Configuring Auxiliary Lookup Tables for Flexibility
Handling Blank Rows and Errors with `IF` and `IFERROR`
Advanced Filtering with `FILTER` and Multiple Conditions (`OR`/`AND`)
The Student and Tutor continued their Excel lesson, focusing on troubleshooting `SUMIFS` function errors and understanding the behavior of Excel tables. They corrected a formula error related to inconsistent range sizing, explored how tables autofill formulas, and dissected various Excel error messages including `#SPILL!`, `#VALUE!`, and `#REF!`. The next session will cover `VLOOKUP` and `XLOOKUP` functions, with the Student planning to use real-world data for practice.
Efficiency in Excel: Formatting & UI Shortcuts
Common Excel Error Messages: Diagnosis and Resolution
Excel Table Dynamic Behavior
SUMIFS Function Debugging & Range Consistency
Student and Tutor worked on updating an Excel dashboard by adding new monthly data. They practiced filtering data, copying specific columns, pasting values into a combined data tab, and refreshing a pivot table to reflect the changes. The session also covered troubleshooting common issues related to data visibility and filter application.
Clearing & Filtering Data in Excel
Accurate Data Copying & Pasting (Values Only)
Refreshing & Verifying Pivot Table Updates
The Tutor and Student worked with spreadsheet data, focusing on text manipulation techniques. They practiced using functions like SPLIT, TRIM, PROPER, TEXTJOIN, UPPER, and LOWER to clean, reformat, and split data. The next session is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2nd at 10 a.m.
Handling and Modifying Original Data
Text Join Function
Spreadsheet Data Splitting and Cleaning
The student and tutor worked on Excel, specifically focusing on the SUMIFS function for data analysis. The student successfully calculated total revenue per brand using SUMIFS and correctly implemented absolute referencing. They discussed future steps, including adding more criteria to the SUMIFS function and developing new analytical questions for the dataset.
SUMIFS Function
Absolute Referencing ($)
SUM vs. SUMIF vs. SUMIFS
Data Analysis & Question Generation
The tutor and student reviewed common text functions in spreadsheets and then practiced generating a dataset using AI. They applied `TEXTSPLIT` to parse data and began strategizing how to dynamically extract titles, first names, and last names from a full name column by analyzing spaces and using `LEN` and `SUBSTITUTE` functions.
TEXTSPLIT Function
FIND Function
LEN Function
SUBSTITUTE Function
Counting Spaces for Data Parsing
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Dynamic programming classes
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