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
Upskilling
Debugging
Assignment help
Code Review
Job readiness
AI modules
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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 their Python programming session by focusing on lists, a fundamental data structure. They integrated list functionality into an existing number guessing game to track guesses and practiced various list manipulation methods such as `append`, `insert`, `pop`, `remove`, `reverse`, and `sort`. The next session will cover tuples.
Accessing List Elements by Index
Understanding Python Lists
Adding Elements to Lists: .append() and .insert()
Removing Elements from Lists: .pop() and .remove()
Reordering and Sorting Lists
The Student and Tutor practiced essential Excel skills required for a job test. They focused on data entry, editing, formatting numbers, applying basic formulas like the IF function, utilizing absolute references, and managing data through sorting and filtering. The session aimed to prepare the Student for practical Excel application in a professional context.
Efficient Data Analysis (Sort & Filter)
Data Entry & Manipulation Basics
Excel Structure Management (Rows
Columns
Resizing)
Conditional Logic with IF Function
Mastering Absolute References ($F$4)
The Student and Tutor engaged in a hands-on Excel practice session, covering a wide array of data manipulation, formatting, and analysis techniques. They practiced creating data, applying various cell and table formats, generating formulas, using Pivot Tables, and preparing data for printing. A follow-up session was scheduled for the next day to further prepare the Student for an upcoming test.
Data Persistence: Copy and Paste Values
Efficient Data Filling & Column Sizing
Formatting Dates and Currencies
Pivot Tables: Date Grouping & Value Aggregation
Excel Tables: Creation & Design
Conditional Formatting for Data Insights
Print Layout: Fitting to Page
Student and Tutor reviewed advanced Excel functions, covering how to create and modify pivot tables for data analysis, and techniques for managing, copying, and protecting worksheets and workbooks. They also discussed page layout and printing options in Excel. The session concluded with practice questions on VLOOKUP and INDEX MATCH functions.
Managing Worksheets (Insert
Delete
Move
Copy
Rename)
VLOOKUP vs. INDEX/MATCH for Data Retrieval
Worksheet & Workbook Protection
Page Layout & Printing in Excel
The Student and Tutor practiced various Excel functions and features, including `SUMIFS`, `VLOOKUP`, `INDEX-MATCH`, `IFERROR`, and logical `AND` statements. They also covered practical Excel skills such as cell referencing, conditional formatting, data sorting/filtering, tables, freeze panes, remove duplicates, and chart creation, all in preparation for an SHL assessment. The Tutor offered to provide the session recording and continue practice the following day.
Text Extraction with LEFT and FIND
Conditional Aggregation with SUMIFS
Excel Lookup Functions (VLOOKUP
INDEX MATCH)
Absolute and Relative Cell References
Logical Functions (AND
IFERROR)
Pivot Table Fundamentals for Data Aggregation
The Student and Tutor worked on Python programming, specifically focusing on `for` loops, the `range()` function, and f-strings for formatted output. They also practiced taking user input with the `input()` function and handling `TypeError` by converting string input to integers using `int()`. The session concluded with an introduction to robust input validation using `while True` and `try-except` blocks, with the plan to implement the full solution in the next session.
Controlling Loop Flow: `break` and Input Placement
Basic Error Handling: `try-except` Blocks
Data Type Conversion with `int()`
Formatted String Literals (`f-strings`)
Understanding `range()` Exclusivity
Iterating with `for` Loops and `range()`
Python Variables and Assignment
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Dynamic programming classes
Weekend lessons
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