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
Assignment help
Job readiness
Project help
Debugging
Code Optimization
AI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
No cancel fee
1-yr validity
24/7 support
Learner for programming class
Middle School students
College students
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
The Student and Tutor worked on an Excel file to analyze Robinhood stock transactions for tax purposes. They focused on extracting stock prices, integrating them using XLOOKUP, and applying complex conditional formulas to calculate taxable and untaxable gains/losses. The Student plans to review the calculated figures and formulas with their accountant for verification.
Excel Data Transformation: Text to Columns
Efficient Data Lookup: XLOOKUP Function
Advanced Conditional Logic: Calculating Taxable Gain/Loss with IFS
Excel Data Organization & Formatting for Financial Analysis
File Formats: CSV vs. XLSX in Data Handling
Leveraging AI for Financial Data Retrieval
The Student and Tutor reviewed core Python concepts, including variables, various arithmetic and logical operators, and the `print()` function. The session included practical examples and discussions on comparison and logical operations, preparing the Student for hands-on coding. As follow-up, the Student was tasked with installing Python and VS Code and preparing a simple project idea for their next class.
Identity and Membership Operators
The `len()` Function and Boolean Values
Relational (Comparison) Operators
Advanced Division & Modulo
Basic Arithmetic Operators
Variables and Assignment
Logical Operators (`and`
`or`
The Student and Tutor continued building an Excel spreadsheet to calculate stock gains and losses for tax reporting, specifically focusing on distinguishing between total gains and taxable gains prior to January 1, 2025. They developed and refined formulas using `SEARCH`, `LEFT`, and `IF` functions to extract data and apply conditional logic for financial calculations. The Student will continue populating another spreadsheet, and they plan to meet again to continue refining the analysis.
Conditional Logic for Taxable Gains (IF Function)
Aggregating Data with SUMIFS (Concept Introduced)
Understanding Excel File Types (CSV vs. XLSX)
Calculating Gain/Loss Per Share
Extracting Numeric Data from Text (LEFT & SEARCH Functions)
Excel Data Auto-Fitting
The Tutor introduced fundamental Python programming concepts including functions, basic arithmetic operators, and data types. The Student practiced using the `print()` function for output, performing calculations, and understanding the difference between data types like integers and strings. The session concluded with an introduction to variables, emphasizing their role in storing and manipulating data dynamically, and the Tutor offered to share resources for setting up a Python development environment.
Variables
Data Types
Basic Arithmetic Operators
The Print Function
The Student and Tutor worked through complex Excel formulas, focusing on dynamic data analysis using functions like FILTER, XLOOKUP, and IF.ERROR. They practiced building flexible models with checkboxes for scenario planning and discussed best practices for creating reusable spreadsheet solutions, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce errors in future analyses. The next session will continue exploring these concepts.
VLOOKUP vs. XLOOKUP
Dynamic Array Functions (FILTER
ROWS)
Avoiding Hardcoding with Named Ranges and Cell References
Nesting Functions (IFERROR
SUM
CHOOSE.COLUMNS)
Understanding 'Spill' Errors
The tutor introduced a beginner student to Python programming, focusing on data cleaning techniques using a practical example. The student learned about identifying and resolving data inconsistencies, missing values, and formatting issues in a CSV file through a Python script, with plans to continue with further lessons.
What is "Dirty Data"?
Python for Data Cleaning: Core Operations
The Data Lifecycle: From Raw to Insight
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Dynamic programming classes
Parent feedback
Weekend lessons
Note taking
Open Q&A
Pets are welcomed

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