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
Code Optimization
Upskilling
Job readiness
Code Review
Project help
Learner for programming class
Adult/Professionals
College
School
All levels
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 advanced spreadsheet techniques, specifically addressing data extraction and handling duplicate or missing entries. They practiced using `FILTER`, `CHOOSE columns`, `UNIQUE`, and `VSTACK` functions to consolidate and analyze data from multiple sources, and implemented conditional logic and error handling for more robust reporting. The next session will involve building a comparison analysis sheet.
VLOOKUP Limitations
FILTER and CHOOSECOLS Functions
UNIQUE and VSTACK for Comprehensive Lists
Handling Blanks and Errors with IF and IFERROR
The Tutor and Student explored advanced Excel techniques for data analysis, focusing on pivot tables and formula-based approaches to recreate dynamic summaries. They practiced creating mapping tables and using checkboxes for flexible data filtering and analysis, with plans to apply these skills to a specific data set in the next session.
Pivot Tables for Data Summarization
Mapping Tables for Rule-Based Analysis
Checkboxes for Dynamic Data Control
SUMIFS Function for Conditional Summation
The session covered the distinctions between Excel ranges and tables, emphasizing the advantages of tables for dynamic data management and formula referencing. The tutor demonstrated practical applications and discussed future learning directions, including financial statement analysis and budgeting.
Range vs. Table in Excel
Dynamic Formulas with Tables
Dynamic Data Analysis with FILTER Function
Boolean Values and Checkboxes
The student and tutor worked through advanced Excel techniques, focusing on the IF statement for conditional logic in inventory reordering and VIP pricing calculations. They also practiced using absolute cell referencing with the F4 key to ensure formulas correctly update across multiple data entries. Homework assignments related to these concepts were planned.
Excel Nested IF Statements and Flowcharts
Percentage Calculations in Excel
Absolute vs. Relative Cell References
Excel IF Statement Logic
The Tutor and Student worked on cleaning and analyzing sales data in Excel. They practiced organizing data into separate sheets, using the 'Remove Duplicates' feature, and implementing XLOOKUP for multi-criteria analysis to calculate sales variations between days, incorporating error handling for missing data. They planned to continue this analysis in a future session.
Data Separation: Raw Data vs. Analysis
Consolidating and Tagging Data
XLOOKUP: The Multi-Criteria Lookup Powerhouse
Remove Duplicates: Streamlining Unique Entries
Absolute vs. Relative References (Locking Cells)
The tutor and student extensively reviewed the Excel IF function, applying it to calculate employee overtime pay and inventory reorder needs. The student practiced constructing nested IF statements and understanding the syntax for text and keyword recognition. The next session will cover homework review and advanced Excel concepts like cross-sheet references.
Error Handling and Debugging
Handling Text and Keywords in Formulas
Nested IF Statements
IF Function Logic
Formulas vs. Functions
Teaching tools used by tutor
Visual Studio Code
Dynamic programming classes
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Pets are welcomed
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