Steven Lawrence
Coding Tutor from Thomas College - Python Lessons for Kids




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Steven Lawrence
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
About your coding tutor - Steven
I am an experienced programmer with a passion for problem-solving and software development. With years of coding experience across multiple languages, including Python, I specialize in breaking down complex problems into clear, logical steps. My ability to analyze challenges and develop efficient solutions has helped me create robust applications, automate tasks, and optimize workflows. One of my key strengths is visualizing code execution—understanding how each function interacts within a system before implementation. This skill is especially valuable in Python, where data structures, algorithms, and logic flow play a critical role in building scalable solutions. I teach my students how to think beyond individual lines of code, helping them develop a strategic mindset for efficient programming. My structured six-lesson series is designed to prepare students for professional coding roles. Whether you’re aiming to start a career in tech or refine your programming skills, my approach ensures you gain a deep understanding of problem-solving strategies, debugging techniques, and real-world applications—especially in Python, one of the most versatile and powerful languages in the industry. If you’re looking for a tutor who can simplify programming, strengthen problem-solving abilities, and help you visualize what happens when code is executed, I’d love to work with you!
Coding tutor specialities
Upskilling
Debugging
Exam prep
Code Review
Homework help
Project help
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 types for coding classes
Coding for beginners
Coding for adults
Coding for kids
Coding class highlights
Programming is more than just writing code—it’s about designing solutions that are efficient, scalable, and adaptable. While implementation is important, code design is the foundation of a well-structured program. A strong design ensures code remains maintainable and capable of handling real-world challenges. I structure my teaching approach around three key steps: WHAT, WHY, and HOW. WHAT – We define the problem and establish business rules that shape the project. Clear objectives ensure smart design choices. WHY – We analyze the purpose behind each function or system. Understanding why a solution is needed guides decision-making. HOW – With the what and why established, we write clean, optimized code with confidence, prioritizing architecture over rushed implementation. I foster a relaxed, interactive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and developing creative solutions. My lessons are project-based, focusing on topics that genuinely inspire each student—whether it's automation, data analysis, or web applications using Python. By prioritizing code design first, students gain the ability to visualize how their code functions before writing it. This leads to cleaner, more efficient programs that stand the test of time. My goal is to help students master the thought process behind coding, ensuring long-term success in any tech career.
Hands-on learning
Students gain confidence applying coding skills to real projects.
Paired coding for effective learning
90% of students benefit from collaborative lessons.
Proven success with code projects
85% of students complete personal projects in a few months.
Steven - Coding tutor also teaches
Coding for kids
SQL

Coding concepts taught by Steven
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)
Mastering Absolute References ($F$4)
Conditional Logic with IF Function
Excel Structure Management (Rows
Columns
Resizing)
Data Entry & Manipulation Basics
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.
Excel Tables: Creation & Design
Data Persistence: Copy and Paste Values
Efficient Data Filling & Column Sizing
Formatting Dates and Currencies
Pivot Tables: Date Grouping & Value Aggregation
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.
Conditional Aggregation with SUMIFS
Excel Lookup Functions (VLOOKUP
INDEX MATCH)
Absolute and Relative Cell References
Text Extraction with LEFT and FIND
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
Iterating with `for` Loops and `range()`
Understanding `range()` Exclusivity
Formatted String Literals (`f-strings`)
Data Type Conversion with `int()`
Basic Error Handling: `try-except` Blocks
Python Variables and Assignment
The Student and Tutor reviewed the XLOOKUP function, including optional parameters, nested lookups, and order of operations in complex formulas. They also discussed absolute vs. relative cell references, data cleaning with 'Text to Columns', and strategies for reconciliation in Excel, including potential pitfalls and the use of the COUNTIF function. The Student received intermediate and advanced XLOOKUP practice files and plans to gain hands-on experience with reconciliation data at their new job to inform future lessons.
Data Cleaning: Text to Columns
Absolute and Relative Cell References
Introduction to Excel Automation & VBA
Excel's Order of Operations
Nested XLOOKUPs for Multi-Step Retrieval
Reconciliation Strategies & Avoiding False Positives
XLOOKUP Function Fundamentals
Approach & tools used by coding tutor
Visual Studio Code
Google Colab
Jupyter Notebook
Hands-on coding classes
Chat for quick help
Pets are welcomed
Weekend lessons
Parent feedback
Record lessons

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