Cole Kwok
Learn math through understanding, not endless memorization. Personalized tutoring that builds confidence and skill .
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Cole Kwok
Bachelors degree
/ 55 min
Cole - Know your tutor
My experience when I first started tutoring was heavily focused on improving my students’ grades. Looking back, I realized this approach was ultimately unfruitful because it did not truly benefit my students in the long term. My mindset at the time was that if my students achieved higher grades, I could use those results to strengthen my reputation as a tutor within the community. As a result, I focused heavily on teaching students how to answer the exact questions they were given through memorization and repetition. There is little value in teaching a concept if a student cannot apply that same knowledge to a slightly different question that uses the same underlying principles. What ended up happening was that my students were able to achieve high scores on their exams, but afterward they quickly forgot the material and struggled to apply their understanding to unfamiliar problems. That experience completely changed my philosophy as an educator. My goal when tutoring students is no longer simply to help them achieve high grades. My goal is for them to genuinely learn and understand what they are studying. Once students understand the reasoning behind concepts and can confidently apply their knowledge to homework, exams, and new situations, strong grades naturally follow as a result. Because of this, I do not follow a strictly repetitive “Kumon-style” approach to teaching. I do not believe there is value in assigning endless questions simply for the sake of repetition. Instead, I focus on identifying where a student is struggling, breaking difficult concepts into manageable pieces, and giving additional practice only when it is genuinely needed to reinforce understanding and confidence.
Cole graduated from Simon Fraser University
Specialities of your tutor
Math Tricks and Hacks
Mental Math
Advanced Placement (AP) Program (USA)
Practice Tests
Learning Plans
Practice Drills
Problem Solving
Exam Simulation
CoTutorAI modules
Summary
Podcast
Quiz
Learnings
Flashcard
Spotlight
Zero Risk Guaranteed
15-days refund
Free tutor swap
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1-yr validity
24/7 support
Student types for classes
High School students
Elementary School students
Anxiety or Stress Disorders
ASD
Middle School students
Home schooled
ADHD
Learning Disabilities
Cole also teaches
Algebra
Algebra 2
Arithmetic
Calculus
Calculus 2
College Algebra
Mathematics concepts taught by Cole
The Student and Tutor practiced SAT Math Module 1, with the Student solving 27 practice questions while explaining their reasoning. They reviewed various academic concepts including functions, linear equations, geometry, and quadratic equations. For follow-up, the Student is assigned to review a functions lecture, practice algebra, and will complete Module 2 in a separate session, with a recommendation to use Desmos for graphing practice.
Systems of Linear Equations: Substitution Method
Modeling Multi-Stage Cost Functions
Solving Quadratic Equations & Sum of Solutions
Equation of a Circle: Tangency to Axes
Graph Transformations: Vertical Shifts
The Student and Tutor engaged in an introductory mathematics session covering fundamental algebra concepts for a university-level course. They reviewed methods for simplifying algebraic expressions, explored the factorization of trinomials and their graphical representation as parabolas, and applied the quadratic formula to solve equations. The Student also outlined their current course curriculum and upcoming topics to help the Tutor prepare for future lessons.
The Quadratic Formula
Visualizing Polynomials: The Parabola
Factorization of Trinomials and Roots
Simplifying Algebraic Fractions
The Student and Tutor reviewed various types of systems of equations, including those with one, no, or infinite solutions, and practiced solving a three-line system. They also worked on advanced SAT problems involving function manipulation, equation simplification, and a specialized "centering" algebraic trick. For follow-up, the Student received practice questions and will review YouTube videos on functions, as well as questions two and four, in preparation for a full practice exam in the next session.
Solvability of Systems: Equations vs. Unknowns
Functions as Equations in System Problems
Strategic Equation Manipulation for SAT Problems
The "Centering" Trick for Sums
Types of Solutions for Linear Systems
Student and Tutor covered various advanced SAT math topics, including strategic problem-solving for system of equations, application of trigonometric identities, and the use of algebraic identities like the sum of cubes. They also reviewed the discriminant in quadratic equations and tackled a complex problem requiring multiple approaches to find all solutions for a variable. For future sessions, the Student requested more practice questions to pinpoint areas of difficulty, and a practice SAT session was scheduled.
Solving Systems of Equations with Strategic Factoring
Simplifying Expressions Using Key Trigonometric Identities
Problem Solving with Sum of Cubes and Squares Identities
The Discriminant: Predicting Quadratic Solutions
Uncovering Linear Solutions in Quadratic Problems
The Student and Tutor worked on advanced SAT mathematics, tackling a challenging geometry problem involving Thales' and the Altitude theorems, and a complex algebraic factorization question. The Student also practiced several foundational algebra and graph interpretation problems. For follow-up, the Tutor committed to creating a video explanation for the factorization problem and finding more difficult geometry and algebra practice questions from external resources for the Student.
Thales' Theorem for Right Triangles
Altitude Theorem (Geometric Mean Theorem)
Factoring Quadratic Expressions by Grouping
Determining Constants Using Product of Quadratic Solutions
Student and Tutor discussed strategies for SAT Math, focusing on tackling harder questions and improving time management. They worked through a systems of equations problem, a geometry problem involving equilateral and 30-60-90 triangles, and an algebraic problem requiring substitution to form a quadratic equation. Future sessions were planned to utilize a structured lesson plan for tracking progress and focusing on specific topics.
SAT Math Strategy & Time Management
Systems of Linear Equations
Special Right Triangles: 30-60-90
Geometry Problem Decomposition
Transforming Exponential/Algebraic Equations
Avoiding SAT Question Traps
Teaching tools used by tutor
Digital whiteboard
Graphing Tools
Solvers & Calculators
Practice worksheets
Presentations
Visualization & Exploration
Lesson Planning Tools
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