Cole Kwok
Learn math through understanding, not endless memorization. Personalized tutoring that builds confidence and skill .
Show all photos
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
Mental Math
Learning Plans
Practice Drills
Test Strategy
Homework help
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Problem Solving
Math Tricks and Hacks
CoTutorAI 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
Student types for classes
ASD
Learning Disabilities
Middle School students
High School students
ADHD
Elementary School students
Home schooled
Anxiety or Stress Disorders
Cole also teaches
Algebra
Algebra 2
Arithmetic
Calculus
Calculus 2
College Algebra
Mathematics concepts taught by Cole
Student and Tutor reviewed foundational Calculus concepts, including tangent lines, instantaneous rate of change, and the definition and evaluation of limits through numerical and graphical methods. They practiced interpreting one-sided limits and discussed the significance of continuity in calculus. The Tutor also mentioned scheduling future sessions to work on the Student's biology lab reports.
Discontinuities: Holes vs. Vertical Asymptotes
Evaluating Limits Numerically
The Difference Quotient (Foundation for Derivatives)
Tangent Lines & Instantaneous Rate of Change
One-Sided Limits & Limit Existence
The Student and Tutor reviewed material for an upcoming test on rational functions. They practiced identifying asymptotes, points of discontinuity, domain, and x/y-intercepts, and worked on simplifying and solving rational equations, including a word problem involving rates. The Tutor advised the Student to focus on stating restrictions before simplification and to practice for speed.
Points of Discontinuity
Domain
and Intercepts
Rate and Work Word Problems
Solving Rational Equations
Asymptotes and Basic Graphing of Rational Functions
Simplifying Rational Expressions and Stating Restrictions
The session provided a comprehensive review of foundational AP Calculus topics, including various types of limits, derivative rules (power, product, quotient, chain), and an introduction to anti-derivatives (integrals) and optimization problems. Student practiced solving numerous problems and discussed the underlying intuition of these calculus concepts. The Tutor noted specific pre-calculus topics requiring further attention and committed to creating a tailored AP Calculus study plan.
Intuition of Derivatives
Introduction to Antiderivatives (Integrals)
Optimization Problems
Core Derivative Rules
Limits at Infinity (Leading Coefficients)
Evaluating Limits (Algebraic Methods)
Student and Tutor reviewed rational expressions, practicing simplification of complex fractions involving addition and subtraction. They then applied these concepts to word problems, including a work-rate scenario and a brief discussion on boat-and-current problems. The session concluded with an introduction to identifying vertical and horizontal asymptotes for rational functions, preparing the Student for upcoming class material.
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Determining Excluded Values and Asymptotes
Solving Rational Equations & Work Rate Word Problems
Essential Factoring Techniques for Rational Expressions
The Student and Tutor worked through a worksheet focusing on fundamental algebra concepts. They reviewed and practiced solving equations involving squares and cubes of variables, including understanding exponents, square roots, and cube roots, as well as handling negative results and fractional values. The session concluded with a brief overview of a proposed lesson plan for future study.
Exponents: Squaring and Cubing Numbers
Radicals: Square Roots and Cube Roots
Solving Equations with Fractional Squares
Operations with Fractions: Multiplication
Rules for Multiplying with Negative Numbers
The Student and Tutor reviewed various aspects of rational expressions in preparation for an upcoming quiz. They practiced simplifying, multiplying, dividing, adding, and subtracting rational expressions, with a strong focus on factorization techniques and identifying exclusions. The Student was given an additional practice question to complete as homework.
Factoring and Simplifying Rational Expressions
Multiplying and Dividing Rational Expressions
Adding and Subtracting Rational Expressions
Identifying Exclusions (Restrictions)
Teaching tools used by tutor
Solvers & Calculators
Presentations
Digital whiteboard
Graphing Tools
Lesson Planner
Assessment
Quizzes
Math tutors on Wiingy are vetted for quality
Every tutor is interviewed and selected for subject expertise and teaching skill.
