Teaching & Tutoring
During high school, I had a tutor help me with math and it made the difference between total discouragement and finishing the course with a B+.
Through first hand experience, I know that tutoring is as much about inspiring confidence and interest in a subject, as it is about teaching concepts…and it should also be fun.
Experience & Areas of Expertise
My tutoring experience lies primarily in the humanities and social sciences and focuses on writing skills (essays, research, critical thinking, grammar, writing style, APA formatting etc.). I worked as a writing tutor at the Ryerson University Writing Centre for two years during my undergraduate degree, and most recently I have worked as a teaching assistant at Simon Fraser University in the Communication Department, including the development and co-instruction of a new communication course titled, “Environment, Media & Communication,” with Dr. Bob Anderson.
As part of my professional development I have also completed a 24hr Instructional Skills Workshop (ISW) at Simon Fraser University.
Outside of academia I work as a professional writer and communications consultant (you can see some samples of my work on my portfolio page).
Honours & Awards
• SSHRC CGS Master’s Scholarship for research focused on environmental communication and climate change (2007/2008).
• Simon Fraser University Special Graduate Entrance Scholarship (2007).
• Ryerson Gold Medal, Faculty of Communication and Design – the university’s highest award (2004).
• Standard Broadcast Award for Outstanding Graduate (2004).
• Howard H. Kerr Memorial Scholarship (2004).
• Broadcast Educators Association of Canada Award for Best Drama (2004).
• TARA Awards: Best Direction, Best Video Practicum, Best Electronic Field Production (2002 & 2004).
• Ryerson University Philosophy Award, “Philosophy and Film.”
• Stuart and Pat MacKay Award for Good Citizenship (2004).
• Three-time recipient (2001-2003), Faculty of Communication & Design Award for Excellence.
• CHUM FM Award for highest aggregate standing (2002).
• UBC Undergraduate Scholar Program recipient (1999).
• UBC Canadian Armed Forces Memorial Scholarship (1999).
Laugh & Learn
I love making people laugh, and it makes learning a lot more fun and interesting.
At Simon Fraser University, I’ve had a blast with the students, and apparently they’ve learned something as well. Here’s a sample of anonymous feedback I solicited halfway through one of my courses:
“This is the best tutorial I have ever had. It is interesting and fun to participate in. You are very knowledgeable and bring great insight to the articles. Great job Andrew!”
“Most entertaining, yet informative tutorial I’ve had.”
“I love this tutorial, it’s my favourite one. Discussions are great and I feel like we can talk about everything and give honest opinions of the readings. Keep up the great work!”
“…the best part of this class is the tutorial sessions. Not only are they really fun, but I actually learn stuff. So I say don’t change a thing. You’re doing great!”
Book a Session
If you’re a student or parent seeking a tutor, send me an email (andrew “at” andrewfrank.ca) with a brief description of your tutoring assignment (course or subject title, and what you’re hoping to achieve through tutoring). I’ll let you know if I see a fit between your desired learning outcomes and my abilities as a tutor.