Learn HTML, JavaScript, CSS, and PHP from a friendly, patient expert with decades of experience.

Find out more about Seth

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I started in computer programming in 1981. I worked as a paper-delivery boy to earn money so that I could purchase a Commodore VIC20 computer (then $110), and have been coding in different languages ever since... though no longer with the VIC20. :)
  
  I started private tutoring, teaching, and coaching around 1990, mostly part-time. It is very enjoyable to share knowledge and to help others find pleasure in learning. I especially enjoy doing this directly, without having to do so as part of or through a larger institution. I now tutor, coach, or teach 40-50 hours per week.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  On the computer science front, I primarily enjoy helping people understand and learn the fundamentals of programming in major languages like Python, Java, C++, and similar. I prefer to avoid fringe or "bleeding edge" topics that require specialization.

• 3) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to have a mastery of the topic's principles, an ability to discern the learner's needs, and skill with presenting the information (or questions) in a way that engages the learner's personality, abilities, and learning style. This can be difficult to work out, and is akin to psychotherapy. A good tutor needs to care about the other person, but also have the skills to move beyond merely caring to actually helping.

• 4) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  For those pursuing computer programming, it is important to recognize that it isn't just the impartation of information, but one is really learning a language. This takes time and practice -- usually much more than is allowed for in college courses, bootcamps, and certification programs. The basics can be learned and applied in a few weeks, but proficiency (fluency), will require many months or years of dedicated effort and practice.

• 5) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  On the programming side, the primary difficulty is just the speed with which the field changes. I deal with this by being a generalist who emphasizes the principles and strategies that are common over the major languages. Sometimes it is difficult to meet expectations, as students may be working on something very specialized or advanced, and have spent many days or weeks doing so, and then expect answers or solutions in a few minutes. I often find that learners are struggling with something quite advanced, but didn't learn the basics and don't really want to go back and learn the fundamentals. That can be difficult, especially in a world with things like ChatGPT and similar that provide easy answers.

• 6) Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I am passionate about human flourishing and what principles we need to embrace, in general, to bring it about individually and societally. I also enjoy martial arts, especially jiu jitsu. I have been involved in martial arts for over 40 years, and in jiu jitsu for the last 17 or so. I used to compete, but am a bit old for that now. :)

• 7) What makes you a Superprof?

  A genuine desire, commitment, and skill in helping others learn and succeed.