Obinna Chidera

I consider myself very approachable, with a passion in finding solutions to complex mathematical questions. My undergraduate study in Aerospace Engineering covered a wide range of topics including Rocket Science, Calculus and Thermodynamic, all of which required the right application of mathematical skill sets.

I didn’t always understand these topics first time round like most students did. As a result, I spent many private times in the library going over my notes and attempting multiple practise questions until I fully understood each topic. Over time, I developed various skills and techniques in solving complex mathematical questions and have applied these skills during examinations throughout my degree.

For my research project at undergraduate level, I carried out multiple experiments to investigate the possibility of using Aluminium Alloy as a Heat Resistant Supper Alloy (HRSA) in the combustion chamber of a Jet Engine using Graphite. Analysis of this project gave me the opportunity to apply my mathematical skills into a real-world scenario. Successful completion of this project contributed to a 2.1 in my undergraduate degree. I went on to apply these techniques at master’s level where I studied Advanced Mechanical Engineering.

Till this day, I still apply these mathematical problem solving skill in my role as a Mechanical Design Engineer and would love to share various ways on how you too can approach any mathematical question you might be faced with. One of the beauties about mathematics is that there is always a right answer to every question. And no matter how long it takes, finding that answer is always a rewarding feeling.

Tutoring Experience

I have over 12 months online tutoring expeeince where I taught both GCSE and Aleve mathematics to students in preparation for their exams, as well as general homework. I also held face-to-face group lessons for students across various schools whilst working for the university as a Peer Mentor.

As a graduate, I worked as a supply teacher for several months across various schools within the Cambridgeshire and Suffolk area, where I planned and delivered maths lessons to students across primary, secondary, and Aleve classes.

Areas I have experience in tutoring/teaching in include:

Algebra
Calculus
Fractions (multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction)
Ratios
Percentages
Geometry and measure

Tutoring Approach

I recognise that every student have his or her own method of learning. My approach towards any student is to first take the time to understand their own method of learning and then structure a plan that would help them further advanced in their understanding.
I generally encourage my students to utilise various online platforms, such as YouTube or Bitesize, to solidify their understanding or gain basic knowledge on any maths related problem. I also use my creative methods to help students visualise the problem in a mathematical sense that helps them understand the questions better.

A very key method of learning is by being proactive, which could mean taking notes and attempting various questions independently. I find that this helps build up the students’ confident in their own abilities and provides me with a better understanding of their level of knowledge. This gives me the necessary information I need to plan an appropriate learning path for them.

Whilst teaching my students, an approach I found to be very successful is first, to get an overview of the question. In other words, understand what exactly the question is asking for. The next step is to break down the question into smaller parts where possible. This prevents students from getting overwhelmed with the wording and layout of the question or losing focus of what the question is asking for. Then find an appropriate formula relevant to the question.

It is imperative that both students and tutors exercise patience when solving mathematical questions. I believe every student has what it takes to understand and solve these challenges, hence I take as much time as necessary to explain any topic until my student can fully comprehend and solve any mathematical challenge comfortably and independently.