Paul

I enjoy helping people to understand science and maths. Tutoring over the past fifteen years has provided a great opportunity for me to use this skill to encourage and develop numerous students.

An interest in science and maths since school led me to undertake a PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Nottingham. My research examined the fundamental nature of matter: applying quantum field theories and using computer simulations to explore the behaviour of particles.

I have a (first class) masters in Physics from the University of Cambridge; and also completed my undergraduate degree there in Natural Sciences. The breadth of this course allowed me at University level, both to further my interest in Chemistry and to study Geology.

Tutoring Experience

I have tutored Maths and Science for over fifteen years, to numerous students. Most of my help has been to students in Maths, Further Maths or Physics for AS- and A-Level. I also commonly tutor these subjects at GCSE.

On several occasions, I have formally provided tutoring to Degree Level students in both physics and the mathematical aspects of engineering. I also routinely provide degree level assistance in an informal manner to students who I have involvement with through the University.

I have taught all range of abilities: providing help to those who simply need to pass their exams at GCSE, working to improve results to better reflect the capability of the individuals, and helping many students to obtain top grades.

Tutoring Approach

My aim is always for my students to understand the subject both to help them to better remember the information but also to hope they might appreciate and enjoy the subject!

Friendly and Personal:

The great advantage of the tuition is to always be able to tailor the learning to the interests and the skill of the individual.

I aim to develop a friendly rapport with my students to help encourage their learning, and provide them the confidence to ask whenever they need help in their studies.

Breadth of Perspective and Self-Motivation:

I encourage students to assess for themselves where they have difficulties, then guide them to solving their problem.

Often this will involve examining the topic from various different perspectives. Relating the subject to their experiences in everyday life, especially in the sciences, provides a great means to intuitively understand and remember the main ideas.

Continual Learning:

Learning also should not stop at the end of the tutorial but continue for the larger part throughout the week!

I direct students on practice to help them improve over the week. Alongside the work, I encourage the students to actively consider when and how they will be tackling their work during the time between tutorials.

Exams:

Examinations are an understandably a significant concern for many students.

Developing the skills for students to display their abilities to the fullest forms an important part of the tutorials on the approach to the exam period. I also offer detailed advice on revision strategies in that time, and encourage the students to devise their own, personal plans.

Personal Engagement:

I aim to encourage students on progressing through the tutoring to increasingly take responsibility for their learning. This provides a useful skill to engage them in the process of learning, even when difficult; and develops the essential skills if continuing on to higher education -- and also for life!