About
I graduated from King's College London with a BSc (first class) in Mathematics and Chemistry, and a PhD in Quantum Optics. I have worked in the actuarial field (practical statistics), and taught college-level Mathematics in Zimbabwe, Uganda, and the United States. I am currently a tutor in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics for my local community college.
My favorite part about tutoring is watching my students come alive and become enthusiastic in their studies. I love those light bulb moments when my students suddenly understand what they are doing, and cannot wait to try out more problems to demonstrate their understanding.
Reviews
Paige T.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I usually begin by talking to new students about their studies. I ask questions to figure out whether they are confident in their studies, or if studying is a problem (not only in mathematics, but in all of their courses). If studying is a problem, I continue chatting with the student to see if I can establish where the problem lies. Many students have deep anxiety which gets in the way of learning, so I try to bring them into a state of calm before beginning the process of tutoring.
Sometimes the first tutoring session is merely spent getting to know each, unless the student is already at ease and just wishes to dive in. I am aware that many students have other problems that undermine their confidence across the board, so I always allow students time to talk about anything and everything that is bothering them. Once the barriers are removed it is much easier to teach/tutor a student.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a BSc in Mathematics and Chemistry, a PhD in Mathematics (Quantum Optics), and a certificate in Actuarial Techniques.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
I currently work for my local community college where I get paid $25 per hour for tutoring.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching by conducting small teaching seminars in my actuarial firm for junior actuaries. Then I got a job in the University of Zimbabwe teaching Partial Differential Equations, Fourier Series, Risk Theory, Mathematics for Chemists and Food Scientists, and Statistics. I have continued teaching at college level since then.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have mainly worked with adult students, but have occasionally worked with students in the K-12 range, on an ad hoc basis.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently was asked to help a student in radiographic physics. She was scoring 50-60% in all of her tests and was in danger of failing her course. In her final exam she scored 98%. That was an incredible improvement, with which I am very pleased.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Although qualifications in the subject are highly important, and cannot be overlooked, it is necessary to make sure that you have an easy relationship with your tutor. If your tutor doesn't listen to you, or makes you feel nervous, ashamed, not good enough, or suchlike, find yourself another tutor to work with. Everybody is a beginner at some point, and there is no shame in not understanding something, or asking for help.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Have I read the appropriate pages of my textbook?
Have I tried the problems?
Where exactly am I having a problem - is there an easily identifiable point where I get stuck?
Have I talked with my fellow students to see how they solved the problem?
Have I used the answer section at the back of the book to check the answers to similar problems?