Tom - West Lothian-Edinburgh - SQA National, GCSE, GCE and IB Maths & Physics-Degree Qualified & STEM Registered -MS Teams.

Find out more about Tom

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

  Around 2010 I moved over full time to tutoring

• 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).

  I teach Physics and Mathematics (sometimes engineering-related topics but as these are usually more varied I tend not to do these)

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I was inspired by my undergraduate professor while at university (who actually won a Noble Prize in physics. He was a mature and approachable chap with whom students got on well with, old-school as they say.

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

  Understanding what the student does not understand, knowing what particular barriers they may have in achieving their subject outcomes. A good tutor will have curricula knowledge and up to date (IT) communication skills.

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

  If you are going to correct your teacher, just make sure you are sure:
  Many a time said "oh! sir, you made an error there". Only to find out he was correct. That can be embarrassing; all said a good tutor will be grateful for pointing out any mistakes in their presentation.

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

  Physics covers a vast, rapidly changing field across many disciplines. Trying to keep up and be contemporary is not an easy thing.

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

  I enjoy coding and programming but I certainly would not want to tutor in it, more just to relax.

• 8) What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  Available day, night 24-7 for students whom need urgent assistance, having a streamlined communication and organised system for tuition delivery.
  In a word, flexibility.