Information about Richard - Kew tutor

Personal Description:

Hello! My name is Richard, and I am currently undertaking my Master of Teaching to be able to teach physics, mathematics, and science in general at a secondary school level.

I completed VCE and subsequently graduated dux of my school in 2009 with my strongest scores being in Mathematical Methods and English. After that, I completed a Bachelor of Science at Monash University, before going on to work as an environmental scientist for five years. During this time, I gained a wealth of real world experience in some ways that science and mathematics can be used in the real world, before I eventually went on to commence studying a Master of Teaching in secondary education at Melbourne University.

I believe that the key to success is developing both understanding, and a willingness to try. I am a very patient and encouraging person with broad general knowledge. I have written professional software, won awards for my writing, and travelled all across Australia during my studies and work. I have worked with students from Year 7 through to those studying the International Baccalaureate at Year 12.

If you would like to engage my services and see what you or your child can achieve with some careful guidance, then I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Tuition Experience:

In my academic and professional career, I have taught or tutored students in Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Further Maths, General Maths, Physics (VCE), Physics (IB), earth sciences and general science.

I have taught students across a range of year levels from Year 7 through to Year 12, both in group contexts and one-on-one. Primarily my teaching has focused on VCE mathematics and physics, however I have experience with the general science and mathematics curriculums across secondary schooling in Victoria, Australia.

My Bachelor's degree majored in earth sciences, however had an equal split in minor between physics (specifically astrophysics) and mathematics. Since commencing my Master of Teaching, I have been diligently absorbing and consolidating pedagogical practices that help me convey and strengthen mathematical and scientific concepts in students, with emphasis on critical skills and concepts for the Australian and Victorian curriculum. There is a critical difference between knowing a subject, and knowing how to teach a subject.

Regarding schools, I have taught as a pre-service teacher at both Ivanhoe Grammar School in Ivanhoe and Genazzano FJC College in Kew.

Tutoring Approach:

My approach to tuition is to collaborate with a student to understand what gaps in understanding exist, and why. There is a very stark and important difference between knowing a subject (e.g. mathematics) and knowing how to teach it to others. Patience, communication, and a willingness to try are all key aspects of effective teaching and learning and it is these ideas that shape my approach to teaching in general.

Should you engage my services, you could expect some time spent digging into what it is that either isn't understood or you/your child would like to be better understood. After this, we would go through these concepts together, and then focus on strengthening both skills and confidence until you/your child is happy with the progress we achieve.