Laura

I am a published academic author with twenty years' experience of teaching university students at different levels, including those undertaking foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. I am educated to PhD level and have extensive experience of teaching via distance learning, both with UK and international students. I have supported (and continue to support) many international and national PhD students, providing guidance and assistance with research design, literature reviews, writing skills, data collection and analysis, as well as upgrade and viva preparation.

I spent eight years teaching online for an MA in Disability Studies at the University of Leeds, which improved my understanding of the needs of students learning at a distance, and the ways to develop active approaches to learning online. When I moved into private tuition ten years ago, I was therefore equipped with a range of tools and skills for supporting students online. Over the years, I have continued to refine and develop these skills through working with students with differing needs and interests, from different backgrounds and cultures, and from across the globe.

I also have significant experience of conducting academic research, writing and editing publications and proof-reading reports, theses and assignments. This experience has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and skills to support not just students, but also academics in their publications.

Tutoring Experience

My teaching and research experience has been developed through my positions as lecturer, private tutor and researcher. My teaching roles have involved the delivery of lectures, seminars and tutorials, as well as the marking of essays, exams, dissertations and PhD theses, which have provided me with a strong knowledge of academic expectations and requirements. I have also supervised undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, and have been on the panels for PhD examinations. During my teaching career, I have developed a range of teaching materials for a variety of different subjects within the field of social sciences. This has included the design and delivery of a core Study Skills module, which covered fundamental writing skills for academia, including researching and notetaking, structuring academic work, developing writing styles, using different referencing styles and constructing bibliographies. It also addressed other academic skills such as conducting presentations, exam revision/preparation, and reflecting on learning. Creating this module allowed me to design, test and develop a wide range of study skills resources and materials, which I continue to use and provide my existing students with.

I have experience of teaching students studying for undergraduate degrees, MAs and PhDs in a range of areas, including:

• Sociology
• Social policy
• Disability Studies
• Business Studies
• Organisational studies
• Education
• Health and Social Care

Tutoring Approach

My tutoring approach is supportive, friendly, practical and student-centred. Having taught in a variety of styles and formats to suit the varying requirements of the students I have worked with, I understand the need to be flexible, to tailor teaching styles and methods to each student and to allow students to identify the most appropriate approaches to learning for them. I provide professional and informative tuition sessions, whilst at the same time ensuring that the tuition is enjoyable and relaxed. I have found that this approach to learning has not only helped my previous students to build confidence in their skills and knowledge, but it has also led to greater success in their academic achievements. All of my students have either seen significant and consistent increases in their grades during their sessions with me, or have been successful in their PhD upgrades and Vivas.