Peter

I studied Natural Sciences / Experimental and Theoretical Physics at Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge, from 2009-2013 and graduated with a First. In 2018 I completed my PhD in the field of Surface Physics, also at Caius/Cambridge. I am currently a post-doctoral researcher at Rutgers University, NJ, but I am still tutoring some UK students via online lessons, and happy to hear from new students interested in online lessons.

While completing my PhD I taught around 80 hours of small-group undergraduate classes (supervisions) in second-year and third-year Physics. I developed my teaching philosophy and practice by completing the Teaching Associates' Programme to become an Associate of the Higher Education Academy. My current teaching style owes a lot to the reading, reflection and discussions I had on the programme. I pay particular attention to the connections between different topics in a course, the role of implicit assumptions or misconceptions which can impede progress, the range of activities a student can carry out to develop deep understanding, and helping students to progressively direct their own learning.

Tutoring Experience

Approx 80 hours undergraduate supervising (Physics, University of Cambridge)

Approx 500 hours private tuition experience in Sciences and Maths at GCSE, A-level, IB and degree courses.

Tutoring Approach

The approach I take with each student depends on their individual goals, strengths and weaknesses, and the overall learning context. However, in general I put a focus on addressing misconceptions, exploring logical connections between different course areas, and setting learning activities that encourage as deep an understanding of the material as possible. At the same time, I recognise the need at times for a pragmatic approach to boosting exam grades, including work on exam technique.