Andrew

Before completing a PhD in Geology, I initially trained as a Geological Technician at the former South London College over 40 years ago. Upon completion of this HND BTEC course, 1984, I was fortunate to be employed by the Geology Department, Birkbeck College, the University of London, which provided me with the opportunity to undertake a part-time BSc Geology, gaining a 2:1 in 1989. Once I had finished my degree, I got involved in teaching geology students, especially with field-based aspects of Geology (geological mapping and field data collection) while on Field classes. In 1994, I started a part-time PhD studying the geology and geochemistry of Russian kimberlites. When this was completed in 2001, I was asked to lecture on various geological topics, but finally specialising in teaching Mineralogy, Igneous Petrology, Ore/Economic Geology and Geological mapping and field techniques. After 38 years working for the College, I took early retirement in the Summer of 2022. I have always enjoyed teaching geology and would like to continue this but on a more personal one-to-one basis at any level.

Tutoring Experience

I'm a recently retired University lecturer from the Earth and Planetary Science Department, Birkbeck, University of London, with over 38 years of experience, with broad Geological knowledge, specialising in teaching a wide range of introductory geological topics at A-level/BSc First year level and specialised teaching Mineralogy, Igneous Petrology, Ore/Economic Geology and Geological mapping and field techniques. Over the last 5 years, I have got involved as an A-level Geology monitor for a major UK-based examination board, so fully aware of the requirements for the A-level Geology syllabus.

Tutoring Approach

Although competent in teaching groups of students in a classroom I prefer a more one-to-one approach either face to face or online. During the COVID lockdowns, like anybody else, I had to quickly adapt and became confident in teaching entirely online, using online resources, a visualiser and a live-stream microscope camera while teaching geological mapping and petrology. I have an extensive collection of Igneous/metamorphic samples as geological microscope thin sections, which were essential when teaching online. I try to make all teaching/learning fun and as engaging as possible. I'm fully aware that everybody learns differently, being dyslexic myself, I have and always will endeavour to be as flexible as possible to accommodate for different learning styles to enhance the teaching experience.