David

My name is Dr David Clark and I’ve been teaching English literature, English language, and creative writing for over ten years at university level. I’m particularly interested in close reading techniques, gender/sexuality, and Young Adult literature, but have taught across the curriculum from a range of perspectives. I’m known as a friendly and approachable person who works hard to engage his students on their own level and help unlock their enthusiasm and potential. I’m a keen singer and accompanist (I’ve also coached musical theatre students on vocal repertoire), and my first novel was published last year by Bloodhound Books.

Tutoring Experience

At Oxford, I taught medieval languages and literatures, literary studies, and history of the English language. Later, I went on to teach critical theory, gender and sexuality studies, contemporary literature, and creative writing. I have experience of coaching students in study skills techniques and composition (how to write well), and have also helped students prepare for Oxbridge interviews.
As a published researcher and editor, I have extensive experience of writing and editing others’ work to help make it more cogent, concise, and effective. I am also an expert in helping students prepare for assignments, and giving support on dissertations and essays.

Tutoring Approach

My teaching approach is student-centred. I have found that students learn most effectively when we start from an aspect of the text or subject with which they have a personal connection and build from there. I’m familiar with a range of pedagogical theories and tools and I draw on whichever suits the individual student. I aim to build a student’s confidence, encourage them to ask as many questions as possible, and help them develop their ability to express themselves clearly and effectively, drawing on evidence to support their ideas.