John

I returned to education as a mature student at the age of 34 and pursued a Certificate of Higher Education at the Open University in Mathematics, along with an introduction to the Social Sciences. This experience ignited my interest in Economics, leading me to enroll in an undergraduate program at the University of Nottingham, where I earned a BA in Economics. To further enhance my teaching skills, I completed a teaching qualification at the University of Derby in 2017. I recently completed a Masters in Education at De Montfort University, and am currently pursuing a PhD, further enriching my knowledge and expertise in the field.

Tutoring Experience

I started tutoring other mature students in Mathematics and IT skills while pursuing my undergraduate degree at the University of Nottingham. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and my tutees benefitted greatly from my guidance. This motivated me to expand my tutoring repertoire to students ranging from Key Stage 3 to the first year of undergraduate Mathematics. I have been tutoring since approximately 2012 and became a qualified teacher in 2017. Throughout my tutoring journey, I have worked with students of various age groups, including young children as well as mature learners. Additionally, I have taught Mathematics at different educational levels, from Key Stage 3 and GCSE/IGCSE to A-level and undergraduate courses. I have also helped students prepare for professional entrance exams.

Tutoring Approach

I am deeply passionate about Mathematics and firmly believe that everyone can learn it with the right approach. When working with students, I assess their individual learning methods and current skills, tailoring my teaching to their strengths while focusing on improving their weaker areas. I prioritise building their confidence and skill by leveraging their existing strengths. To stay updated with effective teaching methods, I engage in continuous professional development, including attending conferences and pursuing a Masters in Education. I always seek to incorporate the latest research and best practices into my tutoring sessions.

During my tutoring sessions, I adopt a one-to-one approach, which I find to be highly effective. This allows me to closely monitor and address the specific needs and progress of each student. By providing encouragement, constructive feedback, and a supportive learning environment, I aim to motivate my students and foster their growth. Patience is one of my key strengths, and I ensure that students thoroughly understand a topic before moving on, using a variety of resources to accommodate different learning styles. I specialise in helping students with math anxiety and have successfully supported learners from diverse backgrounds, including those with dyslexia, students in care, and students with caregiving responsibilities.

I have also assisted numerous students in preparing for standardised tests, ensuring that their knowledge gaps are identified and addressed from the very beginning. Overall, my goal is to empower students to become self-driven learners and help them achieve their academic goals.