John - Pimlico - Maths

Find out more about John

• 1) When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I always have had an interest in mathematics and science subjects especially physics and chemistry. I had a good aptitude for these subjects and this combined with application and persistence I made good progress. I was always interested in tutoring which started by helping my siblings.

• 2) Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I have equal curiosity for pure mathematics how mathematics can be applied to solving problems especially in the fields of physics, chemistry and computer science.

• 3) Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  My best role model as a teacher is one who could remove the stress around problem solving combined with an ability to deconstruct baffling situations and make them understandable.

• 4) What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor is one who can take a student through the steps of a particular topic as if they were the first person to meet this problem. Generally speaking, it is always good to get a visual on a particular mathematical problem. This means drawing, sketching, producing a diagram, a two-way table or simply sorting data than can make the situation more accessible. I always say with shape and space type problems, "if you can draw an accurate scaled diagram of the problem then there is a very good chance you can solve it".

• 5) Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I studied engineering at university, the first from my secondary school to do so. I also completed a Post Graduate Course Education at King's College London qualifying in 2000. I spent 10 year teaching mostly Mathematics and some Information Technology at schools in London inner city schools. I have spent the last 14 years tutoring, online internationally (mostly China) and face-to-face in central London. I have over 8,000 hours of tutoring experience in all the STEM subjects.

• 6) What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Regarding Superprof, this website allows me to focus on my tutoring and saves time on administration. Everybody knows where they stand tutors and students alike and reminders are precise and timely. I did have an issue re a booking recently. I emailed Superprof and the problem was sorted out quickly and promptly to my satisfaction.