Experienced and supportive tutor of science and Physics, helping students with both study and exam preparation. Tailoring tuition to the needs of the individual

Find out more about Joe

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

  My interest in Science and Physics developed at an early age inspired by an amazing teacher at school and further enhanced by great scientists like Richard Feynman. My teaching developed and allowed me opportunities to study the process of learning and I worked on projects that lead to the understanding of the importance of good one to one support . This led to my involvement in one to one tuition which is where we can really put individualised learning into practice. I feel that I’ve gained so much from my experiences having worked with a diverse group of individuals over the years.

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

  My students often comment on my ability to make complicated ideas simpler to understand and they talk of my enthusiasm for my subject. I still study Physics myself now and try to keep up with changes and discoveries to keep my teaching relevant. My study of Astrophysics and the wonder of the Universe plays a big part in my teaching and allows me the opportunity to develop strong learning relationships with students as we discuss the bigger questions. I also share my studies of science at the other end of the scale in the weird and wonderful world of quantum physics . I do not really have an area of science that I'm not interested in but I sometimes feel frustrated with the compartmentalising of science. I understand its need but I like to explore the bigger picture.

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

  As well as my school Physics teacher and Richard Feynman that I have already mentioned . I was lucky to have studied with some great scientists that helped develop the way I think as well as improved my scientific knowledge. I have been greatly influenced by Prof Ted Wragg and Jocelyn Bell Burnell . both of whom I studied under. I'm also inspired by those in the media that reach out to a wider audience and enthuse a great number of people to become scientifically literate , David Attenborough and Brian Cox in particular.

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

  A good tutor needs patience, clarity, adaptability and a desire to help individuals find the best version of themselves. More than knowing the subject , it's about knowing where the pitfalls and hurdles are and having the ability to change the explanations and models to meet the students' individual style.

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

  My teacher was ahead of his time and some of the best teaching he did involved him encouraging our own exploration of the idea and proving something to ourselves. One day my task was to find what variable affected the swing of a pendulum. I was convinced the mass would change the swing. I carried out the experiment and was surprised when the results didn’t prove my idea. My teacher, rather than giving me the answer, asked to try something else. I proved to myself that it was the length of the string not the mass. I think this experience has stuck with me and plays an important part in my teaching style, encouraging independent thinking.

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

  I think like many teachers it's about relevance and showing students that studying a subject is about training your mind in different ways of thinking and in this fast changing world how this helps an individual to be adaptable . To think as a scientist, but that this is also important even if you don't want to be a scientist

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I studied under Adey and Shayer in London and worked on a project called CASE. This led me into a life long journey looking at learning styles, boundaries to learning and working on a project to develop independent learning in students. Learning is a lifelong experience and in the fast changing world students will need to be adaptable.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions ?

  My experience and knowledge both allow me to adapt to the requirements of the student that I am helping. My genuine interest in the subject and my understanding of the learning process allows me to enthuse the students which gives them the positive energy to overcome their hurdles. I work in a very positive manner and show to the students just what they are able to achieve when the style of teaching is changed to suit them. This gives them increased confidence moving forward. Confidence is key.