Castle Douglas Tutors and Castle Douglas Tuition

Personal Description:
Friendly, reliable and experienced tutor, with a British English accent.

Qualified to PhD in 2014 (English & Languages Department, Surrey University), with the motivation to continue working with foreign learners of English at any stage of their development (beginner through to post graduate or business English improvers).

Based in the Borders of Scotland, with access to transport links across the city.

Other Information:
• Students' Union employee, community volunteer and 'Student Representative of the Year' during BA and MA Degrees.
• Mentor and student support worker to students with disabilities during PhD.

Teaching Experience:
Relevant teaching experience:

• TEFL training during BA (Hons) Degree at Bath University, including one-to-one tutoring of English to young adult learners.
• Two years in Paris and three months in Italy working with young children to improve their understanding of English (references available).
• Completion of the following teaching programmes at Surrey University: Introduction to Teaching; Student Learning; Assessment & Feedback; Technology Enhanced Learning; and the Graduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching (module 1 classes only).
• Provided language support (both grammatical and oral) to BA, MA and PhD students across multiple disciplines at Bath University and Surrey University.
• Marking of MA assignments, including spelling and grammar correction and feedback at Surrey University.
• Mentoring and emotional support to students via the Learning Support Team at Surrey University.
• Residential work placement in 2012 at New College Worcester, a specialist school for blind and visually-impaired students between 11 and 18 years of age.
• Involved in training and coaching new colleagues and contractors on a business level for over 25 years.
• Trained in listening, communication and empathy skills with the Samaritans, Winchester in 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
Learning a language should be fun!

The aim is for you to enjoy speaking and writing English, whilst moving at your own pace through a programme of learning that is designed around your own requirements and interests.

We could meet: online, in a coffee shop, at a local library, at your home or office.
We could talk about: books, business, films, music, travel, culture or life in general. It's up to you!

Activities offered:
• General English conversation
• Targeted English conversation (in your area of interest, e.g. business sector)
• Help with grammar and written English, including forms and letters
• Improved listening skills using audio-visual aids
• One-to-one feedback on dissertation grammar and flow (full proofreading priced separately)
• Voice recordings of your own material offered (e.g. course notes or presentations)

Subjects

Personal Description:
Professional artist and creative practitioner.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a practising artist for 15 years working with schools and other child led organisations delivering art activtity for children.

Tutoring Approach:
Portfolio / sketchbook advice and private art lessons anywhere in West Yorkshire as well as at the studio in Pudsey leeds. Have a great amount of experience tutoring all ages and skill levels and works with a number of highly reputable education consultancies. These sessions are particularly useful for students working on GCSE and A Level projects, or for students studying for an Art degree. Also provides lessons for anybody who just wants to improve their Art skills!

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Personal Description:
A Royal Academy of Music graduate, I have taught piano privately for over 20 years. As well as children and adults from the ages of 4 to 84, I have tutored and mentored high profile rock musicians, film composers and producers.

I taught composition in the music technology department at London College of Music (Junior College) for twelve years where I became department head from 2004--2012. I was mentor on the MA course in music production at Leeds College of Music from 2006-2009, and have guest lectured at The Academy of Contemporary Music and West Thames College.

As a composer and producer I have two decades of experience writing for theatre, TV, film and the concert hall. I have written scores for theatre companies including Hampstead Theatre, The National Youth Theatre, EmpathEyes Theatre and Baraka Theatre, and my music has been synced to many television productions and documentaries including BBC Horizon, BBC Natural World, Top Gear, Sky Box Office, Ghost Whisperer and America's Most Wanted. In addition to this I have worked for the music production house 'Soundtree' on various projects most notably as assistant to Peter Raeburn on his score for the 2018 feature film Nancy.

My concert works have been performed at concert platforms including the Huddersfield Festival; The South Bank Centre; De Doelen, Rotterdam and Kunstmuseum, Liechtenstein, with commercial recordings and broadcasts across Europe.

I have written string arrangements for bands and worked as session pianist for several artists including Cathal Smyth (Chas Smash from the ska band, Madness). 

Teaching Experience:
1997 - present: Private tutor (piano, music theory, music technology, composition)
1997 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - composition and music technology teacher.
1999 - West Thames College - guest lecturer
2004 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - music technology department head.
2003 - Academy Of Contemporary Music - guest lecturer
2006 - 2009: Leeds College Of Music - mentor on MA Music Production course.

Tutoring Approach:
Piano (all levels/styles) - I have a 100% pass rate for students entering the ABRSM exams (grades 1-8). Students who do not wish to take the classical route can learn using my method for playing by ear. As well as teaching classical, I specialise in teaching jazz piano and theory.

I also offer tuition in Composition, Orchestration, Theory, Logic, Sibelius.

Subjects

Personal Description:
To fill in later

Teaching Experience:
I am currently working as a teaching assistant for a special needs secondary school in Bromley Borough, having worked in the field of Information Technology for over 11 years. Working for a special needs school in the UK has given me an insight into education in the public sector. The reason I would like to teach Maths and ICT is that they are my favourite subjects. I have undertaken some private tuition in GCSE maths a few years ago and my current work is in the ICT department of my school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in one-to-one tuition because it gives the student an opportunity to ask questions about the subject matter, without being seen as stupid. Also, my experience in private tuition has given me an insight into the type of difficulty that students face. Since 2012 I have been working in schools, initially as a supply teacher and recently as a Maths Teacher mainly at GCSE level. I specialise in one-to-one and small group tuition (up to 4).

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Personal Description:
Cliché: music is my passion. I am an experienced musician who gigs regularly around the North East, South West/East and South Wales. I have played in many bands over the years on saxophone, piano/keyboard and clarinet ranging from traditional, classical orchestras to jazz big bands and funk bands. I am versatile in many genres frequently gigging with my own band, a jazz sextet as well as open nights and headlining bands as the lead player. My main performance work includes (but is not limited to) recording, touring and gigging with London based rock and roll group Hannah Rickard and the Relatives. Other works include composition for film and theatre as well as several music qualifications up to degree level, having graduated from The Univeristy of Sunderland with a BMus Honours degree in Jazz, popular and commercial music in 2013.

Teaching Experience:
I gained the majority of my experience in tuition teaching beginners before I moved to the North East. This was on saxophone, clarinet and piano with all students having great success in both ABRSM grade exams and in pubic performances.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very laid back person but push people to be the best they can be. I am free to travel to most areas of the North East and surrounding areas and do not directly require the student to come to me - this can change week to week as necessary. All student preferences are catered to with the student guiding the musical material for the lessons with structured input.

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Personal Description:
music industry vocal coach for 20nyears have worked with various stars nelton, George Michael , queen, lisa stansfield etc

Teaching Experience:
many years spent coaching vocal arranging and refining stage and studio technique for beginners to advanced

Tutoring Approach:
patient friendly and puts student at ease. lesson does not end till student has accomplished goal but my teaching methods ensure that the student absorbs learns and retains

Subjects

Personal Description:
English language tutor, with more than 10 years of teaching experience in Latin America and US. Have taught high school, university, and business classes at large corporations. In addition to conversation lessons, I assist students with their business and academic writing. Have become engaged in online tutoring during the past 4 years. Am currently tutoring students online in Europe and Asia-- mainly adults but some children also. I possess a variety of recognized and widely used material for both General English and Business English.

Teaching Experience:
July 2005 - April 2012
English Teacher, London
Taught in-company English classes at BRANCA FRATELLI, (American Forum ), BREA
SOLANS & ASSOCIATES ( Auditing Services, Tax Advice, Transaction Advisory Services,
Transfer Pricing, Consultancy and Assistance in Conflict Resolution ), and taught high school
student ( TOEFL and First Certificate )

May 2003 - June 2005
English Teacher, Columbus, OH
Taught business English at SIDERAR, steel company, BREA SOLANS
& ASSOCIATES ( Auditing Services, Tax Advice, Transaction Advisory Services, Transfer
Pricing, Consultancy and Assistance in Conflict Resolution ), Allergan, Inc ( US Pharmaceutical Company ), and Law firms.

January 2000 - May 2003
English Teacher, Buenos Aires
Prepared spanish speaking students transferring to american universities.
Helped students with TOEFL SAT and GRE exams and taught English on a private basis.

March 1999 - December 1999
English Teacher, Highlands School, Columbus, OH
Taught English Literature to elementary and secondary students. Course work emphasized
Literature comprehension and Listening.

August 1998 - December 1998
English Teacher, British Cultural Center of Buenos Aires
Taught buisiness english to CFO's at publicly held companies such as YPF, Perez Companc,
IBM. Responsabilites included the teaching of business english focusing on financial english
and preparation of financial statements for presentations. Duties entalied preparing argentine
transfer students to take SAT and TOEFL exams.

Education:
NYU, New York
Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, 1986 - 1990

Language Skills:
Absolutely bilingual in Spanish and English

English Teaching Certificates:
Celta, University College London, 2010

Tutoring Approach:
English language tutor, with more than 10 years of teaching experience in Latin America and US. Have taught high school, university, and business classes at large corporations. In addition to conversation lessons, I assist students with their business and academic writing. Have become engaged in online tutoring during the past 4 years. Am currently tutoring students online in Europe and Asia-- mainly adults but some children also. I possess a variety of recognized and widely used material for both General English and Business English.

I teach professional interpreters, English teachers, lawyers, and numerous other advanced-degreed 2nd language speakers who have had 10-16 years of English in schools, but who have not yet mastered the English communication skills.

Having grown up in US with argentinian parents, I am perfectly bilingual in Spanish and in English, therefore i can understand the kind of issues you might stumble into when going from one language to the other one. I also have a lot of experience teaching pronunciation and intonation.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional in my 30s with degrees in English & Italian Literature (BA 2:1, Warwick 2000) and the History of Medicine & Science (MA Merit, Birkbeck College, University of London). I also hold a CELTA qualification in teaching English Language to adults.

I am a friendly and open teacher and get on very well with my students. I have a car and will travel.

Proof-editing: contact for rates.

In addition to teaching I also offer a proof-reading service so for university essays / research proposals / writing projects, please do contact me for rates.

Teaching Experience:
I have spent the past three years in Germany teaching English as a foreign language to university students and business professionals. I am CELTA qualified and have a flexible approach, adapting my style to suit my students' needs. One to one teaching was my preferred method. l

Before I went to Germany in 2014, I had been a English and History tutor for ten years.

Please note that I am not a PGCE-qualified teacher. My focus is on the required skills rather than the syllabus as set by the school. This method has proved very effective time and time again.

I hold a German CRB, in due time I will replace this with a UK one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to proof-editing / English checking is to look primarily at the language. For some clients - university students in particular - it is not appropriate to offer an editorial service as this goes against the rules of university submissions. However, where I think a mistake has been made or something is not clearly expressed - and it is not a simple matter of correcting the language - then I will flag it up to the student so they can look at it again.

My main aim with my tutees is to build their confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. To this end I concentrate on teaching the skills they require to achieve the grades they want. My role is not to replace the teaching they get at school but to compliment it so a tutoring session could concentrate on planning an essay the student has been asked to write or going through specific areas the student needs help with. I won't necessarily give homework - unless required - as I feel students have enough to do without me adding to their workload.

In return I expect my students to engage with the sessions. They don't have to like the subject and of course I'm there to help those who don't understand some things or just need a little help or encouragement, but the student must be prepared to be tutored.

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Personal Description:
I am an active independent-scholar and writer, living near St Andrews University. I have written numerous books and articles and am currently working on a new book as well as tutoring a handful of students. I am also a former Academic Advisor to students in the United States of America, and I have worked for two tutoring companies in Oxford since returning to the UK. I am therefore familiar with the needs of international students when it comes to navigating the English and Scottish University systems. I focus on technique over content with a particular emphasis on writing skills, though I also read all the books and articles my students are required to read, so that I can help them with content when required.

Teaching Experience:
Award winning teacher at the University of Georgia, 1999-2000
Academic Adviser to University Students from 2003-2007
Tutor Oxford International Study Centre, April 2013 - May 2014
Carfax Tutorial Establishment, November 2013 - May 2014
Freelance Tutor ongoing.

Tutoring Approach:
I adopt a holistic approach to tutoring, working with a student to address her or his individual academic needs. I am process-orientated, building on a student's strengths and eliminating weaknesses. I am also practical, constantly working towards the student's objectives. As a result, I focus very much on academic skills and developing the student's academic toolbox, so that they can gain confidence and become independent learners.

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Personal Description:
About me:
Hi! I am Zara. I am kind and caring, considerate and patient. I have profound experience teaching languages (Russian and English) to various ages and learning backgrounds. Russian is my native language. I graduated from Russian University and have BA degree in languages.
I enjoy working with children, young people and adults helping them build confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially. My students always get only GOOD RESULTS! Some of them are now students of English Universities studying Russian.
With my experience working at various educational institutions for 12 years (my previous position was senior Lecturer of the Russian University) I have a diverse background with much to offer. I teach the beginners and those who just want to improve their language skills, as well as Business and Legal Russian.
One to one or Skype lessons!

Apart from teaching I do prompt and professional translations from English into Russian and vise verse in such subjects as Business, Economy, Law, Mass Media, etc.

Teaching Experience:
With my experience working at various educational institutions for 12 years (my previous position was senior teacher of the University) I have a diverse background with much to offer. To me, the role of a Tutor is an important and interesting role to hold. It brings a lot of interesting challenges and the idea of working with individuals to develop their natural skills is really what I look forward to when at work. I graduated from Russian Pedagogical University and have BA Degree in languages.

Tutoring Approach:
The methods I teach foreign languages are unique and tailored to an individual' s needs. All students are different and it is very important to find their strengths, focus on them and use them right to develop their learning abilities.
I always seriously and thoroughly prepare myself for each lesson, think over every minute of it, provide my students with useful and interesting material which covers the aspects of the language that my students want to focus on and at the same time, I ensure that the lessons are fun - which means they look forward to them! I use a lot of playing techniques, every aspect of learning the language is involved; Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. I teach spoken Russian, Business Russian, do prepare for the Exams and so on....
I puts my clients at ease straight away making it the ideal learning environment to progress quickly and easily.

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Personal Description:
My name is Ed. I am the Director of a private tuition company which has been providing impactful private teaching and tutoring services in a multitude of subjects across Common Entrance, GCSE, A-Level, IB and University.

We take pride in helping students to expand their minds, talents and skills, allowing them to reach their full potential. Our one-on-one tutoring brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise to those who strive to excel.

We offer personalised academic support, available in-person and online, to help students improve areas of difficulty and focus on exam techniques and preparation, helping them to succeed in attaining qualifications to their highest ability.

Please reach out and contact for further enquiries, look forward to hearing from you.

Teaching Experience:
Director, leading a team of tutors to support across a wide range of students including Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University level - Present

Tutored a variety of subjects at different levels from primary schools, Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University.

Offered service on giving academic advice as well as interview techniques for Oxford, Cambridge and other top schools and universities in the UK, US, Europe and Asia.

Tutoring Approach:
The approach is simple and effective. The general framework is to go through general concepts that are fundamental to student's understanding on the subject through the use of simple examples. I will then reinforce the message and encourage students to work on more specific and challenging problems.

Confidence is key and it is vital that my tutees are constantly motivated and encouraged in order to self-develop both at an academic and personal level.

We strive to make lessons as interactive as possible. We understand the different learning needs of different students. We will always be flexible with our teaching style and method and we are here to help you succeed.

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Personal Description:
Growing up in London, I understand firsthand the challenges young people face and the many distractions that can impact their academic progress. Having spent years tutoring students from diverse backgrounds across the UK, I've come to appreciate the value of personalised lessons tailored to each student's unique strengths and weaknesses. This approach ensures that every individual gets the support they need to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Teaching Experience:
Experienced Tutor with a Dual Background in Dentistry and Chemical Engineering

With over 10 years of tutoring experience, I specialise in helping students excel through personalised, engaging lessons tailored to their individual needs. My academic background includes degrees in both Dentistry and Chemical Engineering, giving me a unique ability to explain complex scientific concepts in clear, relatable ways.

I have extensive experience working 1-on-1 with students, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), where I focus on creating an inclusive, supportive environment. My lessons are fun, interactive, and designed to keep students motivated, fostering a love for learning and a drive to achieve more. Whether you're looking to improve grades or deepen your understanding, I'm dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching methods include a variety of approaches, from videos, challenges and interactive sessions.
My pupils have fun whilst they learn and get the grades they need!

I am aware each student is an individual, with varying levels of ability and so the lesson would be determined using this. Analysis of each lesson and how the student responds to different techniques of teaching will be made, to tailor for the ideal teaching session. This will ensure content will be covered in a time efficient manner, while keeping the student engaged and motivated.

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Personal Description:
I am extremely proud of my students results in the first year of the new 9-1 GCSE's. All 14 final year students passed their maths exam at a grade 4 or above. One of my pupils who was in set two at a local school achieved the highest possible grade (9) only 3000 of these grades were given nationally. Four of my students were bottom set of next to bottom set and all passed. Two being the only pupils in their class to pass the GCSE.

I am a fully qualified experienced maths teacher with a BSc in Mathematics. I have experience in intervention and one to one tutoring within a high school setting, delivering the intervention sessions in one high school and taking the responsibility of intervention coordinator in another. I have also prepared small groups of pupils for Further/Additional Maths at GCSE Level. I have been very successful in improving under achieving students to achieve their target grade both as a tutor and teacher. For example I took over a GCSE class which was a bottom set who I started teaching at the start of year 11. At that point the highest grade in the class was a grade F. By the end of the year everyone improved significantly and several gained a grade C. As a father I know how important our children achieving their best is to all parents.

Teaching Experience:
During my teaching career I have taught in 4 different high schools including schools with a sixth form. My first post was in a Lancashire High school where I was responsible for the intervention in Mathematics which involves helping small groups of pupils who are below target in Mathematics. My last GCSE group all achieved grade A*-C. (set 2 of 6)

My next post was in a Sefton High School and sixth form where I was responsible for organising and running intervention. My GCSE group (set 5/bottom set) all achieved at least three levels of progress from their starting point and 3 pupils achieved a grade C (This was above their target grade).

In my final year I was teaching 3 GCSE classes. A higher group in which all achieved B-A* as well as a vocational group and a bottom set where some pupils achieved grade C and others made their expected progress.

I have tutored both in school and privately with a lot of success. One example was a private student who came to me having achieved a grade F at the end of year 10. A year later she achieved a C in her GCSE exam. Successes from the exam results in 2016 include an A level student moving from a E to a B. A GCSE student moving from an F to a C who I started tutoring in February. Another GCSE pupil moving from a C to an A.

I am fully up to date with the changes in exams at GCSE Level for the new 9-1 GCSE`s and the changes in the sats for Primary school pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
I want all my students to be able to develop their understanding of mathematics rather than just learning how to answer a question. I try to work with their class teacher in following the methods they are being taught at school but also realise that different methods may be appropriate if they are struggling. I set homework weekly which is assessed at the start each session unless it is a longer piece or exam paper which is taken away and marked and brought back to the next session. I plan topics which are linked to previous learning in order to develop the bigger picture of mathematics but have excellent subject knowledge so I'm able to change my plan if the student wishes to look at another area that might have arisen as a problem in school/college. I also like my students to be proactive and get in touch if they wish to cover a particular topic which wasn't mentioned at the end of the previous session. I have a good relationship with all the people I tutor, they are at ease to ask questions and praise is central to help raise confidence. I am willing to travel however the price stated is the online price so please enquire if you would like a home visit.

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Personal Description:
My approach to teaching is friendly, supportive and fun. I can instil confidence in students which allows them to believe in themselves and make good progress. I have experience teaching students who are neurodiverse as well as students from ages 6 to 11.

Teaching Experience:
I have 20 years of teaching experience mainly in primary schools. I have also taught many students who have English as a second language

Tutoring Approach:
To develop genuine, honest relationships with students. Get to know them and their backgrounds and discuss the areas they need to work on. I would like to make tutoring interactive and fun whilst still teaching a particular concept.

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Personal Description:
I have been studying music, in particular, playing the flute since I was 6 (7 years of music school, 4 years of college, 3 years of university and a year at the conservatory.
I have experience to play a classical music as solo as in orchestras, ensembles. Also worked in India with a solo show.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching experience from 2013
Tutoring experience from 2014
Pedagogical activity since the age of 18, both in music schools and private classes at home, online.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to always listen to the wishes of the student, carefully approach the issue of psychological attitude, so that the student does not have complexes and any barriers to successful learning.

I give lessons with both children and adults.
For each student I find an individual approach.

I use various teaching methods, both traditional and new.

Assistance in the implementation of homework.

The main priority is to make the classes enjoyable and interesting to the student.

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Personal Description:
I'm a full-time teacher, an examiner and an education writer, with experience teaching students from every background.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught GCSE and A Level since 2006, in Religious Studies, Philosophy and in Law.

I also have extensive examining experience across a number of exam boards, including for the recently reformed GCSE and A Level examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is patient, structured and meets the student where they are in terms of the level of challenge.

Over time, I aim to instil confidence as well as a deep understanding of the principles studied. Frequent assessment, using low-stakes quizzes enables students to see how well they are progressing.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified primary school teacher with 18 years teaching experience and over 5 years tutoring experience. I offer after school and during the day teaching sessions for primary aged children (including families who have chosen to home educate and may seek extra support).

I have a friendly, patient, yet thorough approach, as well as enthusiasm to support children overcome any learning challenges they may face.

Sessions can be one-to-one or small group, depending on the families requests or the child's needs. I can offer face-to-face from my home or online lessons.

Teaching Experience:
As well as my teaching and tutoring experience. I am an expert in early reading intervention. During my teaching career, I trained as a 'Reading Recovery' Teacher which involved one-to-one tailored sessions aimed to provide accelerated reading progress.

I have a thorough knowledge of teaching the curriculum within early years through to year 6, and wherever possible, will tailor lessons according to the children's loves and interests to increase motivation.

My teaching style can be adapted to support children who are home educated and perhaps may seek a more informal or holistic approach to teaching. Similarly, with children attending school, I have experience and knowledge in closely following the national curriculum. I can target 'known' gaps in learning that may have been noted by parents or teachers, as well as provide assessment sessions which will give me clear targets in order to achieve progress.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to devise tailor-made, fun and interactive learning activities that will challenge but engage your child to achieve their next steps in learning. I am flexible to offering half hour sessions, particularly for younger children (aged 4 or 5 years old) that may struggle with a 45 minute or one hour session.

Lessons are often pacey, varied and interactive in order to achieve maximum motivation for your child.

I am also willing to incorporate time to discuss next steps with parents/carers in order to support your children's progress outside of the tutoring session. I can provide extra learning materials on request to allow your child further practise in a skill during the week if necessary.

Due to the age of the children I tutor, face- to-face sessions tend to work best, although some upper junior children cope well with zoom lessons.

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Personal Description:
My teaching style could change my student's needs. I would like to start from the simplest form and based on active learning, assessment, and metacognition. In my lessons, you could find more Socratic and metacognition methods because memorizing is not learning.

Teaching Experience:
11 years of teaching experience. Last 4-5 years, I have taught As and A level physics. Additionally, I have taught science and math before.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly, I need to know my student and his/ her weak and strong sides in learning. After that, I would like to find the best suitable method that corresponds to my student learning style. Finally, I am ready to teach and my student is convenient to learn anything from me.

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