Oxford Postgrad Tutor: 10+ Years Teaching Maths, Chemistry, Physics, SAT and GRE.

Find out more about Roland

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

  My interest in STEM fields, particularly Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry, began during my early education in Paga, a rural community in northern Ghana. This curiosity led me to excel academically, achieving distinctions in these subjects at the secondary school level. During my undergraduate studies in Petroleum Engineering at KNUST, where I graduated with first-class honours, I frequently helped classmates with complex concepts, sparking my passion for teaching. I developed strong leadership and mentoring skills as a PetroBowl quiz contestant and President of the Petroleum Engineering Students Association (PESA) Academic Board.
  
  Teaching over 2500 students at the Senior Secondary school level and through home tuition solidified my commitment to education. My structured, problem-solving teaching approach made complex theories accessible, helping students excel. Internationally, I successfully tutored at Kaplan International College London and Go students Online Tutoring, handling over 3000 sessions.
  
  Despite balancing multiple responsibilities, I have always been driven to inspire and motivate students. My diverse background and extensive tutoring experience have instilled in me a confidence in my ability to significantly impact students as a Superprof Tutor, helping them achieve their academic goals. Teaching is not just a job for me; it is a passion and a mission to unlock the potential of each student I work with.

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

  I teach a range of subjects, including Mathematics (GRE, SAT, GCSE, A level, and engineering math), Physics, and Chemistry. In Chemistry, I am particularly passionate about topics such as organic chemistry, quantitative chemistry, REDOX reactions, rates of reactions, energetics, atoms, ions and compounds, bonding, periodicity, acids, bases and salts, equilibrium, and thermochemistry. These areas allow me to delve into the intricacies of chemical reactions and molecular interactions, which I find fascinating and engaging for students.
  
  In Physics, I enjoy exploring mechanics, materials, electricity, thermal physics, nuclear physics, quantum physics, gravitational fields, capacitance, radioactivity, waves, circular motion, oscillatory motion, and graph work. These topics provide a comprehensive understanding of the physical world, from the smallest particles to the largest forces, and I love helping students grasp these complex concepts.
  
  My favorite topics in mathematics include trigonometry, calculus, numerical methods, vectors, sequences and series, functions, probability, statistics, indices and logarithms, matrices, and algebra in general. These areas offer a broad spectrum of mathematical tools and techniques essential for solving a wide range of problems, and I enjoy showing students the practical applications of these concepts, making them feel the relevance and importance of these subjects.
  
  While enthusiastic about most topics, I find reading-related topics like cosmology and qualitative chemistry less engaging. However, I always strive to present these subjects interestingly to ensure my students gain a comprehensive understanding.
  
  Overall, my goal is to inspire and motivate my students by making learning enjoyable and accessible, regardless of the subject matter. I aim to create a comfortable and enjoyable learning environment for my students, where they can learn at their own pace and feel at ease.

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

  Yes, I had a significant role model during my time at Kaplan International College London: Ramila, the head of the Science and Mathematics department and the module lead for math. Ramila has a remarkable ability to break down complex problems into simpler, more enjoyable forms, making learning accessible and fun for students. Her skill in engaging uninterested students and fostering a love for their most challenging subjects is truly inspiring.
  
  Ramila's dedication to motivating and inspiring her students, coupled with her genuine concern for their welfare, sets her apart. She handles her lessons with patience, ensuring each student receives individual attention through breakout rooms. Her teaching methods and compassionate approach have deeply influenced my own tutoring style as I strive to impact STEM education as she does.

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

  Several key qualities are essential to being a good tutor. Firstly, a strong understanding of the subject matter is crucial, as it enables the tutor to explain complex concepts clearly and accurately. Patience and the ability to break down difficult topics into simpler, more digestible parts are also important, helping students understand and retain information.
  
  Engaging students and making learning enjoyable is vital, as well as fostering a positive attitude towards the subject. Additionally, a good tutor should be empathetic and concerned about students' overall well-being, motivating and inspiring them to achieve their best. Organisational skills and the ability to tailor teaching methods to individual student needs further enhance a tutor's effectiveness. These qualities, exemplified by my role model Ramila at Kaplan International College London, have shaped my approach to tutoring in STEM subjects.

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

  During my undergraduate studies in Petroleum Engineering at KNUST, I led a team project to design a drilling fluid filtration agent and viscosifier from cocoa husk. This project was a pivotal moment in my academic journey, blending theory with practical application and showcasing the importance of innovation in STEM fields. Our team faced numerous challenges, but our determination and collaborative spirit drove us to succeed.
  
  As the team leader, I utilised my strong technical skills and ability to break down complex problems, a trait I admired in my role model, Ramila, from Kaplan International College London. My leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through rigorous experimental phases and data analysis, ultimately producing a viable solution that garnered praise from our professors.
  
  This experience reinforced my passion for STEM education and the importance of hands-on learning. It also highlighted the value of perseverance and teamwork, qualities I strive to instil in my students. This project not only deepened my understanding of engineering principles but also inspired me to pursue a career in tutoring, where I can help students navigate their own academic challenges and discoveries.

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

  One of the significant challenges I face in my subject is the limitation of conducting practicals in an online learning environment. I enjoy carrying out hands-on experiments with students to illustrate and help them appreciate complex concepts in subjects like Chemistry and Physics. These practical sessions are crucial for deepening their understanding and making learning more engaging and tangible.
  
  However, the shift to online learning has made it difficult to replicate the laboratory experience fully. While I provide alternative methods and virtual simulations to demonstrate these concepts, they are not as effective as in-lab experiences. The tactile and visual aspects of handling real equipment and observing actual reactions are hard to replace digitally.
  
  Despite this challenge, I continually seek innovative ways to adapt and ensure my students receive a comprehensive understanding. Still, the absence of physical practicals remains a notable hurdle in the online teaching landscape.

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

  I developed a passion for teaching right after secondary school. I observed that students who excelled in physics, chemistry, biology, and math often pursued careers in engineering, medicine, and other health-related fields. Hardly any chose to become teachers in these subjects. In my country, teaching is often seen as a second option, taken only if students do not meet the requirements for their first choice.
  
  This motivated me to change the narrative. I believe that while learning teaching methodologies from teacher training institutions is important, mastering the subject knowledge is even more crucial. One can deliver insightful and understanding tuition only if they have a strong grasp of the subjects themselves. With this in mind, I pursued teaching with my strong academic background, having obtained distinctions in Physics, Math, and Chemistry at both A levels and university.
  
  My passion for teaching stems from a desire to inspire and motivate students to appreciate and excel in STEM subjects. I have taught over 2,500 students at the Senior Secondary school level and through home tuition. I have extensive experience tutoring Maths, Physics, and Chemistry at Kaplan International College London and Gostudents Online Tutoring. This journey has been deeply rewarding, allowing me to share my knowledge and help students achieve their academic goals.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  My extensive teaching experience, strong academic background, and genuine passion for STEM education make me a Superprof. With over ten years of experience teaching Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry to more than 2,500 students at the Senior Secondary school level and through home tuition, I have honed my ability to cater to diverse learning needs.
  
  I have also tutored at Kaplan International College London and Go Students Online Tutoring, where I handled students from primary school to A level and prepared them for SAT and GRE exams. My success in these roles is a testament to my ability to simplify complex concepts and engage students effectively.
  
  My academic achievements, including distinctions in Physics, Math, and Chemistry at A levels and university, underscore my mastery of these subjects. This strong foundation allows me to deliver insightful and comprehensive tuition, ensuring students understand and appreciate the subjects.
  
  I am deeply committed to student success and employ a problem-solving approach to enhance understanding. My teaching methodology focuses on breaking down difficult topics, providing individualised attention, and fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
  
  Moreover, my role model, Ramila from Kaplan International College London, has inspired me to engage uninterested students, motivate them, and show genuine concern for their welfare. This holistic approach to teaching sets me apart and makes me a Superprof.