Experienced tutor and Mechanical Engineer offering classes in A levels in Mathematics courses

Find out more about Harshitha

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

  Since my mother is a teacher, I have grown up around and within schools. I developed an interest in the field quite early, helping my classmates with lessons and questions. I taught students in local public schools during summer breaks and helped them with their homework ever since I was 12.
  
  In 2018 I officially began tutoring in India in Science and Math to 12-15-year-old students. Since I moved to the UK for my undergraduate studies, I began tutoring on Superprof from 2021. Since then, I have tutored over 20+ students in GCSE, IGCSE, IB and A levels Mathematics and Physics courses. I have thoroughly enjoyed the process and over time it has also helped fund my degree.

• 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 favorite topic has to be calculus. As an IB student I developed an interest in the subject and have been fascinated by it ever since.
  
  Statistics would be my least liked topic, but if a student needs help, I do my best to prepare despite my dislike.

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

  I believe I have many teachers who have been my inspiration. I remember my early Mathematics and Science teacher in middle school who is probably the reason for my interest in the subject. He was thorough, creative and incredibly funny in class. My IB Physics teacher would be another excellent teacher. She was patient and always made sure everything studied in class was understood and everyone felt included.

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

  The prime ones would be patience, adaptability and preparation. I think a lot to do with being a good teacher is the work that goes in before the class, it is important to know the student's current level, methods of studying and goals they would like to achieve so classes could be tailored to their individual needs. My first class always delves deeper into the student's personal circumstances that affect their academic performance and teaching methods best suited to them. Patience is paramount to dealing with students, especially the younger ones, since each student has their own speed of learning. Therefore, as a teacher/tutor it is important for us to adapt to each student so the lesson can be most effective.

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

  I would say sometimes Mathematics and Physics can be hard to explain, there are times when topics are quite tricky for verbal explanation. In these cases, I make thorough use of visual aids like graphing tools, simulations, and youtube videos. In my experience, my students have developed a stronger understanding of the subject when spoken lessons are combined with visual aids.

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

  Teaching is one of my favourite things to do. But my main goal is to pursue research in Mathematics. I am also an engineering student alongside and thus Mathematics does form a huge part of my life.

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

  From the feedback I have received from my students, I believe it is my preparation before class and candor that stands out the most. I prepare lesson plans for each topic with each student, complete with external links to worksheets, videos and simulations.
  
  Most of the time my students not only think of me as a tutor but also as a trusted adult they feel safe communicating with. I am transparent with my students about my own shortcomings and always encourage questions that I might not know the answers to. In such cases, I do my research and come back with ways to find the answers together.
  
  I do everything in my control to create an environment conductive to making mistakes and even laughing at them, so students are not scared opening up or trying to ask/answer questions.