Dr. Carles teaches Mathematics, Algebra, Calculus, Complex analysis and Statistics. Customized and relaxed methodology! I do research on Dynamic Systems, Game Theory, Optimal Control Theory, Macro &

Find out more about Carles

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

  My passion for teaching was ignited by an extraordinary experience with a private math tutor during my high school years. As I aspired for top grades, his guidance and the way he elucidated complex concepts transformed my perception of what good pedagogy is all about. It was the simplicity and relatability he brought to seemingly difficult topics that captured my imagination, sparking a deep-seated interest in starting to teach myself. Throughout my studies in mathematics and economics at the university level, I fell in love with each subject, driven by the compelling nature of the material and the desire to simplify complex, abstract ideas for others.

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

  Over the past decade, I've tutored mathematics at all levels-from high school challenges to topics such as real analysis, complex analysis, linear algebra, statistics, optimization, and various economic subjects including macroeconomics, microeconomics, econometrics, game theory, and international economics. I relish teaching each of these subjects, whether they are math-intensive for engineers, chemists, physicists, mathematicians, or economically oriented, allowing us to ponder real-world problems and their repercussions.

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

  Indeed, my high school math tutor was a significant role model, demonstrating that math could be made accessible and even enjoyable. In university, several professors inspired me, fueling my love for the subjects and prompting me to consider a doctoral degree by my second year. Their dedication not only made me passionate about certain disciplines but also highlighted the profound impact that excellent teaching can have on a student's trajectory.

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

  The most crucial quality is empathy-putting oneself in the student's shoes, recognizing that what may seem basic to others could be a formidable challenge for them. Patience and the ability to explain complex concepts in a straightforward and intuitive manner are, I believe, among my strengths. I delight not just in outlining formulas or theories, but in also unraveling the 'why' behind them, ensuring students will remember the explanations long-term.

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

  At the age of 15, scoring 60/100 in math was a wake-up call. That year was challenging academically, but after just two months of summer tutoring with the aforementioned math mentor, my perspective changed entirely. My first exam of the following academic year saw a jump to 95/100. This was a testament not to some sudden innate talent, but to the power of excellent teaching and the right pedagogical approach, which can turn abstract concepts into relatable knowledge.

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

  One of the most significant challenges I face is coding applications swiftly so that students can see models or formulas change visually in real-time, aiding their understanding and retention of the material.

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

  Beyond academia, my passions are diverse. I am an avid sports enthusiast, having run half-marathons, trail races, and played basketball. Although age has tempered my explosiveness on the court, I still enjoy the game. My musical interests range from playing percussion to dabbling in ukulele, and I'm currently exploring the piano. Friends, conversations on any topic, and a love for cooking enrich my life further.

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

  My teaching methodology-laying out each step, questioning the established norms, and presenting alternative perspectives-offers students a comfortable vantage point from which to grasp the essence of the subject matter. Understanding the motivation, the rationale, and the derivations ensures that even if a memorized formula is forgotten, the path to re-derivation remains clear. This approach ensures a long-lasting comprehension that goes beyond rote learning.