Laurence Edward - Basford - Computer Science

Methodology

Greetings! Please, read through my wall of text, you won't regret it!

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

My specialities are theoretical computer science and both pure and discrete mathematics. I also teach the basic aspects of English as a foreign language.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

I hold a double-first class honours degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Nottingham, a Level 6 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) from Language Link London and am working towards a Chapter House certification in proof-reading and copy-editing. I am currently studying towards a doctorate in functional programming at my alma mater.

- How much do you charge?

I offer children under the age of 16 a free consultation tutorial. If travel is required on my part, I charge an additional £3.50; this is a constant charge regardless of the length of the tutorial. For groups of two or more students, I offer a 30% discount.

- Where do you teach?

I have a flat with a whiteboard in Canning Circus for those who prefer a relatively informal teaching environment, and am happy to travel anywhere in the Nottingham Urban Area if so desired.

- When are you available?

As a doctoral student, I have various shifting teaching commitments. For the Autumn Semester 2011/2012, I am available Monday to Friday from 09.00 until 18.00 with the EXCEPTION of the following times: Monday 12.30-14.30, Tuesday 09.30-14.30. During term holidays I am available from 08.00 until 20.00 every day.

- Which ages and levels do you teach?

My focus is content delivery to students between 16 and 21, however I have taught to students as young as 8 in the past. I specialise in revision for A-Levels and University level, however can present GCSE content too.

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I utilise Skype for messaging and speech (if needed) and various synchronised document preparation applications (viz. PiratePad) to work through instances. I have a number of example worksheets designed by myself for students to practice on which I release temporarily for students' usage.

- Do you have a personal message for students?

Never fall into the mindset of thinking that you will never get to grips with a certain topic or subject; more often than not, a different perspective makes all the difference. I hope to impart a passion for the traditional 'hard' sciences to those who are willing to do well.