MSc apprenticeship senior lecturer and Imperial College London First Class mechanical engineering graduate with 7+ years tutoring experience teaching Maths and Physics for GCSE, A-levels and Universit

Find out more about Liam

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

  I actually developed an interest in engineering the first time I watched the show Mythbusters as a kid! The way they utilized their technical and problem-solving skills to test various popular myths was not only hugely entertaining, but also a great demonstration of various engineering disciplines.
  
  My passion in private tutoring started when I first started teaching A-level mathematics to a friend at our local McDonald's. Helping him slowly build his confidence in a subject that he had almost given up on was extremely rewarding, and it spurred me to continue tutoring other people. The rest is history!

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

  I teach all topics under mechanical engineering! This includes Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Mechatronics, Mechanics, Mathematics, Materials, Programming, and more. My favourite topic to teach is probably either Thermodynamics or Mechatronics.

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

  I had an English teacher called Mr. Steve throughout my primary school years that brought an energy and sense of humour to the classroom; his students always looked forward to his lessons. He left a strong impression on me not only due to his skill and passion in teaching, but also because of his ability to connect with learners on a personal level.

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

  A good tutor needs to possess two things to be effective - expertise in the subject, and the ability to communicate and connect with a learner. Patience is definitely also a requirement for anyone aspiring to be a good educator. A great tutor further inspires the learner to pursue and master the topic in their own time!

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

  During my university days, there was a particular Mathematics tutorial session that I still remember clearly. I was struggling with a particular tutorial sheet question, and I called the professor over for help. He gave an impatient, five-second explanation and looked at me expectantly. When I said I still didn't quite understand, he rolled his eyes and walked off, muttering in disbelief. That moment made me realize two things. Firstly, if you don't understand something, it isn't because you lack competency or intelligence - it's because it wasn't explained in an intuitive way that connected with you. My second realization was how an impatient and condescending response from a teacher is counterproductive and discouraging to any learner, and I vowed to never do the same if I were to teach in the future.

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

  Engineering is complicated - various disciplines can sometimes intermingle and you need to wear a variety of different hats. A big challenge in mechanical engineering is attaining and maintaining proficiency in all these different topics, although ultimately it's extremely rewarding.

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

  Teaching is my primary passion. Throughout the years I have taught across many fields, including engineering, data science, dance, guitar, drums, and even mandarin. No matter the subject, it's seeing the development and progression of students that makes it so satisfying for me to teach. I particularly enjoy teaching engineering because it challenges me to really communicate clearly and break down complicated concepts for learners, which is all the more rewarding when everything clicks for them!

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

  I believe three E's make me a Superprof - experience, enthusiasm and efficiency! Above all, I'm constantly striving to improve every aspect of my tutoring ability to become the most effective tutor possible.