Paul

I hold an honours degree in mathematics from the University of St. Andrews, and a doctorate in musicology from the University of Edinburgh. My work life is balanced between my life as a musician and a life in academia. When not playing music (or teaching maths!), I currently work as a lecturer at BIMM University, and undertaking a PGCert in Education. I have previously lectured at the University of Bristol.

Availability: Lessons take place online, as I have found that they work equally as well. Previously I would travel out, and we would both use my laptop to view past papers. I ask leading questions and direct the student to the answer themselves __ now, I can send the paper directly to the student, and we can problem-solve together over zoom. My current students agree that the convenience and similarity to lesson structure means that the online format work particularly well with the 1-1 model, and I have been asked to continue in this way. What this means is that I can offer far more flexibility at a far more competitive hourly rate.

Willing to travel: 50 miles

Experience: Mathematics __

I like to keep one eye on school work/classroom teaching to ensure that my lessons compliment and enhance teaching already in place. In general I like to teach direct from past papers to familiarise the student with the final exam format, while providing relevant questions that are likely to appear in the student`s own exam. I often present these questions by topic, allowing me to focus in on subjects which students find difficult.

In mathematics, one correct answer can be obtained by more than one method. Unless specified, as long as students are clear in their workings, the student may reach the answer using any one of these methods. I strive to follow the classrooms teachings first and foremost, but if the student is struggling using one method, or simply thinks in a different way, I often suggest another way (or at least, another way of thinking about what is often the same method).

My first degree was in mathematics (with honours, from the University of St. Andrews), before pursuing my doctorate in other subjects. I am a past lecturer at the University of Bristol (sociology) and current lecturer at BIMM Bristol (musicology), marking student essays. Published author in academic journal `popular music history` and upcoming publication (contributing chapter) with Cambridge University Press.