Michael

After a career developing and running degree courses I now divide my time among a range of activities. I am a lecturer and tutor of biology, for instance running courses for Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust on Jersey, I am an ecological consultant, a natural history photographer, a woodland manager, garden designer and occasional photovoltaic advisor.
I am a Fellow of the Society of Biology and received `The President`s Medal for Meritorious Service` in 2008.
I love everything I`m involved with, but a particular delight for me is seeing the `aha` moment when a student grasps a new concept or gains new knowledge or begins to question with insight and enthusiasm.
I believe a tutor`s best recommendation comes from previous students, so below are a couple of examples from past students of mine:

I was a student of Mike`s on the BA (Hons) Wildlife Photography course from 2005 to 2007. His manner of engaging the students with his vast knowledge of his subject meant a three hour lecture could go by in a flash. Always open to encouraging discussions wherever they lead, yet keeping his eye on the goal, his enthusiasm was infectious. He opened my eyes to ideas and concepts that helped inform the scientific backbone of my photography. (Rachel Wegh)

Mike is one of those teachers that comes along once in a student`s lifetime- an individual who, through his natural flair for explaining scientific ideas and his sheer passion for his subject, succeeds not only in imparting genuine understanding to those he teaches, but is also to inspire them. His lectures were an integral part of the degree and the highlight of my weekly timetable. His inventive, charismatic delivery was so engaging that years later I can still recall specific classes and the sense of discovery with which they left me, with vivid clarity. Mike`s encouragement of dialogue and, when relevant, debate would further bring a topic to life. His own approachability and enthusiasm was key in creating an atmosphere hugely conducive to student inquiry and learning. He awoke in me a lifelong fascination with evolutionary biology (both in as much as it informs my own work as an artist and as an utterly compelling subject in its own right) and a personal keenness for critical thinking. Mike is quite simply an outstanding teacher- I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been taught by him. (Vicky White)

Availability: Weekdays and some evenings

Willing to travel: 30 miles

Experience: Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 1981, when I taught `O` and `A` level biology. later I taught on HND then undergraduate degree level courses eventually developing and running a degree in wildlife photography. I have been highly successful with students from a very wide range of backgrounds, including many with problems such as dyslexia and others who have been demotivated by previous poor teaching. I have particular expertise teaching science to students who wish to combine science and art, for example in natural history illustration

Tutoring Approach:
With 30 years experience as a lecturer in biology my main emphasis is to give students confidence and inspire them to explore the subject for themselves. Once a student is inspired the rest is guidance.
To be successful in this endeavor needs an empathetic approach and a deep understanding of biological systems; the way they operate, are controlled and regulated and how they evolved.
Biology is a subject with recurring concepts and themes, an insight into which equips students to develop their knowledge and understanding of specific subject areas much more quickly and thoroughly. This enables them to discuss and question within biology with confidence and authority. Examinations are then tackled with aplomb.