A-Level and GCSE Physics Tutor | AQA, OCR, Edexcel, IGCSE, CCEA | One-to-One Tuition | Small Group Classes Available

Find out more about Dr Sabina

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

  My interest in physics began during my secondary school years. My teacher would offer a prize to the first student who could solve a challenging conceptual physics problem, and being a competitive person, I was determined to win. I studied hard to claim that prize, and in the process, I discovered a genuine passion for physics. That initial spark drove me to delve deeper into the subject, and I never looked back.
  
  As I continued to explore physics, I often found myself teaching the concepts to myself and eventually to others. This experience ignited my interest in teaching, and I realized how much I enjoyed helping others understand complex topics. It was this combination of my love for physics and my passion for teaching that led me to pursue private tutoring.

• 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 physics, a subject that has always fascinated me because it reveals the fundamental principles that govern the world around us-and, I'll admit, I enjoy showing off the cool experiments and mind-bending concepts that come with it! Whether it's explaining the intricacies of motion or diving into the mysteries of the universe, I love engaging students with the awe-inspiring power of physics. I love exploring topics like mechanics, where we delve into the forces and motions that shape everything from simple machines to planetary orbits. I also enjoy teaching electricity and magnetism, where we uncover the invisible forces that power our modern world.
  
  One of my favorite topics to discuss with students is thermodynamics. It's incredible to see their reactions when they start to grasp how energy transfer works and how it applies to everything from engines to everyday life. I also enjoy discussing quantum mechanics, even though it can be challenging. It's rewarding to see students' curiosity grow as they begin to understand the bizarre and fascinating behaviour of particles at the smallest scales.
  
  While I enjoy most areas of physics, topics like fluid dynamics can be a bit less engaging for me.

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

  I've had a couple of role models who significantly influenced my passion for physics and teaching. My physics teacher in secondary school, who used to keep a prize for solving conceptual problems, was my first source of inspiration. His approach sparked my competitive spirit and deepened my interest in the subject. Later, during my undergraduate studies, I had a professor who introduced me to the world of experiments. His enthusiasm for hands-on learning and discovery truly opened my eyes to the practical and fascinating aspects of physics, further fueling my passion for the field.

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

  To be a good tutor, I believe the first essential quality is kindness. It's crucial to create a calm and supportive environment for students, especially since many of them are already feeling nervous or unsure. The second important quality is the ability to customize your teaching style to fit the needs of each individual student. Every student learns differently, and adapting your approach can make a huge difference in their understanding.
  
  Lastly, building up a student's confidence is key. In my experience, about 80% of the students I've tutored come to me not because they don't understand the concepts, but because they lack the confidence to believe they can master them. Helping students realize their own potential is just as important as teaching the subject itself.

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

  During my school days, my physics teacher would challenge us with complex problems and offer a prize to whoever solved them first. One day, after putting in extra effort, I finally won. But what stayed with me wasn't the prize-it was the realization that I genuinely loved the process of problem-solving and understanding how the world works. That moment sparked my passion for physics and set me on the path to teaching, so I could inspire others to find joy in learning as well.

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

  One of the significant challenges I faced in physics was grappling with abstract concepts and complex problem-solving techniques, especially in advanced topics like quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. These areas often require a deep level of abstraction and a strong grasp of both mathematical and theoretical principles. Even now, keeping up with the rapid advancements in the field and ensuring that my teaching methods remain effective can be challenging. Balancing the need to stay current with new discoveries while making complex material accessible to students requires continuous learning and adaptation.
  
  However, these challenges also provide opportunities for growth and improvement. They keep me engaged with the subject and drive me to find new ways to make learning physics both engaging and understandable for my students.

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

  I have a deep passion for both experiments and teaching. The hands-on nature of experiments allows me to explore and demonstrate the fascinating principles of physics in a tangible way, making abstract concepts come alive. Similarly, teaching gives me immense satisfaction as I guide students through these concepts, helping them understand and appreciate the subject.

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

  What makes me a Superprof is my ability to connect with students and build their confidence in understanding the subject.