Master Physics & Mathematics with Dr Jan H van Niekerk. Providing specialist online tutoring since 1988, I combine decades of academic expertise with a proven approach to help students excel in compl

Find out more about Jan

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

  Since my primary school days I knew that I wanted to become a teacher. I had fantastic teachers all my life, inspiring me
  to follow their example in never stop studying, assisting everybody that depends on your advice and follow your
  interest with passion. I found tutoring for the past 34 years fulfilling those aspirations and ensure my students benefit as much as they can.

• 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).

  Mathematics, Physics and Mechanical Engineering is fulfilling my deepest desires, to create solutions to everyday
  subject related questions. To share my experience and knowledge as engineer enable my students to understand where
  and how the subject matter is applied.

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

  I have two specific role models. A technical college lecturer, who became my colleague later years, was the most
  brilliant lecturer I have ever had the chance to meet. The way he explained subject matter, his knowledge and enthusiasm was priceless. He was the inspiration for the textbooks I wrote, on Mathematics and Fischer Random Chess. The second role model was a manager I had while employed as engineer for an Agricultural company. The way he made
  everybody feel, that they were important, they had a voice and the way he considered everybody's opinion, inspired me to follow his lead in taking care of my students.

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

  A good tutor must know his subject, be passionate about sharing the knowledge and demonstrate the importance of assisting students to understand the subject.

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

  I was told the story of the Romans painstakingly repairing the marble statues on top of an important building. They were
  asked why spend so much time to be so precise if people will not be able to see it. They answer that although people might
  not see it, God does. It always stayed with me since I was 8 years old.

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

  The ongoing evolution of the methods and knowledge of the above mentioned subjects is challenging. To keep up with the latest trends require constant reading and studying. That is why I found it useful to study further and qualify in Planetary Science and doing a MSc in Astrophysics.

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

  My interest is to continue designing online teaching simulations, for students to use and learn with. I retired from a company
  where I designed such learning interventions for training train operators. I created more than 100 Android apps in this regard.

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

  I know what I am, I know what I know and I know how I can share my experience and knowledge, to assist anybody that
  asks for my assistance. I know I am a SuperProf.