Math & Physics Grinds for All. UCD Entrance Scholar & Theoretical Physics Graduate (1.1). H1 in Leaving Cert Math and 'A+' Grades received in UCD Applied Math & Physics modules. 3 years experience

Find out more about Eóghan

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

  I was always interested in science growing up, then in secondary school I found physics and applied maths particularly interesting, so I decided that I would like to start tutoring on the side at university to spread my passion for these subjects and help others.

• 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 maths, physics and beginner guitar to students of all ages and levels. In my opinion it is never too early or too late to learn ever in life.

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

  My old physics teacher was a huge inspiration for me to decide to pursue a degree in theoretical physics, his way of explaining things and believing "none of what you hear and half of what you see" really stuck with me.

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

  I believe patience and being a good listener are two of the top skills needed to be a top tutor. Tutoring is all about listening to the student and seeing if they are missing a building block in their understanding of the respective topic that I am teaching to them. A good teacher only teaches, yet a better one listens attentively and gets to know their students in my opinion.

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

  My interest in physics and in math sparked when my old aforementioned physics teacher decided to teach us about earth and space in school. His lessons really sparked the interest inside of me and from that day on I have not looked back.

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

  I was never top of the class in math or physics and it was always something that I had to devote a lot of time to, to ensure that I truly understood what was being taught to me. It wasn't until 5th and 6th year at school that I really began to try and overcome any misunderstandings I had in maths that I "brushed under the carpet" so to speak, at transition year and below, and this required a lot of time and effort.

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

  My passion is in science and also in music, these two things as a whole are two things that I really enjoy doing and teaching.

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

  - Getting to know my students and having a good relationship with them.
  
  - Listening attentively to understand my students' misunderstandings and letting them reap the reward of clarity.