Assistant Professor, Highly Experienced Mathematics Tutor - National 5, Higher, & Advanced Higher | All Topics Covered & Exam Preparation

Find out more about Callum

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

  I started tutoring maths back in 2014 after passing my Highers. Having gained a passion for teaching at an early age, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue as a career in the future. I found maths fascinating; understanding the language of numbers gave me a completely new perspective on the world. This passion soon compounded into my Chemical Engineering degree and to my PhD, whereby having the opportunity to share my knowledge and simultaneously learn from my students is what drove me towards teaching.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach and the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I currently teach Maths from National 5 to Advanced Higher and Chemical Engineering at Undergraduate and Postgraduate levels. When it comes to maths, I know the curriculums like the back of my hand, with a profound understanding of the key areas which cause the most amount of problems. Topics such as Trigonometry, Algebra, Calculus, Complex Numbers, and Vectors are among the most common. When I teach Chemical Engineering, my specialisms include Reactor Design, Reaction Engineering, Heat Transfer, Distillation, and Material & Energy Balances. I find both maths and Chemical Engineering fascinating and aim to bring not only the learning of the topics but also provide a comprehensive understanding on the processes and mechanics of the principles, which in the long-term prove to be incredibly valuable.

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

  A key figure that has shaped my career was my chemistry teacher, Dr Lorna Webster, who was the only teacher to hold a PhD. Fascinated by the way she taught, the way she devoted herself to helping students, and learning about what a PhD was, inspired me not only to develop my knowledge of Chemistry but also to emulate her achievements by getting my own PhD. I am also a successful entrepreneur and have been influenced by key business figures, which have helped shape my teaching skills through effective communication and information delivery techniques.

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

  Being a tutor requires a diverse skills set, with each tutor having their own unique style, but at the core of any good tutor they should possess qualities such as patience, empathy as when you build a solid working relationship with students you often become a supportive figure to them and providing the reassurance that learning isn’t easy is super important to be a good tutor. Adaptability is crucial as no two students are the same; some require different ways of learning, and so having the adaptability to tailor your teaching is an underrated skill. Effective communication and people skills are fundamental to being a good tutor and are just as important as having excellent subject knowledge.

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

  “By learning you will teach; by teaching you will learn” is one of the key foundational principles that I used when teaching. A powerful anecdote I share with my students is… When studying, don’t simply remember the topic/principles but rather learn them! By learning the topic(s), you won’t need to remember them; you will simply know them.

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

  In terms of maths, maths is often boring, so a key challenge was finding ways to make maths relatable and somewhat enjoyable. Putting emphasis on what the purpose of learning maths was all about, putting maths into perspective was a challenge, however, one that I have since overcome. When it comes to Chemical Engineering, equipping students with practical skills along with theoretical knowledge is an ever-growing challenge. I take immense pride in equipping my students with the relevant requirements set out by industry, ensuring my students are competitive and fully prepared to enter the world of work.

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

  For me, teaching is a way of life. It has been for over a decade and is something that I am deeply passionate about. It’s not just about the transfer of information; it’s about inspiring students and motivating them to achieve their very best. Reaching that “light bulb moment” is incredibly stratifying to me, knowing that with my help and support, students are able to overcome obstacles and go on to pursue their dreams, is priceless!

• What makes you a Superprof

  My experience as a university lecturer, coupled with my extensive tutoring experience, subject knowledge, dedication and passion for my students, makes me a Superprof. Delivering a First-Class learning experience with a Student-centred pedagogy approach ensures that I represent Superprof in the utmost professional manner.