Worried about your exams or grades? I teach GCSE, A-level and College level Chemistry. I am a First Class graduate and I'll teach you Chemistry till you understand it. I'd be using a whiteboard so t

Find out more about Helen

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

  As soon as I graduated from high school, I became passionate about teaching. I jumped at the chance to tutor young children in my neighborhood. This habit carried over into my undergraduate years when junior classmates asked me to tutor them in Chemistry, which was my favorite subject. I get great satisfaction from assisting others in grasping Chemistry ideas that may appear difficult at first.

• 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 Chemistry as a core subject, covering topics from high school to university level. Chemistry has always been a subject I love, and I particularly enjoy the calculation aspects because they integrate critical thinking with mathematical techniques. I cover topics such as Chemical Equilibria, Reaction Rates, and Thermodynamics, among others. Additionally, I have a keen interest in Organic Chemistry, as it connects to the life sciences, which I aim to explore further.

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

  My enthusiasm for Chemistry originated in high school, largely due to my outstanding teacher, Mrs. Adetayo. She was meticulous and found innovative ways to make laboratory sessions enjoyable and engaging. A memorable experience was conducting a qualitative analysis that ignited my curiosity about Chemistry as a whole. My approachable tutor was always available to answer my questions, regardless of how trivial they seemed, which significantly boosted my confidence and eventually led to my role as the Chemistry Lab assistant.

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

  In my view, a good tutor is one who understands the needs of their learners. Patience, active listening, and empathy are essential qualities for achieving this. It's crucial to determine each learner's specific requirements before beginning instruction. Questions such as how a student learns best, how they process information, and which teaching styles resonate with them must be addressed to ensure effective teaching and positive outcomes.

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

  I was doing qualitative analysis in the lab one afternoon in high school when I started to wonder what would happen if I mixed ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. I had no idea that this experiment would eventually lead to my job as the laboratory assistant for Chemistry. When these two chemicals were combined, an overpowering stench engulfed the entire campus, creating quite a commotion. The mix of the pungent smell of ammonia and the rotten egg odor of H2S was horrific and quite funny, even though it was chaotic at the time.

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

  Chemistry encompasses both practical and theoretical elements, and I faced challenges when it came to teaching practical concepts online. Demonstrating real-time observations from chemical reactions was tricky. However, with resources like Chemcollective virtual labs, Interactive Chemistry, and RSC, I have found effective ways to navigate the challenges of conducting lab work with my students

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

  My primary passion lies in teaching. While I have specialized in Chemistry, I am also capable of teaching Combined Science and Biology. The opportunity to impart knowledge in the sciences brings me great fulfillment.

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

  I consider myself a SuperProf because I possess the ability to simplify complex concepts. I have a proven track record of helping students achieve over 70% A grades. Many of my students commend my patience during lessons, and I hope you will allow me the opportunity to help your students break through the barriers of Chemistry as well.