Michael

I am a Research Assistant at the University of Sheffield, where my work focuses on high-energy particle physics at CERN's ATLAS experiment.

I hold a PhD in this field, and my research has given me a deep, hands-on understanding of complex physics principles. During my undergraduate degree, I also gained practical experience in a quantum information laboratory, where I worked on a quantum entanglement experiment.

My goal as a tutor is to share this passion and knowledge. I specialise in demystifying challenging topics by breaking them down into manageable, understandable parts. I use real-world examples from my own research to make the subject more engaging and relatable, helping students not just memorise concepts but truly understand them.

Tutoring Experience

My teaching experience is extensive and spans a wide range of levels, from pre-university students to postgraduate researchers.

University-Level Teaching & Tutoring:

I have been a Teaching Assistant for first-year university labs, where I provided hands-on instruction in a practical environment.

I have tutored over 10 university students in physics, with all of them successfully achieving either a 2:1 or first-class degree.

I have also had the privilege of supervising three different master's students on their projects, guiding them through advanced particle physics concepts.

Curriculum & Resource Development:

I am currently helping to create a new master's level physics module on particle physics.

I have also written unofficial revision guides for various physics degree-level subjects, which have proven to be a valuable resource for students preparing for their exams.

Teaching A-Level and Pre-University Students:

I have taught particle physics to A-Level students at the International Masterclass hosted at the University of Sheffield, bridging the gap between high school and university physics.

Tutoring Approach

My tutoring approach is built on a simple, three-step method: Assess, Address, and Review (ADR).

Assess: Before our first session, I'll ask you to list the topics you'd like to cover. In our first meeting, I'll assess your current understanding and learning style. This helps me pinpoint exactly where your knowledge gaps are.

Address: Once I understand your specific needs, I will address any weaknesses by going back to the foundational principles of the subject. I believe in building a strong base of knowledge first. Throughout the session, I'll check your understanding with practice questions and examples to ensure the concepts stick.

Review: After our initial session, I'll create a tailored lesson plan to cover each topic in detail. I spend an hour planning and reviewing feedback for every hour I tutor, so each lesson is precisely designed to meet your individual needs.

I typically book sessions of 1-3 hours. We can cover a full GCSE or A-Level topic in about an hour, while university-level subjects usually require longer sessions of 1.5-2 hours. My goal is to give you a solid foundation and the confidence to succeed in your studies.