Superprof's Top 70 Tutor in the UK & Ambassador Status (GCSE / A Level)

Find out more about Narek

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

  Prior to venturing into online tutoring, I garnered experience by instructing students at my local college, focusing on GCSEs and A-Levels. Initially teaching friends and relatives, I later transitioned to online tutoring in December 2022, seeking to broaden my reach to at least 15 monthly students. My choice of Superprof was deliberate, drawn to its inclusion of niche subjects like chess and Russian, setting it apart from other UK platforms. Beyond the financial incentives, the appeal of remote work and the ability to connect with young students during critical exam seasons solidified my commitment to private tutoring.

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

  Specialising in subjects where I excelled, such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths, and Russian, my preference lies with teaching mathematics due to its inherent structure. I advocate for online mathematics education, utilizing virtual whiteboards like webwhiteboard.com for effective remote teaching. My lesson approach involves a meticulous examination of students' past papers to identify weak points, followed by the delivery of personalized solutions. My disdain for over-reliance on mark schemes is replaced by a commitment to demonstrating the hows and whys of problem-solving.

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

  My inspiration stems from a math teacher at St Andrew's College in Berkshire, United States, who embodied informativeness and patience. His inclusive approach, accepting all answers regardless of mistakes, created an environment conducive to student engagement, personal development, and enhanced confidence in future exams.

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

  Beyond professional expertise and subject knowledge, I believe a good tutor must possess patience, sociability, and motivational skills. Flexibility is paramount, recognizing that each student is unique and requires tailored approaches. Commencing lessons with inquiries ensures a personalized and effective teaching strategy, particularly crucial in the realm of mathematics.

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

  Early in my tutoring journey, being close in age to my college students facilitated relatability. A memorable moment involved explaining derivatives to a struggling math student by incorporating a real-world race against a speedometer. This hands-on experience clarified the concept of rate of change, ultimately contributing to the student achieving an A*.

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

  In the evolving landscape of modern education, student motivation poses a significant challenge. Particularly with younger classes like CE and GCSE, instilling a passion for the subject becomes pivotal. I prioritize not only teaching content but inspiring a genuine liking for the subject, recognizing that enthusiasm fosters accelerated and comprehensive learning.

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

  My passion extends beyond teaching and is rooted in my experience with British Army Cadet Force training. Enduring the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre (SCIC), a top-tier BA training course for U18, honed my communication skills, instilled confidence in high-pressure situations, and solidified my trust in the education system. This profound experience led me to embrace tutoring online as a means to gather a dedicated student base.

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

  Distinctive within the Superprof community, my commitment to providing quality mathematics lessons at an affordable rate sets me apart. With a track record of positive feedback, I focus on delivering value to the platform. Offering lessons for less than £10/hr, I cater to families with budget constraints, ensuring that affordability does not compromise the quality of education. Opting for six hours of teaching at £10/hr becomes not just a cost-effective choice but also a strategic investment in comprehensive learning.