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Learn more about Arif

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

  Well, I had a head-start as I tutored my younger sibling for many years! But whilst studying at the University of Oxford, I became interested in providing specific academic support for younger students as I found that 1-to-1 tutoring adds so much value. Over time, I learned more and more about the different subject areas that I excelled in and genuinely enjoyed teaching, and I also gained experience with various common writing and application processes, which now allows me to offer a breadth of tutoring services today.

• 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 am comfortable in providing tuition for a couple of different areas, from Maths, English & Science subjects up to A-level, to entrance examinations and the UK university application process in general (including Oxbridge and medicine). I am also able to provide writing and brainstorming support for essays or job applications, as well as mock interviews. Some subjects or assignments take more time and work than others (e.g. a university thesis) but I always pinpoint the key areas to work on and look to make progress in every hour of tutoring, which makes it all worth it in the end.

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

  Many of my university tutors were certainly inspiring and had a pivotal role in my development, as they encouraged me to interrogate topics at new angles and very much championed free-thought, extended discussion and asking lots of questions, all of which make for a productive and memorable tutorial session. Furthermore, I had the privilege of working at a budding start-up and all 3 of the founding team members were exemplary role models - they showed me the possibilities of what one can achieve through long-term dedication to a field of expertise, coupled with a relentless perseverance towards ambitious goals, and working under their supervision was an invaluable learning experience for me.

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

  In regard to a tutor's skillset, one should be knowledgeable in their field of expertise to the point where they can explain concepts or ideas in a simple and easy-to-understand manner - the very best tutors I have come across distill the required information or learning process down into manageable chunks, and ground this with anecdotes or analogies where possible, and I try to follow a similar approach. Beyond this, I believe tutors must also be attentive, considerate and good listeners, as tutorials become so much more productive when both student and tutor are engaged and actively learning. Notably, my most memorable tutors demonstrated a genuine passion for their subject, as that enthusiasm really bleeds into the tutorial and heightens engagement and understanding.

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

  One day my GCSE English teacher noticed I wasn't particularly engaging in class - as someone whom she considered to be a strong student, she pointed it out to me and asked how I was doing, to which I did not have much of a response, but the mere acknowledgement that she did notice was enough for me to take notice of it myself. Later that same day, I remember having the drive to work harder on the latest essay, from the moment I got home all the way until 11pm, and handing it in the next lesson. She found me during the next morning's assembly to let me know that she was really impressed with the work I had done. What stayed with me most about this story is that it really didn't take much for her to make a big difference in my attitude, just a small acknowledgement, with notably no comment on anything subject-related. Now being someone closer to her position, I appreciate the impact one can have on an impressionable young student and that being genuine, inquisitive and empathetic can really go a long way.

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

  I think the chronic underfunding and stagnation of educational provisions in the UK, coupled with social media and other such developments, has resulted in an increase in students and graduates feeling anxious or overwhelmed, be it from wanting to score well in a given A-level or university module, to securing a place on their favoured course or summer internship programme. When I tutor for any one of these issues, I am conscious of that backdrop and the way in which it can affect learning outcomes, and so I do what I can to minimise the immense pressure tutees often put themselves under and always look to create a positive learning environment.

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

  Teaching is certainly a passion of mine and I especially enjoy helping others work towards specific goals, such as university admission or completing an assignment to the highest possible standard. I do tend to have a wide array of interests and curiosity about different areas of the world (e.g. education, science, technology...) and so I always find it gratifying to be able to leverage some of my knowledge and ability to help students make strides in their individual subject areas, whilst often learning more about those areas myself.

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

  I would hope that the positive reviews on my page illustrate the success my students have had with my support! Being able to incorporate tutoring alongside my day-to-day work has been a really great change of pace and fulfilling way to spend my time, and I do derive a great deal of purpose and enjoyment from helping others in this way - I think that attitude is really what underpins my motivation to keep tutoring at the level that I can, and I'll continue to provide that help to anyone who reaches out :)