Elizabeth
Hello! I'm an exuberant, passionate, and nerdy mathematician! I hold two degrees in mathematics, although at university I also studied physics, linguistics, philosophy, and history. I spent one year as an exchange student at the University of Plymouth, where I studied mathematics and meteorology. Previously, I worked for Cardiff University's Student Support Centre, but now I freelance full-time--mostly tutoring but also technical editing, workshops, and courses.
I have studied some Welsh and, although I am not fluent, dw i wedi helpu pum myfyriwr yn Gymraeg.
An American originally, I have lived in the United Kingdom for 25 years.
I love thunder storms, idolize They Might Be Giants, and believe Star Trek is the future. I'm never found more than 3 metres away from a rat.
Please read the below reviews. I can talk about myself all dang day, but it's what my students have to say that ultimately matters.
Tutoring Experience
I have been tutoring privately for the past seventeen years and am thoroughly familiar with Mathematics and Further Mathematics A Level (Pure, Statistics, Mechanics). I have some experience with the MAT and STEP entrance examinations. I have also tutored students studying at university (pure maths including real analysis and optimization; also maths in biology and economics modules).
I am passionate about trigonometry, and I eat logarithms for breakfast.
Before the pandemic, I volunteered with a primary school to run masterclasses in mathematics through the Royal Institution. I have also taught a workshop in statistical techniques for transport planners. My PGCE teaching placement included GCSE, A level, and Access courses. When I first came to the UK, I trained as a Scout Leader and volunteered in a local District for four years. I taught undergraduate mathematics courses at my university during my two years in graduate school, and I also tutored privately during that time. As an undergraduate in the States, I worked as a tutor in my department's drop-in maths centre (open to all students at the university).
Tutoring Approach
My approach to tutoring is one of patience and encouragement, with as much humour as possible. I endeavour to explain concepts and procedures in ways that make sense to my students while also emphasizing mathematical rigour, precision, and attention to detail. I always explain the underlying theory, because mathematics is a language--it's all about clear communication--and if you want to improve your skills, you need to learn how to read what it's saying. I believe that lots of practice, coloured pencils, and posting good work up on the fridge leads to competence and confidence.
Puns included at no extra charge.
| Languages | English (American) |
|---|---|
| Availability | Weekdays (all times) |
| References Available | On File |
Qualifications
| Cardiff University | 2006 | PGCE | PGCE | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Western Washington University, USA | 1999 | Masters | MSc Mathematics | |
| Western Washington University, USA | 1997 | Bachelors | BSc Mathematics (Magna Cum Laude) |
Elizabeth's Feedback
| Feedback | |
|---|---|
| Published feedback | |
| Unpublished feedback (Usually negative) | 0 |
