Rich

I graduated from the University of St Andrews in 2010 with a degree in History.

My degree primarily focused on Scottish history, but I also covered mediaeval history, English, philosophy, psychology, and management during my time there. The primary skills I learned in my degree were assimilating and evaluating information and putting together cohesive arguments in order to answer essay questions, which is a vitally important skill for History and English.

Shortly before graduating I started working full time for the University in their IT Services department as a member of the Web Team, in which I specialised in content editing and creation.

As part of my job role, I ran a monthly workshop with large groups of web editors across the University that focused on best writing techniques for the web and usability.nI also hosted a weekly clinic for web editors and provided 1-1 training on using the website's content management system, and various other issues.

After working for the University, I worked for both Dundee and Angus College as a learning resources tutor, and as a lecturer in core skills IT at Fife College. In the case of the role at Dundee and Angus college I was responsible for delivering and preparing learning skills materials to assist the students in their studies.

I current work as a full time musician, regularly performing at events of all sorts as a bagpiper, saxophonist and guitarist. I'm currently undertaking a second distance learning degree with Berklee College of Music in Boston. I have undertaken my graded theory exams with ABRSM and have an advanced knowledge of music theory and performance aspects with the instruments I play. I also have a sizeable knowledge of music production and arrangement from my experiences of producing my own music, and as part of the studies I have undertaken with Berklee.

Tutoring Experience

My approach to tutoring is very personal, where each student's needs are assessed on an individual basis and there's no such thing as a stupid question. I am a very approachable and friendly person who tries to find a common ground with the student to help them feel calm and relaxed. Central to this is identifying the student's learning style and other areas of interest for them as a reference point.

With history I aim to deliver the fundamental skills required to effectively study any period, by systemising the steps in producing an answer. With English and Media Studies, I encourage the student to fully open their minds to the ethereal and outlandish to fully analyse the materials.

I always try to help the student see things from a different perspective and be able to put it into their own words, so they can fully understand the topic at hand. My approach is fully interactive, so I usually try to encourage the student to actively discuss the topic so we can work to identify where there are problems or difficulties.

In all cases I focus a lot on crafting an answer, essay technique and exam techniques as these are critical to a successful performance in an assessment.

I'm not the kind of person who dictates teaching to the student and ignores their needs.

I break topics down into small, digestible pieces so that the student doesn't feel overwhelmed, and they can build confidence as they get a solid grasp of each topic, rather than trying to pack a lot into a short space.

I like to push students to help them progress, but not at the expense of their confidence or understanding.

Tutoring Approach

My approach to tutoring is very personal, where each student's needs are assessed on an individual basis and there's no such thing as a stupid question. I am a very approachable and friendly person who tries to find a common ground with the student to help them feel calm and relaxed.

I always try to help the student see things from a different perspective and be able to put it into their own words, so they can fully understand the topic at hand. My approach is fully interactive, so I usually try to encourage the student to actively discuss the topic so we can work to identify where there are problems or difficulties.

I'm not the kind of person who dictates teaching to the student and ignores their needs.

I break topics down into small, digestible pieces so that the student doesn't feel overwhelmed, and they can build confidence as they get a solid grasp of each topic, rather than trying to pack a lot into a short space.

I like to push students to help them progress, but not at the expense of their confidence or understanding.