Friendly and enthusiastic Imperial medical student offering lessons for GCSE and A-level Biology!

Find out more about Nesrin

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

  Whilst studying for my A-levels, I developed a deeper interest in science and how the human body works, which meant that Medicine seemed like the perfect career! Alongside my studies, I had the opportunity to mentor a GCSE student with sciences and this what really sparked my interest in tutoring! I wanted to share my knowledge and experiences with other students to support them on their journey to be successful. It goes without saying that tutoring is an immensely rewarding and satisfying job which I hope to continue in the years to come!

• 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 teach Biology, Chemistry, Maths and French all at varying abilities. Although Biology is now one of my favourite subjects to teach, it definitely wasn't my favourite at school. Since starting Medical School I've become more fascinated with the physiology and anatomy of the human body! I find it rewarding to teach Maths as it's an increasingly important subject that many students struggle with but equally satisfying when you get the right answer. Finally, I have got to say that I love the French language! It was my favourite subject at school and also my favourite subject to teach.

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

  My mum is a Secondary school teacher which meant that she devoted hours into planning and delivering lessons. Working with different abilities and age groups meant that it wasn't always easy, but hearing how much her students valued her as a teacher made me realise the significance of a teacher on a student's attitude to learning. Her experiences inspired me to also be involved in the education sector and use my knowledge to help others.

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

  I believe that the most important quality of a good tutor is patience. We've all struggled to understand things during our time at school so a good tutor should acknowledge that every student works at their own pace. Another key quality is being adaptable - each student is different and requires a personalised learning style, but this is the beauty of teaching- no two lessons are the same! Having good subject knowledge and being passionate about what you teach allows students to trust you and feel comfortable in the lessons.

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

  One of my least favourite subjects at school was English, but surprisingly became one of my most enjoyable by the time I sat my GCSEs. How? Well, firstly my English teacher was great! She had innovative ways of teaching and always encouraged us to be involved in class discussions. This helped me boost my confidence and appreciate the subject more. But the real reason why I was able to achieve a Grade 9 in English was because my teacher gave us essay upon essay to write, which although at that time seems unfair, it was only with this extensive practice that I was successful. I learnt that the most effective way to achieve those top grades is through perseverance and lots of practice!

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

  Medicine is an incredibly demanding course which requires an awful lot of memorisation! Being thrown into the deep end in first year meant that I was forced to discover new learning strategies that would help me learn the content and remember it for my exams. After lots of research and trying different revision techniques, I feel that I now have a better idea of how to approach my studies. These are the same techniques that I pass on to my students to help them with their learning.

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

  One of my biggest passions is working with children! During my free time, I work as a Nursery assistant, and I feel very lucky to be a key part of the development of young children. They are always buzzing with energy and eager to try new things which makes it a very enjoyable job. Of course, I am very passionate about teaching and passing on my knowledge to other students. It is incredibly rewarding to see your students achieve their goals.

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

  The effort that goes behind tailoring each of my lessons to the needs of my students is what sets me apart from other tutors. I always go the extra mile - being available by WhatsApp messages almost 24/7 and never rushing to end the lesson once the allocated time is up. I also use innovative teaching styles to make the lessons as interactive and worthwhile as possible. It is thanks to the students I teach that have allowed me to develop my skillset which makes me a Superprof.