Biology Made Simple, by a Dietitian & Published Public Health Researcher. From lower secondary to IGCSE/O Level Biology, help students understand complex concepts. Through Interactive online lessons

Find out more about Saba

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

  My interest in Biology began during my school years when I realized it wasn't just about memorizing facts—it was about understanding how life works. That curiosity eventually led me to study Nutrition Sciences and later complete an MPhil in Public Health & Epidemiology.
  
  My passion for private tutoring developed while teaching Biology in school. I noticed that students learned much better in a one-to-one setting where they could ask questions freely and learn at their own pace. Since then, I've enjoyed helping students build confidence alongside academic success.

• 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 because it's a subject that connects directly with everyday life. From understanding our own bodies to exploring genetics, ecology, and modern medical discoveries, Biology helps students make sense of the world around them.
  
  I particularly enjoy teaching Cell Biology, Human Physiology, Genetics, Ecology, and Molecular Biology because these topics encourage critical thinking rather than rote learning. I also enjoy explaining complex concepts using simple diagrams and real-life examples.
  
  There aren't many topics I dislike, but some students initially find plant physiology or classification overwhelming. I see those chapters as opportunities to make learning more visual and engaging through comparisons, mnemonics, and illustrations.

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

  Yes. I was fortunate to have teachers who focused on understanding instead of memorization. There is one teacher in high school, she is very polite and she teaches biological concepts in a way that we were just having a light discussion.She encouraged engagement, welcomed questions, and made even difficult concepts feel approachable.
  
  Their teaching style shaped my own philosophy. Today, I aim to create a classroom where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and developing genuine confidence in Biology.

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

  A good tutor needs patience, empathy, strong subject knowledge, and the ability to explain the same concept in different ways. Every student learns differently, so flexibility is essential.
  
  Equally important is creating a positive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions without fear of being judged. A tutor should not only prepare students for exams but also help them become independent learners.

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

  One experience I often remember is teaching cell division to students who initially thought it was one of the most difficult topics in Biology. Instead of relying only on textbook diagrams, we compared the process to organizing and distributing copies of an important document before opening a new office branch.
  
  By the end of the lesson, students who had struggled with mitosis were confidently explaining each stage themselves. Moments like these remind me that effective teaching isn't about making a subject seem difficult—it's about making it understandable.

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

  Like many students, I initially found the amount of biological terminology challenging. Instead of trying to memorize everything, I learned to focus on understanding the underlying concepts first. Once the logic became clear, remembering the details became much easier.
  
  This experience now helps me teach my own students. I understand where they struggle because I've been there myself, and I know how to simplify complex topics into manageable steps.

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

  Teaching is definitely one of my greatest passions because it allows me to make a meaningful difference in someone's academic journey.
  
  What excites me most is seeing a student's confidence grow—from saying "I don't understand Biology" to solving questions independently. I also enjoy continuously learning myself, keeping up with scientific developments, and finding new ways to make Biology more engaging and accessible.

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

  I combine a strong academic background with practical teaching experience and a student-centred approach. My goal isn't simply to help students pass exams but to help them truly understand Biology.
  
  Having studied Nutrition Sciences and Public Health alongside teaching, I enjoy connecting textbook concepts to real-life situations. I explain difficult ideas in simple language, adapt my lessons to each student's learning style, and focus on building both knowledge and confidence. For me, every student's success is a shared achievement, and that's what makes teaching so rewarding.