MUFY and SPM form 4 and form 5 level Maths and Addmaths

Find out more about Li

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

  I've had a strong interest in mathematics from a young age. My parents enrolled me in an Abacus Mental Arithmetic course, which sparked my passion for the subject. Since then, I've genuinely enjoyed learning mathematics and challenging myself with new concepts. What I find most rewarding, however, is helping others understand topics they once found difficult. Seeing someone finally grasp a concept gives me a great sense of accomplishment.

• 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 a wide range of mathematics, including IGCSE Mathematics and Additional Mathematics, MUFY Mathematics and Advanced Mathematics, as well as Engineering Mathematics and Advanced Engineering Mathematics at the university level. I also teach physics, such as circuit analysis, particularly topics that require mathematical knowledge. There aren't any mathematics topics that I particularly dislike teaching. Some areas, such as statistics or topics that rely heavily on memorization like precalculus with proof, are less exciting to me personally.

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

  Not really.

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

  I believe the most important quality of a good tutor is having the passion and genuine desire to help students truly understand a concept. It's not just about getting the right answer, but making sure the student knows why it works. Every student learns differently and at their own pace. Some learn best through visual explanations, while others improve by practising lots of questions. As a tutor, it's important to understand how each student learns, identify the areas they're struggling with, and adjust your teaching style to suit their needs. When students feel supported and finally understand a topic they once found difficult, they become more confident and motivated to keep learning.

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

  One memorable experience during my time in school was when I helped a classmate who was struggling with mathematics. They often felt discouraged because they could follow the steps of a solution but did not fully understand why certain methods worked. Instead of just showing them the answer, I took the time to break the concept down into simpler ideas and explain it to him. After several explanations and practice questions, I saw the moment when everything finally clicked for them. Seeing their excitement when they were able to solve similar problems independently gave me a strong sense of satisfaction. This experience made me realize that I enjoy not only learning mathematics myself, but also helping others overcome challenges and appreciate the subject.

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

  One challenge I have faced in mathematics is remembering the large number of formulas across different topics, especially when I have not revisited a particular area for a long period of time. When a student asks me about a topic that I have not touched recently, I may need to refer back to a formula sheet or review the concept briefly to ensure that I provide the most accurate explanation. However, this has also taught me an important lesson, mathematics is not just about memorizing formulas, but understanding the concepts and the reasoning behind them. With a strong foundation and understanding of how formulas are derived and applied, I am able to quickly refresh my knowledge and guide students effectively. This experience has also encouraged me to continuously revise and improve my own understanding while teaching others.

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

  My passion lies in science and mathematics, as I enjoy understanding how concepts work and how they can be applied to solve real-world problems. I have always been fascinated by the logical thinking and problem-solving process involved in these subjects.

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

  My ability to adapt my teaching style to suit different types of students. Having taught students with different backgrounds, abilities, and learning speeds, I have learned how to quickly identify their current level of understanding and adjust my teaching approach accordingly. I do share some useful techniques, mnemonics, and problem-solving strategies. For example, I use simple tricks to help students remember concepts such as special angles and the four quadrants in trigonometry, making it easier for them to recall and apply their knowledge during problem-solving. Beyond just teaching methods and formulas, I aim to help students develop a genuine understanding in mathematics.