Colin Beveridge
Maths tutor and author in Poole and Dorset
PRICES
| One-on-one lessons | |
|---|---|
| … at my classroom | from £40 |
| … online using Skype and Dabbleboard | from £40 |
| … in your home | from £47 |
| Group classes | |
| … online | £35 per group |
- I am currently only taking on A-level, university and adult students.
- I have very limited availability for classes in your home.
INTRODUCTION
Hi! I’m Colin.
I’ve been tutoring maths on and off since I was in high school – originally family friends, then more formally at university and as a researcher. When I left academia in 2008, it was an obvious way to make ends meet while I looked for a ‘proper job’ – but I soon found that teaching maths was far more enjoyable than real work.
My first book, Basic Maths For Dummies, came out in August 2011, and is in bookstores across the country and online. My second, Numeracy Tests For Dummies, is slated for release around New Year 2012.
MATHS BACKGROUND
I studied Maths with French at the University of St Andrews (I graduated with a 2:1 in 2000) and went on to do a PhD there, which I finished in 2003. I then spent four years as a physics researcher at Montana State University – I studied the structure of magnetic fields around the Sun and how they might store energy for release in solar flares. My main contribution to science was a simple equation that about six people worldwide will ever have a use for, but I can at least say I have an equation named after me.
That was one of the reasons I left – what I was doing wasn’t really helping anyone apart from me and my boss. As a tutor, I feel like I’m making a genuine, positive difference to students’ lives. There’s nothing quite like a ‘lightbulb moment’ when a student suddenly says “Oh! That’s easy!” and we both know they understand.
It’s also nice to be my own boss.
MY APPROACH
If you want to learn maths, I’ll help you.
It’s fine to forget stuff, it’s fine to ask questions – if you forget how to count, I’ll still help you. As long as you put the work in, you’ll do well.
One of the benefits of one-to-one tutoring is that I can take the time to find the root cause of an issue and help to put it right – and sometimes that means going back to the basics. There’s no shame in that – if something needs fixing, we should fix it.
OUTSIDE OF MATHS
When I’m not teaching, I play a lot of music – I’m a keen singer/songwriter and am currently trying to learn to play the mandolin. I’m also supposed to be in training for a half-marathon, but I keep getting injured. And I mess about on the computer a lot, mainly programming and putting together websites like this one.
CONTACTING COLIN
To get in touch with Colin, please fill out the contact form below.
I am currently only accepting new students for A-level, university and adult learning. Send me a message and I’ll either let you know when I have openings, or put you in touch with someone who may be able to help.