Computing PhD graduate teaches - Maths / University Maths / Advanced Maths for Computer Science / Machine Learning / Data Science

Find out more about Dr Nadith

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

  Teaching has always been one of my keen interests since my childhood. In my career, I grew a strong passion for the subject matters, especially those based on Maths, Logical Thinking and Computing. And the strong foundation I had in maths and computing helped me to see the world of complex interactions in simple but explainable terms. This is one of the reasons I developed a keen interest in the field of AI (Artificial Intelligence). I am a knowledge seeker and a researcher in the field of AI. I enjoy connecting the bits and pieces in the AI field with real-world problems.
  
  During my childhood, my mother has always encouraged me to help fellow colleagues who indeed need a hand in reaching their goals. With her influence, I have always been helpful to people in various stages of life. During my bachelor's, I conducted catch-up sessions for my fellow colleagues and sometimes the entire batch to walk through some complex concepts in the subject matter. During my PhD, I developed a whole ML (Machine Learning) framework for the benefit of my research group.
  
  Persistent learning, being up to date with the latest knowledge, and the influence I had from my lovely mother has made me who I am today. And I believe they are some of the key components I possess to be a good tutor. On the other hand, teaching at the University has helped me work with students to understand their problems from their point of view. And the experience I have gained at the University is a massive factor in developing an interest in private tutoring.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, and the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I have been involved in professional teaching and private tutoring since 2016. During this time, I have taught many topics related to mathematics (basic/intermediate/advanced), computing and machine learning (AI field). On some occasions, I have provided consultation services to industry professionals for using AI technology to solve specific problems.
  
  My primary subject expertise is in Computing and, AI, Mathematics. But I do like to discuss physics and any other unit with complex mathematical concepts. Since I am a knowledge seeker, I always enjoy exploring new subject matters to broaden my knowledge. Therefore, I am not limited to the subjects that are mentioned above.
  
  I am not a theory person. I strongly believe in practical knowledge in learning a subject matter. I always try to gain first-hand experience and logically opinionate every theoretical concept I learn. Sometimes, I draw proof for some complex mathematical concepts to revise my knowledge during leisure time. Hence, I avoid teaching theory in the unit; instead, I choose the practical approach to teaching students. I am a firm believer in "Practice makes perfect". The overwhelmingly positive feedback I receive from both the superprof platform and the university students explains the success of my teaching approach.

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

  I have had many role models in both my academic and professional career. Out of all the role models, I admire three personalities the most. The computer programming teacher (C++ language) in my bachelor's degree, the teacher who taught me Java programming language, and the solution architect I worked with in my workplace (LSEG MIT, London Stock Exchange Group, MillenniumIT).
  
  The computer programming teacher (C++) I met in my bachelor's was so kind and patient in teaching us programming. Her patience and helpfulness to students were extraordinary. I still consider myself lucky to have had her as my first computer programming teacher; she is why I fell in love with programming in computer science. The teacher who taught me java was the most knowledgeable in the subject matter I have ever met. His teaching approach of relating real-world examples in explaining Object Oriented Programming techniques was simply amazing. I still remember every single aspect of OOP because of the way he taught me. The positive vibes and the energetic atmosphere he created in his classes made me stick to his classes without ever feeling bored. The solution architect I worked with in my previous workplace is the smartest person I have ever met in terms of relating theory knowledge to practical experience working in a world-class IT company. The solutions for real-world problems and the suggestions he came up with in certain challenging situations were incredible. The way he breaks down complex requirements into simple but manageable units is simply outstanding. On top of all, the inspiration from my mother has always helped me thrive as a responsible person in society by extending my knowledge to support others who need help.

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

  A good tutor understands the student from the student's point of view. It needs experience since every single student is different. The dynamic nature of the teaching approach is essential for effective tutoring. A good tutor should always try to understand the student's needs and problems clearly. Once the problems are identified, adopting a suitable method is necessary to deliver the content. Practical examples and a practical approach to theory are something that I highly recommend in delivering the content. A friendly nature is definitely required between the student and the teacher so that students feel comfortable asking questions and, at the same time, answering the questions from the teacher. Good communication, being well-prepared before the sessions, an energetic atmosphere, and positive vibes are critical factors that a good tutor must maintain during sessions.

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

  In my school days, I had a significant anecdote that I consider one of the major turning points in my life. I had been consistently doing so poorly in maths in grades 8, 9, and 10 (marks were around 50s, 60s out of 100), and my mother was so worried about it since I had to face G.C.E O/L (Ordinary Level) exam in grade 11. She did everything she could to make me score higher than I used to. One day she brought me a nice book which explained the maths concepts with practical examples from the real world and had many creative elements in it. I was not a good reader back then. But the book made me felt in love with it, and that was the beginning where everything changed. The insights I gained through the book were priceless, and I have developed a strong passion for maths self-studying since then. Hence my marks for maths were nearly 100 in every school term from year 11 onwards, and I became the island first for the outstanding result I got for higher mathematics during my G.C.E A/L (Advanced Level) in grade 13 at the end.

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

  Any new topic outside my current subject expertise is challenging to me. But due to my pure interest in learning for lifelong experience, I take my time to study the specifics with practical examples. More importantly, I try to connect what I already know with the specifics that I will have to learn so that learning becomes less tedious and more enjoyable. I seek connections between different topics and concepts. This is why my expertise in multiple subject domains has become broader over time. In this way, I am able to guide not only students but industry professionals who seek my help.

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

  I am passionate about developing software systems that integrate AI technology to address specific real-world use cases. Microcontroller programming and robotics with AI technology are two fields that interest me, and I am working on some simple to intermediate projects in those areas. Teaching is more like a hobby; it helps me stay up to date with knowledge in related domains.

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

  Understanding the student, the student's problem, and what is needed to serve the student in the best and most effective way is essential for being a superprof while maintaining patience, positive vibes, and a friendly approach around the student.