UBC Phd Math grad student and McGill joint Honours math-physics grad teaches Math and Physics at UBC or online.

Find out more about Matthew

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

  Ever since I was a kid I always liked figuring things out. Trying to explain and understand the things around me by finding some guiding principle. As I grew up this translated into an interest in physics and math. Solving problems was always fun for me, and being able to understand a topic that was until then obscure was always fascinating to me. Mathematics and physics came as a natural choice to me.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  The discovery aspect of math and physics. These subjects are such that for any topic there are many levels of understanding. Every time a new level is reached, it is like discovering some overarching principle of fundamental importance. Mathematics is a subject that allows for endless such discoveries, and as such it is very rewarding.

• What do you like about tutoring? What makes you a "Superprof"?

  Tutoring is a unique way of learning that surpasses all others because of its active nature. The tutor works actively on improving the understanding and skill of the student. The same cannot be said of other sources of education: classes and books can only provide information in a passive way, presenting the information without personalizing it to the student. Tutoring is therefore the best and most time-efficient way of learning any subject matter, and as such it is of great value. The tutor has the ability to figure out the misunderstandings of the student and to focus on them. Tutoring has the potential to improve both the performance and mentality of the student drastically.
  I am a "Superprof" because I truly love the subjects that I teach and have been working to understand them deeply for quite some time. I therefore care about conveying these beautiful topics to others. More importantly, I know what it takes to learn those subjects so I am very effective in helping others in learning them.

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

  I had a history teacher that would tell history while whispering, and the whole class would be dead quiet to be able to hear his fascinating stories. I had many math teachers which I admired. A lot of them had real passion for the subject they taught and real care for their students. They have inspired me greatly by their passion, both for the subject and for teaching.

• What are your keys to success?

  I have five
  The first key is to have a real reason for succeeding. It should be well thought out and motivated by ambition, not fear.
  Once a good reason is found, one can find the will to succeed, the second key.
  The third is about self-esteem. To understand on an emotional level that success is possible, that efforts will pay off.
  The fourth key is discipline. Once the first three conditions are achieved, the student must understand that success is not easy but worth it, and discipline is the way to get there. Ultimately, the burden should become the motivator, because it is the magnitude of the task that makes the success meaningful.