Experienced Psychology tutor offering engaging lessons for Psychology 9990 AS and A2, including other psychology subjects up to degree level. Slots are limited and no free trial lesson.

Find out more about Shaun

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

  My interest in Psychology began with a simple curiosity about why people think, feel, and behave differently, even when faced with similar situations. As I studied Psychology more deeply, I became increasingly interested in how psychological theories and research can help us understand everyday experiences, mental health, relationships, learning, and decision-making.
  
  My interest in tutoring developed naturally through teaching. I realised that students often understand Psychology much better when they have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss ideas, and relate theories to real-life situations. Private tutoring gives me the opportunity to provide that individualised attention and adapt my teaching according to each student's learning needs.

• 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 Psychology, particularly at A-Level and higher education levels. What I enjoy most about Psychology is that it combines scientific research with questions about human experiences. It is not simply about memorising theories or studies; students also need to understand research methods, evaluate evidence, and think critically about how psychological knowledge can be applied.
  
  I particularly enjoy discussing topics related to memory, mental health, cognitive psychology, social psychology, and psychological research. Research methods is another area I enjoy teaching because it gives students the tools to understand how psychologists actually produce and evaluate knowledge.
  
  Some topics can initially feel more technical or less exciting to students, particularly statistics and research methodology. However, I see this as a teaching challenge rather than something I dislike. My goal is to make these areas understandable by breaking them into manageable steps and using practical examples.

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

  Throughout my education, I have been fortunate to meet lecturers, supervisors, and colleagues who influenced the way I approach teaching. Rather than having one particular role model, I have learned different qualities from different educators.
  
  The teachers who influenced me most were those who encouraged students to question ideas rather than simply accept information. They showed me that a good educator does not necessarily provide every answer but helps students develop the confidence and skills to find and evaluate answers themselves. This is something I try to bring into my own teaching.

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

  I believe a good tutor needs patience, adaptability, subject knowledge, and the ability to communicate clearly. Every student learns differently, so a teaching method that works well for one student may not necessarily work for another.
  
  A tutor should also create an environment where students feel comfortable saying, "I don't understand." I think learning becomes much more effective when students are not afraid of making mistakes or asking questions.
  
  Most importantly, a good tutor should gradually help students become independent learners. The goal should not only be to help them answer today's question but also to develop the skills to approach future questions confidently on their own.

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

  One lesson I have learned from studying and teaching Psychology is that understanding is much more valuable than memorisation.
  
  Students sometimes approach Psychology believing that they need to memorise every detail of every study. However, when they begin to understand why a study was conducted, how it was designed, what the researchers discovered, and why the findings matter, remembering the details becomes much easier.
  
  I often tell my students that Psychology becomes much more interesting once you stop seeing theories and studies as information to memorise and start seeing them as attempts to answer questions about human behaviour. That change in perspective can make a significant difference in how students learn the subject.

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

  One of the ongoing challenges in Psychology is keeping up with the development of research and recognising that psychological knowledge continues to evolve. A theory or finding should not simply be accepted because it appears in a textbook; we need to consider the evidence, methodology, limitations, cultural context, and newer research.
  
  Another challenge is balancing scientific terminology with accessibility. Psychology contains many complex concepts, but explaining them in overly complicated language does not necessarily demonstrate better understanding. As both an educator and a learner, I continually work on communicating complex psychological ideas in ways that are accurate but still easy to understand.

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

  My main interests are psychology, mental health, counselling, education, and research. I particularly enjoy exploring how psychological research can be translated into something meaningful and useful in people's everyday lives.
  
  Teaching is an important part of that passion. I enjoy seeing students move from being unsure about a concept to being able to explain, question, and apply it independently. For me, teaching Psychology is not only about preparing students for examinations; it is also about encouraging curiosity about human behaviour and developing critical thinking skills that can be useful beyond the classroom.

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

  I would say it is the combination of my experience as a Psychology educator, counsellor, researcher, and lifelong learner.
  
  My academic background allows me to teach psychological theories and research, while my counselling experience helps me appreciate the human side of Psychology. At the same time, being involved in research reminds me that Psychology is constantly developing and that we should always remain curious and willing to question what we know.
  
  As a tutor, I try to understand where each student is starting from rather than expecting everyone to learn in the same way. My aim is to make Psychology approachable, academically rigorous, and relevant. If students leave my lessons not only knowing more Psychology but also becoming more confident in asking questions and thinking critically, I consider that a successful lesson.