High School Cum Laude recipient and a Wits BSc (Astronomy, Astrophysics) graduate; currently pursuing my Honours degree in Physics. I offer mathematics lessons in a fun and engaging style.

Find out more about Yedidyah

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

  I developed my interest in tutoring mathematics and science back in high school when my peers would ask me to help them with homework and assignments. I enjoyed every moment of it because, in a way, it allowed me to revise and reinforce my understanding of different topics while helping my peers. I received great reviews from my peers, and others went as far as saying that I explained 'better than the teacher'. This boosted my confidence and I realized that I should use my expertise to help more students as a private tutor.

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

  My favourite subject has always been mathematics. I love teaching topics like trigonometry with my students. Many students have a hard time with trigonometry, but I have a solid understanding of the topic and I have devised numerous ways to simplify the topic, so that my students excel (and they do excel). I enjoy every subject and topics I teach, in general trigonometry and geometry are my favourite. I also enjoy teaching physics as a whole.

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

  I come from a family of educators. In fact, 80% of my family members are in education-related fields. So teaching comes naturally to me. However, I was inspired by my grade 10 mathematics teacher. He made mathematics fun for us. He's extremely hilarious, and his subtle jokes always got us bursting into laughter. I do not know of anybody who did not enjoy his lessons. Whenever we had a free period due to a teacher being absent, our maths teacher would want to take that lesson (which is what all maths teachers do) … but nobody ever complained. I aspired to be that type of educator. To make students fall in love with the subject, and to make them comfortable so that they can unleash their true potential.

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

  To be a good tutor, the most important quality is patience. One must understand their students' learning style, and be patient with them every step of the way until they finally understand. It is important to display calmness and kindness, so that your students feel comfortable around you. When a student is scared to ask questions and to voice their misunderstanding, you have missed the whole essence of an educator. You might as well stop teaching. A tutor should encourage dialogue and conversations. This is because the type of questions a student would ask, is an indicator of their understanding and how much content they've grasped throughout the lesson.

• Could you share an anecdote related to your subject or your student days?

  Back when I was in grade 8, my mathematics teacher told us to go and memorise the theorem of Pythagoras during the weekend. The following Monday, he picked random people to recite the theorem. For those who failed, he asked them to go up and down the stairs reciting the theorem. This was one of the measures he used to ensure that we don't forget theorems in geometry. He would also make us sing the theorems. And I must confess, you can wake me up in the middle of the night and ask me to recite any maths theorem, and I will do so in a heartbeat. My takeaway here is that; although I would not ask my students to go up and down the stairs reciting theorems, I always think of fun little ways to make my students remember theorems or definitions (physics and chemistry).

• Did you face any difficulties at school or university?

  I do face challenges at university. The university teaching style is completely different to that of a high school teacher or tutor. The work sometimes becomes overwhelming. However, I Practice what I preach. I am not afraid to ask questions, seek help when needed; and most importantly I am able to manage my study time so that I achieve the best results.

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

  I am passionate about helping others. Whether it's teaching, lending a shoulder to cry on to a friend, or just being there when people need me. I am the 'go-to' person, and it warms my heart.

• What makes you a Superprof?

  What makes me a SuperProf is the ability to inspire students to fall in love with the subjects and topics covered. I make sure that my students enjoy every moment of the lesson. Moreover, I have all the qualities I've mentioned in the previous question about the qualities of a good tutor. And that makes me a SuperProf.