Samuel Z.

About me: Hello! My name is Samuel and I am a student at Monash University studying Master of Teaching (Primary & Secondary) with chemistry as my secondary teaching method. Previously, I completed a Bachelor of Science at Charles Sturt University in analytical chemistry and plant biology, obtaining high distinction for each unit and winning the University Undergraduate Medal. I even had the opportunity to conduct my own research project on phytochemistry in my final semester, investigating the extraction of bioactive compounds from seeds of black cumin (a medicinal plant) with the use of advanced analytical techniques and statistical modelling. I have undertaken secondary school placements in a variety of settings and have experience teaching science in numerous year levels (7-11), designing assessment tasks, participating in lesson and unit planning, and integrating a variety of learning approaches to engage all students. I have close to 5 years of VCE Chemistry and Biology tutoring experience (Units 1-4) and have worked with students from a wide range of backgrounds, including special needs. This has helped me gain knowledge of effective instructional strategies and also the common misconceptions students may have about different topics. My teaching approach: I recognise that chemistry and biology can be very challenging and intimidating subjects for many people. I believe that tutoring is not just going over the notes and a few questions; it should be a learning experience in which the student is comfortable to explore concepts, ask questions and exchange their understanding with the tutor. In each session, I help students bridge gaps in their knowledge, see connections between what they're studying at school and the real-world around them, and gain a thorough understanding of the content by explaining concepts in a way that they can more easily understand. I use effective questioning to help students not just recall the facts and definitions, but learn how to apply the ideas and develop a more robust, deeper understanding of the skills and concepts. Finally, I have a genuine passion for chemistry and biology (particularly plant biochemistry and bioactive compounds) and want all of my students to see that science is an intrinsically interesting field with a wealth of important applications. If you're looking for an experienced and knowledgeable VCE biology and chemistry tutor who can explain concepts in a way that makes sense, feel free to send me a message and I will get back to you shortly!