What is your teaching philosophy?

My teaching philosophy is simple. I find academic topics interesting, and I try to infect my students with my own interest. It's very hard to learn something when you find it boring, and it's very hard to persevere with a topic you find boring. So, I just try to make it fun and interesting. And, I like to make a lot of stupid jokes and smart metaphors.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

Well firstly, I usually do a little bit of introduction, of both myself and my student. It's a little weird to just jump straight in and say, "Hi, so here's how to do differential equations..." A few minutes is all it takes to get to know each other a bit. We can gaze into each others' souls later.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I always emphasize to my students that they should be studying outside of the time they spend with me. For one thing, if you do all your studying with me, the money will add up quickly. But also, you need to be able to learn the skill of self-study, as well as the motivation to do so.