UdeM Math graduate and teacher tutoring math in Primary/Secondary/College levels (en/ fr).

Find out more about Baland

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

  I have always had a deep passion for mathematics ever since primary school. As I helped and taught more students, I grew to equally love the thought processes that my students develop to understand math concepts.

• What makes you passionate about your subject?

  I find great enjoyment in solving mathematics; they're puzzles that exercise the mind. Much like a gym exercise, this one needs persistence and hard work, but it feels great once you get to other side! Maths is precise and delicate, and it can easily be thought of as hard when not understood, but very easy when finally understood. It is equally frustrating and fascinating.

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

  I like the "Aha!" moments of understanding, where it clicks and everything makes sense to the student. I also like when students tell me they don't understand something, and I often invite them to tell me that. The reason is that this gives me an opportunity to find another approach that works. Also, when I explain something in several ways, chances are my student would understand the topic more deeply than if they were to claim that they understood everything.

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

  I owe my love of mathematics to a lot of my superb teachers throughout my school and university learning, but none more than Mr. Hilal, whose engaging style hooked me to the subject. He was the first to instill in me curiosity for the subject, and that is my primary goal with my students.

• What are your keys to success?

  - Persistence: to keep going even when things don't go your way, and always try to do even a little of your daily plan without giving up.
  
  - Humility: to accept that you always have something new to learn and that it is okay to admit that you don't know something and to ask for help.
  
  - Autonomy: to learn how to achieve tasks and reach objectives set by yourself. You can always ask for guidance, but it is also important to be the decision-maker every once in a while. It helps build confidence and character.