Luke Newman

I’m a final-year PhD researcher in microbiology with experience supervising and teaching undergraduate or graduate degree project students, as well as several GCSE and A-Level placement students. I regularly explain complex biological concepts, beginning with the fundamentals of our research area and building in a manageable way. I use the same approach when teaching as assuming a student already knows something both creates possibility for misunderstanding and also makes questions more difficult for the student to ask. The most important aim I have when teaching is to create a comfortable environment to not know things.

With that in mind, I take a relaxed approach to teaching as no one learns well when in an uncomfortable environment, especially in a subject which may have caused them a lot of stress before. I recognise that different people learn in different ways so I aim to use a range of approaches such as visual/diagrams and guided reasoning to ensure the best possible progress.

Before my PhD, I completed a BSc in Biological Sciences and an MSc in Biomedical Science, so I have a lot of experience of the pressure of aiming for high grades. Family experience in SEN education also means that I'm very aware of how students can have very different experiences of learning, so I really aim to provide a comfortable environment first and foremost.

I usually begin by discussing the student’s goals, current level, and any specific areas they find challenging. Sessions can then focus on strengthening understanding, working through difficult topics, or practising exam-style questions to improve technique and confidence.