First-class honour MSc in Civil/Structural Engineering graduate with 10 years of teaching and practical experience.

Find out more about Sharifullah

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

  Since childhood I was interested in math and science, where I had a deep interest in problem solving. Therefore, in my national exam, I chose to be an Engineer. After the national exam, I got a scholarship to Turkey where I was able to study civil engineering. During my undergraduate degree, I was extremely good, and I was always at the top of my class. It was there that I started teaching private engineering subjects to international and Turkish students. Even before that I was teaching Turkish language to foreigners via zoom.
  After my graduation as a first-class honour student, I got another scholarship for my master's degree to UK. I have continued my private class here as well and I am assisting student with assignments, and if they have a problem with any specific subject, I help them to understand well.

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

  As mentioned, before I was at the top of the class. And at the end of each class, students would come me to solve some extra questions. I had more students in the midterm and final exams were getting close. I was teaching statics, Engineering Mechanics, Structural engineering, Fluid mechanics, foundation engineering, steel structure analysis, concrete structural engineering, soil mechanics, hydraulic engineering and etc. during my private classes the students had a general idea of the topic, and their main problem was solving the problem. Therefore, before every class I was preparing a set of problems, and we were solving the problem together. Finally, I would say the success of my private classes is more than 95%.

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

  First of all, I would say I love helping students who struggle with their studies since during my high school I would struggle as well, and I know how it feels not knowing something. Secondly, it always feels good when you help someone. After my master's degree, I plan to complete my PhD as well and I am planning to become a university professor.

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

  Firstly, being patient and not putting pressure on students. Secondly, starting from zero and gradually increasing the difficulty of the questions. Thirdly, letting them ask questions anytime they want. As a personal experience, I always start from the beginning. Sometimes the students say that they know the basics, but I keep insisting they let go over it again and later they find their missing information. It always helps my students to understand well.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I am a very proactive student. When the teacher at high school or a university professor would give an assessment for one month or two months, I would finish the project in 2-3 weeks. During my undergraduate degree, I attended the university for a week due sickness, and the professor had given an assignment. When I attended the class, the professor said that you have only one day to finish and complete the assignment. I finished the assignment, and I worked on it the whole night and still got the highest mark.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One of the challenges that I face is time management of the classes. I always try to accept the classes, however since I am working it hard to teach from the office. Most of my classes are after 5 PM.

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

  I would say I am passionate about Civil engineering specifically with structural modelling and analysis as well as foundation subjects. For me, it doesn't matter if I am teaching, or I am working as full-time job at my office. I just do it because I like it.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I very passionate about what I am doing, I always answer on time in less than 3 hours. I always do even extra work for my students. Therefore, I believe it makes me a superprof.