Math, Circuits, Signals, Electronics & More | Master's Graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering | 7+ Years of Experience in University Teaching and Tutoring

Find out more about Parham

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

  Since my teenage years, I have been fascinated by different areas of mathematics, which eventually led me to choose Electrical Engineering as my field of study and later specialize in Communication Systems. I was particularly drawn to the challenge of understanding complex problems and the reasoning behind mathematical theorems. During my undergraduate studies, I became interested in teaching as a teaching assistant, and later I decided to start private tutoring as well.

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

  I offer a wide range of courses, from Calculus I to Electrical and Electronic Circuits, as well as Signals & Systems and specialized courses in Communication Systems. Personally, I especially enjoy teaching Signals & Systems because it requires combining concepts from several areas of mathematics. These connections are not always emphasized in class, which often makes the course one of the most challenging for students. I enjoy helping students bridge that gap and develop a clearer understanding of the subject.

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

  My approach to understanding theorems and concepts was shaped during my elementary school days by my math teacher, Mr. Abadi. He taught us to deeply engage with a single problem at a time, instead of rushing through solutions and superficially covering many problems. This method significantly improved my critical thinking and persistence. I've adopted this philosophy in my own tutoring, always encouraging my students to think deeply rather than quickly, which fosters a true understanding of the material.

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

  A good tutor should have strong subject knowledge beyond the course material itself, the ability to break down complex ideas into simple steps, patience, adaptability in teaching methods, and the ability to encourage and motivate students.

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

  There is a famous anecdote about Thomas Edison. When developing the practical incandescent light bulb, Edison tested thousands of materials for the filament before finding one that worked reliably. When asked about his failures, he famously said he had not failed but had simply found 10,000 ways that did not work. Although many engineers contributed to the development of electric lighting, Edison’s persistence in experimentation helped create a commercially viable system. This story highlights an important lesson in engineering: progress often comes from iterative testing and persistence, and failure is a natural and valuable part of the design process.

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

  As an electrical engineer specializing in optical communications, one of the main challenges I have faced is translating real-world scenarios into accurate mathematical models and designing efficient algorithms to implement these models in practice.

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

  My passion is the “aha!” moment when a student suddenly understands a concept that previously seemed confusing or frustrating. For me, there is nothing more satisfying than helping someone move from confusion to clarity and gain confidence in their abilities.

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

  I enjoy learning and sharing my knowledge with others, which also helps me solidify my own understanding. Having never benefited from tutoring during my educational journey, I often faced significant challenges and spent a lot of time grappling with complex concepts. My goal as a tutor is to share the insights I’ve gained in a clear and simple way, helping others grasp the material more quickly. This enables them to save time and delve into additional subjects. I believe this approach not only deepens understanding but also cultivates a love for learning.