Helping Students Succeed in Economics, 20+ Years Experience | GCSE,SQA,AQA | Online Lessons | Exam-Focused Approach

Find out more about Surekha

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

  My interest in Economics dates back to when I first started learning the subject. At that time, I had no idea that my career would be in teaching. However, as I studied, I realized that the best way for me to memorize and understand my lectures was to explain the concepts to someone else. When no one was around, I would stand in front of a mirror and teach myself. Looking back, I now see that teaching has always been a part of me—it’s something I do naturally rather than something I had to learn.
  
  As I progressed in my career, I discovered a deep passion for helping students, especially those who struggle academically. This led me to offer private tutoring to students who needed extra support. Through this experience, I learned that every student is unique, and I had to develop new strategies to adapt my teaching methods to suit their individual learning styles. It has been an enriching journey, not only in terms of my students' progress but also in my personal growth as an educator.
  
  Private tutoring has allowed me to form a deeper connection with my students, understand their challenges more closely, and tailor my approach to build their confidence and skills. Seeing my students improve and gain self-belief has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.

• 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 teach Economics, covering both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics. I have a deep passion for the subject because it is dynamic, relevant, and directly connected to our everyday lives. Economics is not just about theories and models—it helps us understand how decisions are made, from personal choices to government policies.
  
  One thing I always emphasize to my students is that even if they do not pursue higher studies in Economics, the knowledge they gain will always be valuable in their personal decision-making. Whether it’s understanding inflation, budgeting, or making career choices, economic principles shape the world around us.
  
  While I ensure that we cover all topics in the syllabus, I particularly enjoy discussing real-world applications of Economics. I bring in current events, case studies, and everyday scenarios to show how economic theories play out in practice. I also encourage students to share their perspectives, as hearing different viewpoints not only makes learning more interactive but also enhances group discussions and critical thinking. This approach makes the subject more engaging and helps students see the practical value of what they are learning.

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

  My role model is my Economics teacher. She taught me when I was doing my O level and I have adapted her teaching techniques as well. She was very dedicated to her work. Her explanation was very clear and never uses a book to teach Economics. Some teachers will read notes to students which is not the correct way to teach.

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

  A teacher should have a deep understanding of the subject and keep updated with new developments. She should be passionate and care for the wellbeing of the students. In addition to knowledge, the clarity of her lessons is important as well as clear pronunciation. Also, there should be no cramming up but rather interactive sessions that encourage students to think critically.
  
  Maintaining discipline in the classroom and creating a respectful environment is also part of a teacher's duty.
  
  A good teacher should make learning enjoyable. She should consider teaching as a profession and not as a business. A true teacher does not focus solely on financial gains but on the growth and success of their students. Teachers are those who shape the future by guiding and inspiring the next generation. They should adopt an altruistic behaviour and prioritise students well being.

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

  As a teacher in Economics, one of the first lessons is limited resources and unlimited wants. I had a student who did not appear to be very brilliant. But he told me that this concept is mind-blowing because as from now he will stop asking his parents to buy more stuffs for him and he will also advise his brother to be careful because whatever he will possess he will always want more. I was amazed by the reasoning of the student who applied this basic concept to his real life. From that day I realised how powerful teaching can be. It can really change a person perspective and make him more resilient and confident.

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

  Some students are anxious to do well. The job of helping them to overcome the fear of not succeeding and not getting too much stress that can affect their health sometimes can be quite challenging.
  
  To what extent can I push the student to achieve higher marks? As a teacher I care deeply about my student progress,it can be heart-touching and even painful when they do not succeed despite my efforts.
  
  Another struggle is with the completion of the syllabus very often we don’t have enough time to complete the syllabus and to practise past exam questions, this is where private tutoring helps a lot.

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

  My passion for teaching comes from my love for being among young people. As the youngest in my family, I grew up receiving care and support from those around me. In return, I developed a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to care for and guide those younger than me.
  
  My passion for teaching Economics stems from the richness of the subject itself. Economics offers endless opportunities for discussion, and when applied to real-world situations, it naturally sparks engaging and thought-provoking debates. I find myself easily carried into these discussions, making learning not just informative but also dynamic and enriching for my students.

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

  What makes me a Superprof is my sense of belonging to this large family of experienced and expert tutors. I consider myself fortunate to be part of a team that values knowledge, dedication, and excellence in teaching. My commitment and hard work will always be driven by the goal of making Superprof proud of its teachers by upholding the highest standards of education and student support.