Lotte

School:

Stedelijk Gymnasium Haarlem, The Netherlands

University:

University of Cambridge:

PhD in continental philosophy - Passed
MPhil in European, Latin American and Comparative Literatures and Cultures - Distinction
Erasmus+ programme, completing Part II of the Modern and Medieval Languages course - First class

Leiden University:

BA Dutch Literature - High II.I equivalent (7.5)

Teaching experience:

I have gained extensive private tutoring experience over the course of a decade. Subjects I taught include English, German, Dutch, History and Philosophy. I also have experience giving lectures across these subjects to groups aged 15-16, all the way until MA level at university

Teaching style & philosophy:

I believe in understanding on all levels. This begins with me understanding the needs of a student. When I as a teacher understand exactly where they are struggling, I can start helping them to do the work. I like to reach this level of understanding through conversation. This is also a way to build engagement with the subject matter, and invite the student to enter a headspace of enjoyable, interactive curiosity. I have found that when a student is initially disengaged or bored, the root of this is often fear, either of judgment or of failure. I remember these feelings very well from my own time at school as well, even though it has been 10 years since. Half of the work of teaching is building confidence and resilience with students. The other half is the subject matter itself. When it comes to exams, I aim to work as pragmatically as possible to help the student develop the skill of making an exam in the subject at hand. There are tricks to help with the understanding of multiple choice, and for open questions I present a plan of steps so students can make sure they haven't strayed off topic. When it comes to essays, there is more room for creativity, which requires a different angle. I have found that students often have original thoughts, which just need to be put into an argumentative structure a school or university will accept. I love thinking and reading myself, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and skills with others. I have taken a lot of inspiration from Cambridge supervisions, especially from their conversational character. The real joy of learning starts when you feel able to have a good conversation about the subject, even when you are just asking questions about things you don't yet understand. I remember when I had this breakthrough myself, at Cambridge, and I have had the privilege of witnessing it in students. When genuine interest and engagement can be sparked, the best grades a student is capable of often follow.

Additional information:

I play the cello at grade 8 level (including musical theory) and have played in student symphony orchestras including the Cambridge University Orchestra, so if a pupil were to need help with their music practice or musical theory, I would be able to assist them.