Frequently asked questions. See below for details.

 

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Why study these subjects with me?

 

• I hold a Doctorate in Philosophy (a PhD) from the University of Reading, which had the third-best philosophy department in the UK when I graduated in 2008 (see About).

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• During 13 years of study and training I learnt the skills that have been passed down from teacher to student for 2500 years.

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• I spent 16 years teaching philosophy for the Royal Institute of Philosophy in England.

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• I have also taught philosophy to private students, and in universities and colleges in England.

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• I am an active philosophical researcher.

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• I have spent the last 27 years studying and teaching philosophy, reasoning and research skills, and academic English.

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What are my teaching aims?

 

• All teaching is goal-oriented.

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• I set specific and measurable goals with each individual or group, and teaching is focussed on achieving them. Progress is monitored and adjustments are made to ensure continued development.

 

• By contrast, where the goal is general intellectual enrichment (such as 10-week introductory philosophy courses) I take a very different approach, which centres around discussion and makes no use of formal assessment.

 

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What are my teaching methods and teaching style?

 

I teach knowledge and skills. Knowledge can only be truly learnt by applying it, and skills can only be acquired through practice. So while I provide a thorough, clear, and accessible grounding in the relevant technical knowledge, I also ensure that my students practice the relevant skills, under my supervision and with regular feedback.

 

With this in mind, I deploy a variety of methods according to what is appropriate for particular students given their learning goals. These include:

 

• Brief interactive lectures.

 

• One-to-one discussion with the tutor.

 

• Group work. 

 

• Structured discussion and debate.

 

• Socratic method (an ancient philosophical technique based on asking a carefully structured sequence of questions).

 

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Ideological neutrality

All my teaching is rigorously objective and ideologically neutral – I do not take sides on social, political, religious, or ideological issues. Anyone I teach will be trained in objective assessment.

 

 

English language

Sadly I do not teach English, especially not as a foreign language, and so I can only accept students who already speak fluent English. I can raise the standard of your English language skills even if you are a native speaker, but you must be a fluent speaker to start with.

 

 

Location

 

• Most classes are held at my office in Phnom Penh or at your home, but I’m happy to discuss alternatives.

 

• I also offer online tuition (please contact me for details).

 

• If required, training purchased by institutions and organisations can be hosted by the client on their own site.

 

 

Age limits

Most of my students are 16-25, but all are welcome. I do not generally recommend Reasoning and research skills or Academic English for those under 16, but may make exceptions for able students. Philosophy can be taught to younger teenagers and children 6 or over, but for this age range groups of 5-10 often work much better than individual tuition. Older students are always welcome.

 

 

Safeguarding

I will discuss all arrangements, including location, individually with all parents or guardians of anyone under 18. Observers, chaperones, etc. are welcome, but must not attempt to participate in teaching. I have enhanced DBS clearance in the UK.

 

 

How long does it take to achieve a specific goal?

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A minimum of 10 hours. The exact number of hours required will vary according to the goals set and the progress made. But most students will make significant progress within 10-20 hours. Progress will depend on the following:

 

• The kind of tuition you buy – for example, you may get faster results with individual tuition, but the fees are significantly higher.

 

• The capacity of the student – not all students are equally able, and some learn faster than others.

 

• The level of commitment shown by the student, especially practice outside class.

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Here are some examples:

 

• Someone who has fluent English can usually be trained in academic skills within 20 hours – assuming regular practice outside class.

 

• Someone who has fluent English can usually be trained in advanced reasoning skills within 20-30 hours – again, this assumes practice outside class. If the student wishes, further training can be given until some desired level of skill is achieved.

 

• Someone who has fluent English can be given an introduction to philosophy within 10-20 hours. However philosophy is different to the other two subjects I teach. It is not merely a specific skillset: it is an academic discipline in its own right, and it takes years of study to really advance. Training can continue until some desired level is reached – for example you might want tuition up to undergraduate level. I can teach up to undergraduate level in most areas of the subject, and to postgraduate level in those areas I specialise in.

 

 

Why are your services so expensive?

 

• By international standards my rates are actually pretty cheap. In England I charge at least $175 per hour.

 

• You will receive training at an international standard, from a qualified and experienced philosopher who holds a British PhD from a good department.

 

• The quality of the service you get will match the price – you will see obvious improvement in student performance within a reasonable period of time.

 

• My teaching uses course materials that I have developed over many years, and which are my intellectual property.

 

• My large group rates are excellent value, starting at just $5 per student per hour.