Baran Bahri

About Me

Greetings! My name is Baran, and my passions lie in two distinct areas: 1. Art and creative endeavors 2. Unveiling the mysteries and enigmas of the universe. I'm captivated by the wonders of nature and the real world, and among these wonders, the sky, space, and stars hold a particularly special place. Their beauty is undeniable, but their vastness and unknown nature can also be daunting. Yet, the thrill of unraveling their secrets is an unparalleled source of joy. Understanding the cosmos requires a deep understanding of physics and mathematics. While I initially harbored a fear of math and physics, particularly their problem-solving aspects, joining the Astronomy Olympiad forced me to confront this fear head-on. Thankfully, this experience proved to be a turning point.Today, I not only grasp the intricacies of math and physics but have also developed the skills to approach new challenges and problems systematically, even when they initially seem daunting or beyond comprehension. This ability to guide and empower others in their learning journey is the most rewarding aspect of teaching for me. I find immense satisfaction in sharing my knowledge and experiences with students, leading them through the captivating world of math and physics. Equally gratifying is the moment when I, too, make new discoveries while teaching, expanding my own understanding.

Teaching Method

When teaching math, particularly to children and adolescents, I prefer to establish a primary textbook as the foundational resource. This textbook should ideally align with the school curriculum, ensuring that the lessons contribute to improving the student's academic performance and overall understanding. However, if you're interested in focusing on a specific topic, such as statistics and probability, and don't have a designated textbook, an introductory session will be dedicated to assessing your needs and tailoring a lesson plan accordingly. Weekly and review exercises may also be provided between classes to reinforce concepts and enhance mastery. I strive to explain mathematical concepts using real-world examples, making them more relatable and memorable. I also aim to dispel the notion that math is a collection of meaningless formulas and rote memorization (Something everyone says about math 😄). Since mere lectures and equations can be tedious and ineffective, I prioritize selecting real-life scenarios to explain physical principles. Fortunately, physics and astronomy offer a wealth of everyday examples, from the collision of two balls to the formation of rainbows and the trajectory of falling objects. Before delving into mathematical calculations, I encourage students to watch videos of experiments related to the topic at hand. This allows for an intuitive understanding of the phenomenon before introducing the mathematical framework. Throughout the class, I share my screen and utilize a digital pen for notes and diagrams. I strive to create visually appealing and engaging handouts, incorporating various software tools to generate 3D models, animations, and other interactive elements. I encourage open communication in my classes, welcoming students to actively participate and share their thoughts, even if they seem scattered or tangential.

Experience

• Master's student at Aalto University, Finland • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Sharif University of Technology • Silver Medalist, Astronomy Olympiad • 5 years of experience teaching Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad at Farzanegan 2 School in Tehran (both in-person and online) • 1 year of private tutoring in Math and Physics for high school students (using Pearson textbooks) • 3 years of teaching Astronomy Olympiad at other gifted schools (Farzanegan Shiraz, Mazandaran, Alborz) • 3 years of teaching Math and Astronomy Olympiad at Irisak Institute • Conducted Physics 1 problem-solving workshops at the university