I grew up in Brussels speaking French at school and English at home. My mother tongue is English and I speak both languages as a native.
I completed my compulsory education in French and a good part of my University requirements were in French also. (One third)
When it all adds up I have used French and English in every possible situation for several decades ! The list is long: slang, nursery rhymes, adverts, university papers, novels, formal speeches, work environment, philosophy exams, poetry, music lyrics, humour, play on words, idioms, recipes...shall I go on?
: )
Here they are in full:
Bachelor's Degree in Modern Literature (German + English)
Master's Degree in Literature and Linguistics (German and English)
PGCE to teach Languages in schools.
(Qualified Teacher Status for the UK)
TEFL Certificate to teach English as a Foreign Language.
TEFL for Online Teaching of English.
But more important than that is the experience and the love for the profession. By the end of March 2019 I will have given 2495 lessons from which I have learned a lot. (Verifiable number)
You essentially need 3 things:
1. A computer
2. Skype (or Zoom...)
3. A headset.
Neither needs to be expensive, and a headset is much preferred. Good hearing is essential. Using the microphone of the computer doesn't always work and can lead to frustrating results.
Each learner is unique in many ways and for this reason a pre-designed plan wouldn't work. Some people may want conversation classes, others may want to revisit a language they haven't studied since school...Factors such as availability and the L1 of the learner further influence the way a person learns.
Whatever the case may be, I come equiped with my own MOODLE website full of exercises for us to work on. This allows us to skip from topic to another and bypass the rigidity of a plan. Ex: If you decide to revise the Passive, I don't need prior notice: We'll go towards the exercises!
Yes there is! I am sure you still remember that presentation you worked on so hard during your studies? Well, I believe that we learn better when we are actively involved in the process. I will ask you to research some notions or do some exercises in preparation of a class.
I teach students, retired people, school pupils, various professionals...
Different cases are possible:
Some learners may actively be using the target language after
moving to a new country.
Some learners may have a cultural interest in French or English with no practical needs for everyday communication.
There are many different reasons to study a language
and all are interesting!
I have taught student from such diverse countries as Russia, Italy, Australia, France, USA, Canada, China, Thailand, GB, Spain, Sicily, New Zealand, Taiwan, Brazil, South Africa, Algeria, Slovakia, Germany, Israel, Greece, Bulgaria, Switzerland...the list goes on !
Of course not! It is by no means required that we use the cameras on our computers. We can use the sound only.
I prefer bank transfer unless we live sufficiently close
that you can pay in cash.
Unfortunately I could not reasonably take phone calls during the day as I am...teaching! But I gladly answer emails.
Sometimes "less is more." I recommend one to three lessons weekly. Beyond that there is not enough time to process the learning.
The advantages are numerous:
The student has the undivided attention of the teacher.
You learn in a relaxed environment, which benefits your receptivity.
There are no inhibiting factors such as other more advanced students.
Increased facility to transfer messages and documents about lessons.
Time spared: No traveling to and back from a class.
A plan that adapts to your own learning as we progress.
Moodle is a website that I use and on which I store all my languages exercises and my grammar explanations.
It allows me to be ready to jump to a new topic and answer random questions.
It is also a source for homework.
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