English Tutor
fluency . confidence . accuracy
Shaken not stirred
Personalised Online Methodology
my methodology imparts confidence and improves accuracy and fluency by using client specific contexts, wherever viable, to practise the four skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in the most authentic way possible. This is achieved by drawing from the project based, communicative & lexical approaches in which effective, contextual communication is considered more important than a strict grammatical syllabus. Tasks and topics relevant to the student´s profession & interests are the main tool to stimulate learning. Through conversation and writing tasks, I act to discover which grammatical and lexical elements have not been properly assimilated by each individual and apply them in a practical context.
Business English:
For some time now, in part due to my experience with Fala Company and Trend School, Business English has been my most solicited style. While my method remains essentially the same, the materials change to focus on more business specific vocabulary and functions such as: soliciting help . expressing opinion . interviewing . performance reviews . meetings . leadership, as well as a heavier emphasis on up to date periodicals that refer to current business processes more than business generalities like learners series such as Market Leader. The Wall Street Journal, Harvard Business Review, the Mckinsey and Economist podcasts and Investopedia are examples of some current sources for referring to the world of international commerce.
Spanish & Portuguese speakers:
Having lived in South America for 19 years, I have extensive cultural and linguistic knowledge that helps draw parallels between English, Spanish and Portuguese. As determined by the lexical approach, I do not believe that translation is a sin unless done word for word. Rather, it follows that, associating the correct 'chunks' or ' prepared phrases' of English with equivalent situations helps more rapid access to the correct vocabulary with its grammar already in place.
A Refreshing Approach:
using online resources: Many students wish to find a different approach to that of academies, preferring to mix traditional grammatical activities with my more multimedia approach achieved by the addition of articles, online games, apps, podcasts, videos, role plays and interactive materials, all specific to their professions / interests. My aim is for each student to have fun while increasing fluidity, flexibility and confidence in their ability to navigate RELEVANT topics.
Rapport:
communication is king: Years of classroom experience have led me to believe that I am a communicator first and foremost. I tread the line between informality and formality as carefully as possible to build rapport while maintaining respect. I balance humour, with measured, constructive criticism to promote confidence, fluidity and accuracy.
Organisation:
using modern resources: By using Microsoft One Note I can easily create and share individual folders for each student´s lessons and resources, while Notion´s calendar, timeline, board and table views allow me to properly track lesson history, spaced repetition of learning points and payment records as well as visually facilitating planning by separating activities by status, skill and level.
Exam specific English classes:
IELTS, SAT, GRE: These classes are by nature much more specific, focusing on the proper drilling of target language, the use of exam specific texts, questions and audio and concentrating on strategies necessary for optimising time use within a pressurised, time deficient examination situation. While this is no longer my focus, I have helped numerous students attain their desired scores for IELTS, SAT and GRE examinations through my work with the Virginia Centre School.
