How often do students meet for one to one tutoring?
One to one tutoring is very flexible and can fit your schedule depending on how much time you have available and also your goals for learning. Some students meet for tutoring 1 time per week, while others meet 3 times per week. Some students meet once per month in person and stay in contact by email, phone and/or videoconference during the rest of the month.
How do you schedule 1 to 1 tutoring sessions?
Scheduling is decided depending on the tutor and student schedule of availability. I have time slots available throughout the week, Monday through Friday and weekends, in the morning, afternoon and evening, depending on the day. Scheduling is first come, first serve, so it is helpful to get a reservation in advance. Some students choose to have regular meeting times each week, while others choose a flexible schedule and meet at different times, depending on the week.
Where do you meet?
The meeting location is flexible depending on the student. The first meeting is always in a public place. We often meet at a coffee shop or other public location, like the Bellis Fair Mall Food Court. For certain students, it works best for me to come to the student’s home, while some students come to my home, and some students prefer to meet online.
What assessment do you use to determine a student’s level?
At the first meeting, I will ask a series of questions to get to know the student better, including questions about previous education background and goals for studying English. If it is appropriate, I give students an interest survey to determine topics to study for English in everyday life, as well as a grammar test to determine the level.
What materials do you use during sessions?
Imagine a class designed just for you! Instruction is individualized and based on student goals. We usually use a mix of ESL textbooks, online resources, and materials from the student’s life. For example, if a student would like to study English for work, we discuss their on-the-job experiences and create word lists and dialogs to help improve language for specific scenarios at work. For example for my student that is a nurse, we use workplace based ESL lessons from HospitalEnglish.com, as well as materials that target English pronunciation. Depending on the level of the learner, we choose materials that are beginning, intermediate or advanced.
What homework is expected?
I will work with each student to create a study plan that fits your schedule. This may include daily study at home so that the individual can make the most progress. Busy students may only have time for 10 minutes of homework study per day, while others may have time for more homework, 1-2 hours per day or more. I will work with each student to come up with a homework plan that fits the student’s schedule and may include practice in a workbook, custom audio recordings, online study and more.
What languages do your students speak?
I teach students from all language backgrounds. I am currently working with students from Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Mexico, and other countries. If the learner is a beginner, I can use language teaching techniques that include pictures, hand motions, basic phrases, and online translators like Google Translate. I do speak Spanish and can speak Spanish during sessions if requested by the student.
What should I do if I want to study English, but I don’t have childcare?
I have my own children and can understand that this is a barrier for many students. Contact me to discuss flexible tutoring options. It may be possible for me to work with you in your home or online so that childcare is not a problem. I don’t mind small interruptions and I am eager to find creative ways to help you meet your language learning goals.