Tutor Hunt Questions

I love teaching, not sure if a tutor can have a method as everyone is different and as a one to one tutor I believe that the tutor has to find the best possible method that will work for that individual person!

Hi Steve, I would say that there is no set method to learning a language because it depends on the learning style of the individual. However, having said that of course there is a route to learning a language that bridges four dimensions which are reading, writing, listening and speaking. Each of those requires a period of study starting with basic vocabulary, verbs and grammar. For some people they concentrate on only 1 or 2 of these areas and as such find it very difficult to construct full and proper sentences either written or spoken. In summary my advice would be to arm yourself with as much vocabulary as you can along with they key verbs and try to make as many combinations of sentences as you can. Practise all of these things with a good tutor who will guide you through the process. Good luck!

Throughout my three years teaching full time, I have come to realise that there is definitely not a "one-size-fits-all" approach to teaching.
I think there are some non-negotiables in the basics that need to be learnt in terms of vocabulary and grammar, but I tailor each lesson individually to my students according to their learning style, interests and requirements. I also tailor lessons for SpLDs (Specific Learning Differences) such as dyslexia.

Spanish, being a language, cannot be taught in a completely structured way. However, it is possible to teach students the basic foundations of spanish through means of wrote learning. This includes grammar, vocabulary etc. To become an advanced linguist, you must then practise vocally and through means of writing. Having conversations in spanish with your tutor, doing spanish comprehensions or even watching films in spanish with subtitles will all help you in becoming an advanced linguist!

Hope that helps

I agree with all of the above, but would also say that taking time to read in the language is one of the most effective methods of learning and can be done on your own. I would also highly recommend the Michel Thomas method of language learning for building up a basic knowledge of the structure of the language.

There isn`t really a set method. You have your basic verbs and vocabulary which are essential to learn. However it all depends on the student and yourself. Everyone learns differently, for example I prefer to write everything down numerous times to help remember it, wheras as other people prefer to be more practical. I do believe that the most important aspect is grammar, without it you wouldn`t be able to structure sentences no matter how much vocabulary you know.

No not at all. Some schools follow a scheme, which goes through the various topics individually. I tend to teach vocabulary and set phrases in KS1 and move on to looking at grammar and more complex language skills in KS2.

No set method, though best practice has certainly evolved from language learning techniques ten or twenty years ago

As far as I know, there is not a unique or genuine method/approach that can be equally applicable to all the students since each student must be conceived as a different world. Overgeneralization when teaching languages or any other discipline does not apply since those who tend to think that a particular method will have the same effectiveness with one or other student are the ones who end up by bumping into the mistake of not being able to open their mind.

I think there is no a set method to teach Spanish. Every student is different and everyone learns in a different way, so the teacher should adapt to the needs or demands of the students.

Even so, I think that is very important for the students to learn the verbs, because they are the main word of the sentences and they are the key of the communication.

Listening. Reading. Learning the grammar. Speaking. In the order that is better for you.