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John
My Qualifications
Sidmouth Language School
Teaching English as Secon Language
Pass (2002)
The University of Liverpool
French
Pass (1972)
The University of Sheffield
French/German
2:2 (1971)
Verification Status
Information about John
Let me introduce myself. My name is John. I graduated from Sheffield University in the 1970s where I studied French and German. It was while teaching in a lycee in South West France as part of my course that I really developed a love of language and foreign travel. I subsequently went on to Liverpool University, where I obtained a postgraduate teaching qualification. My teaching career extended over a number of years in a variety of schools both in the private and the public sector, including a spell as head of languages. In 2002 I studied to teach English as a foreign language. I was surprised to discover that teaching my native language in all its complexities gave me a valuable insight into teaching other languages apart from my own.
MY APPROACH
Language learning can be easy, as long as it is varied and well structured. My basic method involves firstly presenting to the student the required vocabulary and grammatical structures, and then familiarizing them with them. This can be achieved through verbal drills, short exercises, word games etc. Once the structures have been reasonably well acquired,they are put into a more practical context, imitating as far as possible real life situations e.g `Asking the way in the street.`For this I use role play, sometimes involving what is called information gap, whereby the student must find out some factual piece of information solely by using the foreign language concerned.
Many students come to me because, simply put, they have lost the plot! Either they have experienced poor teaching or, for whatever reason, they have lost motivation. In this case I would give additional practice in verb formation etc it is often the case that grammatical structures are the first to fall by the wayside - without this firm foundation little real progress can be made.
My overall approach is friendly, but with high expectations. New students receive their first lesson free so that an assessment can be made as to the teaching required.
Availability: I`m available from Monday until Friday during the day and evening.
Willing to travel: 8 miles
Experience: As previously mentioned, the majority of my teaching lay in mainstream education , where exam preparation was of great importance. In addition, I have enjoyed teaching groups of adults at day and evening classes. I currently teach English as a foreign language to homestay visitors from abroad, although my main efforts are concentrated on private tuition, either to school children or adults.
Feedback For John (1)
Jasmine (Miss)
28/09/2015
Excellent Tutor. Kind and helpful and good German knowledge for our daughter. Would recommend.