Thank you for taking a look at my profile.
I specialize in the following:
1. Test prep for non-native speakers of English who plan to take any standardized test in English. TOEFL, iELTS, and SAT are my most commonly requested tests, but I can tailor a study program directed toward any test. I also teach skills and techniques that can be applied to any standardized English test.
2. ESL for speakers of all levels. Generally, my ESL students are high school age and older. I can explain grammar in very accurate but simple-to-understand ways. I can help you improve speaking, pronunciation, and speaking confidence. I can help you improve reading speed and understanding. I have many techniques for improving listening, writing, pronunciation skills, too. I work with absolute beginners who have no practical English ability to advanced, professional English speakers looking to eliminate small errors.
3. Intensive ESL/Test Prep lessons available when my schedule permits. Especially useful for a visiting businessperson or high school student visiting for holidays, who need to learn a lot in a short time period. These are customized long-form lessons (4-6 hours) designed for learning a maximum amount of English in a short time period; all essentials are covered.
4. Writing of all levels. I teach all methods of writing, from essay writing, to Statements of Purpose, to email, to standard research papers, and any other form of writing.
5. Group lessons. Have a group of employees, friends, or family members who all could use an English boost? My group lessons are entertaining, informative, and are a great way to improve English in a friendly, casual, low-pressure atmosphere.
Experience: I have been teaching ESL, Test Prep, and Intensive English for over 20 years, both in and out of schools, and in the U.S. and abroad. I have 8 years of experience teaching English in Japan, and 10 years of experience working in language institutes in the United States. Currently, I only work independently; I like the challenges and rewards of working closely with motivated students.
Teaching method: If we meet at your home, I bring a whiteboard and markers to each lesson. I use the whiteboard frequently. I explain to the student what each lesson's goals and objectives are. I speak clearly, at a pace the student can comfortably follow, and avoid using idioms unless asked to include them (too many instructors confuse their students with confusing, idiom-filled speech). I am very knowledgeable in my subject, and can answer any question in a clear, easy-to-understand manner. My test prep techniques are the same ones taught by Barron's, Cambridge, Delta, and Longman, the most common publishers of test prep manuals, as well as special techniques I have developed myself through years of experience.
Often, I will also bring a printout lesson which has been customized for each individual student.
Oh, and so far, I've worked with students from Japan, Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Brazil, Egypt, France, Ivory Coast, Mexico, Spain, Italy, Iraq, Thailand, China, Vietnam, The Philippines, Russia, Ukraine, Israel, El Salvador, Gabon, Taiwan, Palestinian Territories, Portugal, Honduras, Chile, Cambodia, Myanmar, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Poland, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Mongolia, Greece, Turkey, Columbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Senegal, Guatemala, and the United States, through my career. I'm respectful of and interested in all cultures, and like to find ways to help everyone speak English.
What the student needs: Have a fresh notebook you can dedicate to these lessons, and a pen or pencil. A bilingual dictionary is useful. If you are working on speaking, listening, or pronunciation, I also recommend getting an inexpensive digital voice recorder (good ones are around $50).
Try to stay motivated, and keep your eye on your goal. Never hesitate to make suggestions for the lessons, if you have an idea. And always remember this: it doesn't have to take 20 years to learn a language; with the right guidance, you can learn one in months.
Where to meet: Usually your place, but a coffee shop or college campus is fine too. I use paper instead of a whiteboard if we meet in public, but the lesson is the same.
**If you are interested, please don't hesitate to send a message with any questions, I usually can answer fairly quickly, although it may take some hours on some days. Please don't send contact info until you have fulfilled WyzAnt's requirement of uploading payment information. Please also understand that I cannot make a specific appointment until that requirement is fulfilled. Thank you for your cooperation.
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