Hi! I've have two daughters in their teens. I've been "tutoring" them all their lives. And (yes, I'm breaking traditional rules by starting a sentence with "and.") their English writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills are impressive. They're exceptionally articulate communicators. After all, that's what writing and speaking English is essentially about: effective communication!
I'm pleased to be able to claim that I've helped my paying students learn, and most gratifying of all, gain...
Hi! I've have two daughters in their teens. I've been "tutoring" them all their lives. And (yes, I'm breaking traditional rules by starting a sentence with "and.") their English writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills are impressive. They're exceptionally articulate communicators. After all, that's what writing and speaking English is essentially about: effective communication!
I'm pleased to be able to claim that I've helped my paying students learn, and most gratifying of all, gain confidence. Learning can be difficult at times, but it need not be excessively so. Sure, it takes focus, some trial and error, a healthy bit of curiosity, and, yes, patience - but once you get the hang of learning, and you begin to reach some of your goals, it becomes fun!
I've been lucky enough to have had exceptional teachers in my life - in middle school, high school, and in college (Columbia College, here in New York). I enjoy sharing my knowledge of English and Art History, and seeing my students excel.
I have had the finest teachers in English and Art History. I say this because, in both subjects, my teachers gave me the greatest gift of all - an appreciation for the art of writing and reading critically, and, in the case of Art History, an understanding of this heightened form of creativity as an act that takes place in the context of changing cultural norms and evolving ideas about beauty, and about what art can and should communicate. In both areas of study I've been taught at top-ranked schools, and I have many years of applying myself as a writer (of poetry and prose) and as an appraiser or "connoisseur" of art.
As I like to say, learning doesn't have to be difficult. If it's uncomfortably difficult, something's wrong, and so the key is to "diagnose" what the problem is. Is the teacher not inspiring? Is he or she not communicating clearly? Does the student have "confidence issues" that perhaps result in a lack of focus? Whatever the issue or problem, there are solutions! Moreover, I see teaching as a chance to not
