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1 to 1 Lessons
I can help you improve your English for any purpose: e.g. for a current or future job, a presentation, academic studies, travel or leisure purposes. I will work with you to tailor a course which is built around the type of English that you need.
For some the goal may be to become more fluent in general everyday conversation, for others a more structured course is required to assist them in their job or to prepare for an exam, an interview or a presentation.
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Lessons
We begin by discussing your needs, your current level and your goals. We decide together how we will best use our time to meet your goals.
My teaching is focused on speaking, supplemented by writing, reading and listening exercises as necessary. The benefit of 1 to 1 sessions is that you get to speak throughout the lesson and always with an experienced teacher who is attentive to your language development.
My first aim is always to create a relaxed and positive atmosphere in which you are happy to speak, to practise your English and to receive correction. The second aim is to find an appropriate topic and to help you talk about it.
This may be as simple as you describing your work, me listening and responding and in this way a conversation developing. Or you may have a particular presentation which you need to formulate and practise. You may want to role play an important meeting or interview. Alternatively I can find articles or videos on appropriate themes which we can discuss. Or we can just talk about whatever is happening or is of interest in that particular week.
For me it’s important that students actually communicate something in the lessons, in a real conversation, including both facts and opinions. In my experience it’s this experience of real communication which builds knowledge and confidence.
Whatever the topic is I always try to balance being a good conversation partner with being a teacher. At appropriate points in the lesson I offer correction, advice and suggestions of alternative words and phrases. Absolute perfection is not the goal, rather we focus on clarity, getting the message across and using the appropriate language for a given situation. Sometimes this is more formal or technical language, sometimes more friendly and colloquial. I also focus on particular grammar topics to help students express themselves more clearly and without making mistakes.
I always provide students with language notes at the end of the lesson, either in written form or via an online platform. I use Apps to help students practise between lessons and also to work on small nuances of pronunciation and meaning. As the teaching progresses I adjust and tailor the course to suit students’ progress. I also encourage students to practise their English between lessons, through speaking, writing, listening or reading.
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Location, Timing and Price
I am based in Schöneberg, Berlin. I can meet you online, at my own apartment or at another location in Berlin if that is more convenient.
It is particularly true of 1 to 1 teaching that there needs to be a good relationship between the student and the teacher. For each new student I therefore offer a 45 minute free introductory session where we can get to know each other, discuss your language needs and your level and see how we can work together.
After that my lessons are typically 60, 90 or 120 minutes long and are either once or twice a week. More intensive short courses are also possible. For those whose schedules are particularly full, I can also offer 30 minute long online lessons.
My fees are calculated on the basis of the number and length of lessons plus exceptional preparation work required and any travel. Once I know your specific learning requirements and the frequency, timescale and location of the lessons, I will provide you with a quotation.
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