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Group Lessons
My offer is to help improve the English of the people in your organisation or your business. I will work with you to tailor a course which is built around the English that you need.
I begin each new course with a needs analysis which looks at your goals, the current ability of the participants and their learning needs. Together we review in which areas the lack of fluency is either causing problems or hindering the growth of the company. We identify the target language which the students need to learn and create a syllabus for the course. The level of urgency and the students’ availability then help determine the length and frequency of the lessons.
It is often the case that this process uncovers multiple levels of ability and varying language needs. For example one middle level group may need to improve their technical English, another more advanced group their negotiation and meeting skills. In these cases I can advise on the optimal structure of different classes.
The course syllabus will identify the type of English the students need to learn, the level they wish to reach and whether the focus is more on written or spoken English. Other goals will also be identified such as improved presentation or negotiation skills, improved small-talk or telephone English.
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Lessons
The lessons themselves can take on a variety of formats. We may do role-plays, practise presentations, discuss different aspects of the students’ work, or talk around a theme or topic which is important to the students.
My aim is always to create a relaxed and positive atmosphere in which students are happy to speak, to practise their English and to receive correction. I try to make the lessons as realistic as possible, so that students get to experience the feeling of having communicated successfully, which is so important to their progress. 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. Inter-cultural communication can also be a theme for those working internationally.
As the course develops and we get to know each other the students’ needs and priorities may evolve. As we progress I therefore often amend the syllabus and lesson plans through discussion and agreement with the students.
I always provide students with language notes at the end of the lesson, either in written form or via an online platform. I use platforms and Apps such as Quizlet to help students practise between lessons and to focus on small nuances of pronunciation and meaning. I also focus on particular grammar topics to help students express themselves more clearly and without making mistakes.
I encourage students to practise their English between lessons, through speaking, writing, listening or reading. In my experience this is the best method for quick improvement.
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Location, Timing and Price
I am based in Schöneberg, Berlin and can meet you at your premises anywhere in Berlin.
Initially I can work with the person responsible for training to establish the scope of the lessons and carry out the needs analysis. This usually involves finding out more about your company and your work and interviewing the various students either by telephone or face to face. Sometimes we may do a trial lesson as part of this process.
We then agree a syllabus, the number and frequency of lessons and the participants. Lessons are typically 60, 90 or 120 minutes long and are either once or twice a week. More intensive short courses are also possible.
My fees are calculated on the basis of the number and length of lessons and the amount of exceptional preparation work required. I may also charge an additional fee for the initial needs analysis, depending on its scope.
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English for the Building Industry
I have 15 years experience working as an architect in the UK and this experience means I’m well placed to teach English to companies in the building industry.
I’ve taught individuals and groups at firms of building contractors, architects and landscape architects, interior designers and exhibition designers.
My specialist knowledge is not just of the industry terminology itself, it extends to how the language is used within the professional context. I understand how the industry works, the roles of the various stakeholders and the challenges which my clients encounter. This experience enables me to create more varied and realistic and hence more useful exercises. Examples include:
A role-play where students play client, designer and contractor and practise negotiation and problem solving
Discussing illustrations of construction mistakes in order to learn construction terminology, followed by practising writing formal emails describing the examples discussed
Carrying out a short design exercise on a real site in order to practise presenting and defending a design proposal
Evaluating recent trends in office design and discussing which design factors are really significant for end-users
In all such cases I can work with you to tailor the lessons to suit the types of situation which you encounter in your work.
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