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Information About Patrick:

Personal Description:

I am a very optimistic and enthusiastic person with a lot of interest in what I can learn from people of different backgrounds and cultures- I think this helps to inform me as a person and assists me as a teacher and human being. I love to travel, whether this is for a short time or long time and I have ambitions to see many more places before it's too late.
I recently returned to Scotland as I will be marrying my fiancee next year, so I am here for the long haul!

Teaching Experience:

6 years ago I completed a TEFL Taster course at Heriott-Watt University in Edinburgh, and within 8 months I was boarding a plane bound for Tokyo, Japan, where I worked for Nova Group, which was at that time the largest language school in Japan. I taught a wide range of individuals there, from very young children (age 3-12) to retired adults. I taught on a one-to-one basis and I have experience of teaching TOEIC and TOEFL from this time. I also taught small group classes (maximum of 4 students) from beginner level to intermediate and then advanced.

I returned to Europe after 12 months in Japan and subsequently completed my Cambridge CELTA in June 2006 at International House in Seville, Spain, where I gained a B-Pass. My most recent job was in Lisbon, Portugal, where I worked for Cambridge School from September 2007 to September 2008. At Cambridge I taught larger group classes ranging in ages from 9-90 and I had the opportunity to teach First Certificate classes, taking advanced English speakers to new levels of aptitude, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also taught professional people on a one-to-basis and as a result I have a lot of experience of techniques and materials which can be used to improve individuals' grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, both within and outwith traditional curriculums.

Tutoring Approach:

I am a believer in the idea that to teach is to learn, and I feel that my major strength is that I can listen to my students and identify their needs very quickly. I think it is possible to accommodate the needs of the student and the objectives of the lesson quite smoothly and that is usually my objective as a teacher/tutor.
I feel that there are possibilities for learning in every context and environment, no matter how mundane or abstract it may seem and I thrive on situations where my initiative, and that of the student, is necessary. I also feel that traditional textbook style teaching can constantly be reformed and improved upon, in light of new and more relevant contexts.
With my experience of set curriculums and ad-hoc style lessons, I feel I can meet your needs as a student of English.

Qualifications:

• MA Hons (2:1) History of Art and English Literature (University of Edinburgh)
• Cambridge CELTA (B Pass)

Further Information:

Availability:	Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
Types of Tutoring:	Travels to you / Online
References Supplied?	Yes
Additional Languages Spoken:	Japanese, Portuguese