Shifnal English (Foreign Language) Tutors and Shifnal English (Foreign Language) Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a graduate in Physics with Astrophysics, which was a four year degree, which included me living and learning in Italy. My degree was challenging yet enjoyable, and contained a lot of Maths, which to me was great! As a born communicator writing and teaching have always appealed, and having spent the last decade tutoring and working for the Institute of Physics, I can definitely say I enjoy it as much now as I did when I started.. I also have a qualification in teaching English as a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
For the last 12 years I have taught a wide variety of learners from the age of 6 all the way up to 45! This includes Maths, physics, and EFL at all levels, as well as English language/literature and Biology and Chemistry up to GCSE. I also taught children EFL for 6 weeks over a summer. Whilst at university I tutored 1st and 2nd years in Physics, which included a lot of Maths. I taught English as a foreign language whilst I was in Italy. I am very comfortable in a one on one environment, and enjoy preparing all ages for exams- I have had a lot of experience at running courses with an exam in mind.

Tutoring Approach:
As a keen learner myself, I understand what it is to learn. My vast experience tutoring has given me a good body of knowledge to call on, as well as confidence in my ability to communicate complex ideas to students, especially those who are struggling with them. Always patient I can push without pressuring and make you feel more confident in your ability. I am also keen to know what and how my pupil wants to learn, and can listen as well as I can communicate.

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Personal Description:
My name is Mila. I have been living in the UK for 15 years. I teach GCSE Russian at the Russian school in Ipswich. I live near Colchester, Harwich, Ipswich. I used to work as a police and court interpreter. Now I work as a primary school teacher.

Teaching Experience:
I have graduated from Saratov State University and my qualifications are: a teacher of English/Russian, interpreter, translator.
I worked as a teacher of English/Russian at Saratov Academy of Economics (now it is Saratov Social Ecomonic University) for 3 years.
Then I moved to Moscow where I worked in a number of foreign companies (American, English, German and Japanese) as an interpreter and a teacher of English/Russian.
I have passed DPSI (LAW) exams - Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (Northampton, UK)
I finished my Teacher Training. and got QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) and PGCE.

Tutoring Approach:
Patience, challenge and eager to help students to achieve their goals.

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Personal Description:
I'm a native born Russian and can offer personal tuition in the Russian language for beginners or advanced learners. I can work with you 1-2-1 but I also teach to groups and companies. I can also help you with advice on planning trips to Russia.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified teacher with over 12 years experience of teaching Russian to English students. A recent student of mine passed their GCSE Russian with a grade 7. I don't have experience with 'A' level Russian but I can help and support in some topics.

Tutoring Approach:
Experienced tutor who understands that students are different and need individual approach to learning. I use a variety of resources to meet their learning needs.

My knowledge of English and Russian grammatical structures allows me effectively build my lessons on differences of both languages. I use examples to present information and images to stimulate the learning process.

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Personal Description:
My name is Fernando, and I'm a (European) Portuguese native speaker.

Born in Portugal, I moved to the London in 2010 and worked in education and safeguarding professional up to 2024. At the beginning of 2025 I moved up north and I'm now self-employed - mostly teaching online and doing interior design jobs whilst retraining in this area and overseeing/project management my new home renovation work.

I provide high quality private language tuition - listening, speaking, reading, writing & grammar - with consistently excellent results:

"What Fernando did was to start with my interests, which really made the lessons fun, and helped me to learn Portuguese more quickly!" Alex

Do you want to?
• Learn European Portuguese?
• Prepare for a Portuguese proficiency examination
• Pick up a few useful phrases for a holiday?
• Improve your business communication skills?

Portugueses: Procuram melhorar o vosso nível de inglês falado e escrito?
Brasileiros: Vocês estão procurando melhorar o seu aprendizado da língua inglesa?

NOTE: At the moment I'm not teaching Brazilian Portuguese. I believe students should find a native teacher from the specific country they aim to visit/live. Any tutor can teach the grammar and basics, but in terms of speaking practice there is a real advantage to learn with a native speaker/tutor.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching methods are reinforced by my significant experience as a tutor, trainer, a college teacher, a mentor for young people, and a coach for adult learners. I am patient and dedicated in my approach, with and an unshakeable belief that my students WILL achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching practice encompasses:
• A range of resources of the highest standard
• Fun and flexible materials such as music, film clips and games
• Thorough linguistic knowledge
• Tailored lessons to meet your learning needs
• Engaging and relevant homework
• Continuous assessment with ongoing feedback
• Cultural and historical essentials

It's important to me that the tuition experience is comfortable and convenient for you. Due to COVID-19 I've decided to only offer online tuition until further notice.

"I found Fernando really knowledgeable with excellent organisation skills. He was especially considerate about organising the tuition around my job" Ian

I teach all ages from beginner to advanced levels
• Book stand alone lessons: pay £25 (one hour lessons)
• Book 5 lessons and commit to 1 lesson per week: pay only £112.50 (get 10% off = saving £12.50)
• Book 10 lessons and commit to 2 lessons per week: pay only £212.50 (get 15% off = saving £37.50)
• Book 15 lessons and commit to 2 lessons per week: pay only £300 (get 20% off = saving £75.00)
• Book 20 lessons and commit to 3 lessons per week: pay only £375 (get 25% off = saving £125.00)

I'll be flexible in rescheduling lessons within same week/next week so long as these are canceled with more than 24 hours notice.

Lessons will be counted if failing to attend without any notice or less than 24 hours notice (aside from extraordinary reasons).

Failing to adhere to the original learning plan and not rescheduling within the expected period will mean you'll loose unused lessons as these will expire after the allocated weeks (5 and 10 lesson packs have a max learning period of 6 weeks; 15 and 20 lesson packs have a max learning period of 8 weeks).

Get in touch for more information about:
• Group classes
• English/Portuguese translation
• Proofreading Portuguese

Get in touch to book your initial lesson so I can assess your level and your preferred learning style (25-minute assessment for £20).

I look forward to learning together!

Fernando

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Personal Description:
I am an Anglia Ruskin Graduate in Communication, since graduating I have been perusing a career in Teaching Assisting. I am passionate about arts and crafts which I have been able to apply to the Brownie Club I co-run. I am experienced in working in a busy out of school club where I have gained valuable experience being responsible, entertaining and educating young people.

Teaching Experience:
I currently volunteer as a teaching assistant at a city primary school, where I have a multitude of responsibilities including small group work & offering alternative provision for students who are unable to participate in main activities.

Tutoring Approach:
I can provide a structured work time table given different needs and time frames for your child. I am patient and understanding and provide clear and well thought out examples and explanations. I am a sociable,kind, good humored person who is well loved by the children I work with.

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Personal Description:
My name is Andrea. I was born in Hungary, but I live in the UK in Eastbourne. I`m a dedicated TESOL/TEFL teacher with very good results. I have been working in different language schools in the UK as an EFL teacher and Director of Studies and at the University of Southampton, teaching international students. Besides teaching English as a second/foreign language I've always wanted to improve my knowledge and get to know more about how language learning can become even more effective. That`s why I've done lots of research and have a number of publications as well.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching English as a second or foreign language for more than 20 years. I`ve also been working as a TESOL/TEFL teacher trainer.
Every summer I teach English for Academic Purposes for international students at the University of Southampton.
I've been teaching different age groups from little kids to pensioners.

Tutoring Approach:
Communicative language teaching with all the 4 skills - speaking - listening- reading-writing -. development and grammar.

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Personal Description:
Julia is a supportive yet challenging tutor, bilingual in French and English. I was Director of studies for an international language school based in Oxford for 13 years and prior to that, spent 15 years living and working in Paris and Toulouse. I graduated from UWE in 1988.

Teaching Experience:
Julia has over 25 years in education management and language training. I am CELTA and DELTA qualified. DBS checked. I have extensive experience preparing students for IELTS, FCE, CAE, CPE etc. I can support teachers undertaking the DELTA and CELTA qualifications. I teach Business French and English to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
Julia is a supportive yet challenging tutor able to motivate you to achieve your language goals. I am also a qualified Life Coach, able to help you overcome learning obstacles and increase your self-belief.

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Personal Description:
A Chartered Accountant with First Class BA (Hons) in Accounting and Finance and more than 10 years of experience in the industry.

Teaching Experience:
I have gained extensive experience tutoring students from various backgrounds and different age groups. Helped successfully in meeting tight deadlines and improved learning abilities by focusing on key syllabus.

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching students by helping them understand the concept logically rather than memorising complex problems. Understanding application of concepts in real life helps in retaining the lessons for longer term.

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Personal Description:
A fixture in the London underground DJ community for over 10 years, I recently completed a BA in Music Production at BIMM London (1st degree honours awarded) whilst also holding a MLT in Teaching and Training.

I currently tutor at CM Sounds and Core Arts, both based in east London. Production projects have been varied and exciting with remixes and artist albums released on the original rave era label Kniteforce, and sync remix commissions for UMPG (Universal Music).

Past achievements include gaining a BTec level 3 in Music Technology, Designing and growing a successful underground music website (now officially an archive only), and co founding and running Graffiti Breakz (2007-2010), a successful club event which incorporated DJ's, Live Music and Live art.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher at City & Guilds level 3 (2015). I recently completed my BA Hons in Music production (2013/2016), I plan to take a year out to gain teaching experience before moving onto to a PGCE in Music Technology for the Lifelong Learning sector at UCL (2017/2018). I already Hold BTec level 3 Diploma in Music technology (2006).

Tutoring Approach:
No matter what your current skill level or preferred style of music, I will be able to help you improve and enhance your skills or GCSE/A-level/Degree course work.

I am also a native english speaker and have a keen interest in academic writing and the english language.

I am willing to travel to a students home, however if the tuition is music based, I would recommend coming to my home studio, which is fully equipped with industry standard equipment and software. This environment will help your skills and knowledge elevate rapidly to the next level. (equipment list found at the foot of this section).

Having studied at Degree level, I am well suited to help you with course work for GSCE/A-level and Degree. Your course work will benefit considerably from the insights gained from my guidance.

However if you have left formal education and require assistance with a music project from the angle of enhanced production and arrangement techniques, I am also glad to be of assistance.

I have extensive experience in the areas of Music Production, Remixing, Studio Recording, Song Writing and Arranging.


Studio Equipment

iMac i7 2013
Logic X / Logic 9
Ableton Live
Pro Tools
Native Instruments Komplete
Spectrasonics Omnisphere
ReFX Nexus 2
FabFilter Collection
Izotope Collection
Waves pack
Vocal recording with multiple mic options
Full length 7 octave midi keyboard
Roland FX units
Rokit 8 Studio monitors
Midi controllers

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced native English ESL/EFL teacher, specialised in working with adults in companies and universities.

I help people in a wide range of professions to give presentations, participate in meetings and conference calls, write emails, and to be generally more conversational and confident when speaking and listening.

I also work with university students to improve their academic writing, to pass exams such as the TOEFL, TOEIC and IELTS, and to prepare them for entering the work environment after graduation.

I offer a free, 30-minute evaluation without any obligation, and a course book is included in the price if you sign up for 20 hours or more. Classes take place at your home or workplace with no extra charges for travel.

Teaching Experience:
January 2013 - August 2016
Director of Studies and Principal Teacher at LE Maison, France

February 2012 - December 2012
Pedagogical Manager and English Language Training Consultant at Mahoney Training Consultants, Paris, France

August 2010 - December 2012
Freelance Business English Teacher in Paris, France

October 2009 - February 2012
Business English Teacher at Business and Technical Languages, Paris, France

Tutoring Approach:
Adult learners are often juggling several professional and personal commitments which makes finding the time to learn a struggle. Therefore, I make the process as fun and efficient as possible.

For this reason, I begin with an in-depth evaluation of the student's needs and objectives as well as their strengths and weaknesses. From there, I build a course using a wide range of materials that meets these requirements.

My classes are always engaging and never the same two weeks in a row. During each lesson, I discover something new about my student which allows me to continually adapt the course to help them stay motivated, interested, and improve as quickly as possible while making learning a pleasure rather than work.

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Personal Description:
I have years of experience teaching piano and can also teach guitar to beginners level.
Flexible on musical styles and student's requirements, whether it is to be put in to a graded exam or just being helped with their repertoire.
Cromer and surrounding areas.
1 to 1 lessons preferably at pupil's address but can arrange to teach at home or even online.

Teaching Experience:
Years of piano teaching.
Some experience teaching guitar.
Years of English teaching to Spaniards.
Some experience teaching Spanish.

Tutoring Approach:
Flexible on students needs.

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Personal Description:
A specialist tutor for over a decade, I have taught thousands of students in the UK and abroad. I have an MA (distinction) in Cultural Studies from Goldsmiths University of London, and a first-class BA in French and English from UCL, where I came top of my year. A bilingual French-English speaker, I enjoy learning languages in my spare time, and am also a published poet who performs across the UK. If you are looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly tutor who will work with you to achieve your study goals, then look no further!

Teaching Experience:
I have a decade of experience across many different schools, working both with children and adults. I taught English as a foreign language for several years and have also taught in a secondary school in the UK. My private practice as a tutor has taken in all ages and types of students, including GCSE and A Level pupils, adults studying French, and primary age children learning literacy skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether you are a student with an exam coming up or an adult learner looking to hit a personal goal, a private tutor is the fastest way to get ahead. With me you will get well-planned, varied lessons delivered to the highest standards of professionalism. I believe the most effective way of teaching is to work with the learner to uncover what they find interesting in a topic. After so many years as a private tutor, I am confident that my methods will work for you too! If you'd like to know more, please just send me a message, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

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Personal Description:
Tutor for the last five years specialising in maths and physics from primary to A-level. My typical student is in year 9-11.

I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

Extensive experience with special educational needs students, I also work as a teaching assistant in local schools .

A keen outdoor person, I enjoy the countryside, walking, cycling and cricket. Have been secretary to my local primary school's board of governors, secretary of my local cricket team and volunteer for local environmental organisations.

A couple of my most recent endorsements:-

"James proved himself to be a reliable, punctual, and a very supportive tutor. My daughter is in her final year of A levels and studies Further Mathematics which is a very detailed subject and requires a high level of skill. James is a brilliant mathematician with a high skills set and knowledge of Further Maths he quickly helped her gain confidence and she overcome difficulties within the subject. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with James and we are hopeful for a high grade in the subject when the A level results are out in August. I would not hesitate to recommend James as a tutor to other parents. Thank you, James,". 30th January 2020.

"A lot of the time was spent on English/ English literature covering the GCSE course work. My son initially struggled with the English literature, but James always took time to make it interesting. This certainly helped him develop his skills. The English language part required a lot of essay writing which he was not keen on. However, by the end, he was writing answers to questions James set for homework as he got the hang of what was required." 3rd June 2020.

Teaching Experience:
I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

While I'm a tutor, I'm also a supply teacher in my local area high schools principally for maths, physics and other subjects as required.

Experience as a tutor in the last five years with students varying from primary age through GCSE (KS-4) to further maths and A-level. Have also worked with mature students at college studying for HND and university maths.

Special educational needs (SEN) students worked with including those on the autistic spectrum (ASD), Asperger's, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dyslexia as well as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

Within schools have worked with ILP (Individual Learning Plans) for students with special educational needs.

Other topics I have tutored to GCSE level include English, geography, science, chemistry and biology.

Tutoring Approach:
All students are different, so I strive to find what interests the student and work from there. An engaged student is a keen student.

It is important that the principles are understand because all else flows from this. I use examples from the students' course work and life situations to focus on what is important to the student, to put things in a language that they can understand. This can be through explanations, sketches, diagrams etc. When this happens and the light goes on, there is great satisfaction that the student is taking an interest in the subject.

Online tutoring provided via MicroSoft Teams and other means as required.

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Personal Description:
My name is Yana - I am professional, highly qualified and enthusiastic linguist by nature and profession, who loves learning as much as teaching. I teach English as second language to adults, I am also a Public Service interpreter, working for the NHS; Police; Immigration and Social services.

I am a linguist at heart and love sharing the knowledge, by presenting it in the most student friendly format. I am creative in my teaching style and can design a programme just for you:

- English for everyday essentials, build up your grammar and vocabulary to help you with trips to the shops, doctors, schools, nurseries etc.
- Business English for beginners ( for those starting or planning a career in an office environment: answering calls, writing e-mails, speaking with customers, visitors, etc)
- ESL General Knowledge - Speaking, Listening, Writing Skills

I have been living, working and studying in the UK for the last 19 years, I possess a vast amount of knowledge and experience, which I am more than happy to pass on to those willing to learn.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English to Russian speakers and Russian to English speaking Executives for years, mainly in an office environment.

I have also been interpreting for the Social, NHS, Housing, Mental health and various other public services, so I have a very clear understanding of the difficulties that exist due to the language barriers.

I have collated endless glossaries for every sector, which can help anyone achieve the required level of efficiency and confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
I am eager to help my students to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. I will work with you to determine the intensity, frequency, content of the lessons and the required level, depending on your circumstances.

I offer weekly ESL lessons and packages of 5 - 10 lessons, designed around your specific needs
- Basic Business English for those starting a career in an office environment
- General English from beginner to advanced
- Customised programme for specific language needs

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Personal Description:
Languages and psychology are my passions. I enjoy learning languages (as well as the languages listed below, I have started learning some Arabic, Norwegian, Japanese, Spanish and Italian) and this has enabled me to try many different methods of learning a foreign language, which I can pass on to students to see which works best for them. In addition, I am currently researching the integration of psychology into language learning to make the learning process easier for students. I have lived abroad and am knowledgeable about different cultures. I have a good understanding of the common issues experienced by speakers of certain languages when learning English, including learning a new alphabet. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for languages and my knowledge to allow you to enjoy new opportunities as your English improves.

Teaching Experience:
My CELTA level 5 qualification in teaching English as a foreign language included teaching students of different ages and abilities from around the world via zoom. My students were very engaged in their lessons and weren't afraid to have a go even if it meant making a mistake, as I am able to ensure a relaxed and safe atmosphere in the classroom (or virtual classroom). I have taught all aspects of learning a language: listening, reading, writing and speaking. I am currently working in a voluntary role teaching English to Ukrainian guests in my local town, as well as tutoring my daughter in French for her GCSE exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I am kind and patient and like to create a comfortable atmosphere where students feel they can have a go at using their new language. My psychology background enables me to explore the best method of learning for each individual. My lessons focus on communicating effectively in the real world for good general understanding and improving pronunciation in spoken English (which also helps improve listening skills). I can also set tasks in between sessions if students wish so they can progress quicker. This is generally how I approach lessons, but they would be tailored to your preferences. You can let me know what your aims are and if there is anything you want to focus on.

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Personal Description:
A hardworking and resourceful individual with several years' experience in customer service in Hospitality setting. Having a friendly, calm, and professional attitude to tasks, looking to apply my skills in a challenging career.

Key Skills

• Excellent communication skills
• Willing to support Management team and carry out administrative duties
• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines
• Well organised and proficient user in MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint

Teaching Experience:
Academic Qualifications

TEFL Certification 120-hour Professional Program Online; Teacher Record, London, UK - Nov 2020
BSc (Hons) Computing & Information Systems University of London, Goldsmiths College (Second Class Lower) - July 2008
ECDL (Pass); Information Technologies LOCN Certificate (Credit); Lewisham College, London - June 2004
BSC Biochemistry (Pass); University of North London - July 1994

Work Experience

English Tutor (Online) London. United Kingdom. Nov. 2020 - April 2022

• Teach Adults English for Business and Hospitality online
• Specialize in Conversational English for beginner, intermediate and advanced learners
• Teach age groups up to K12 and Adults
• Provide interactive and dynamic teaching approach
• Provide IELTS exam preparations


As you will see from my resume much of the work I have done has a lot of transferable skills such
as good communication; listening skills; patience, hard working, creativity and others. I have held
roles in leadership capacity in voluntary sector, team leading a group of 32 people of differing
ages: training; teaching; mobilising and preparing weekly rotas to provide hosting and welcoming
duties to clients. I had not taught in a school environment I have experience in tending to the needs and
care of children as I have always helped and even home-schooled my 3 children from 2yrs to 5yrs. I also assisted them with
their homework daily and weekly from age 5yrs upwards in Primary School. I was available to help
with questions as needed during their Secondary School years.

I have taught English online to young adults upwards for 15 months and enjoyed the experience.

I feel confident that I hold strong communication skills and firm commitment to learning.

I would like the opportunity to work closely with young adults to help them develop and progress
further up the curriculum.

I can offer my personal interactive skills and an eagerness to learn and my dedication. I am
confident that this would make me an excellent candidate for this position.

I look forward to hearing from you with a possible interview date.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is helping my students to have a voice in expressing themselves , listening and allowing them to gain confidence in their learning journey and assisting on their path to achieving their goals.

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Personal Description:
I am Dr. Muhammad, a London-based educator holding a PhD in Education and over six years' experience as a university tutor and visiting lecturer. I specialise in adult literacy-particularly reading and writing-bringing a rigorously evidence-based approach drawn from my published research and advanced training in specific learning needs (including dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder, and social-emotional support). I design bespoke programmes underpinned by robust qualitative and quantitative methodologies (SPSS, NVivo) and UCL-accredited practices, ensuring each session is tailored to your goals and learning style. Whether we meet face-to-face or transition online, my commitment is to clear progress benchmarks, detailed feedback, and building your confidence so you achieve measurable improvement in every lesson.

Teaching Experience:
I have over a decade of hands‐on teaching and leadership experience. For the past ten years I served as Principal of Jannah Education Complex in Pakistan, where I designed, managed and delivered the full KS1-KS3 curriculum-coaching students extensively in reading, writing, mathematics and science, leading a staff of 12 teachers, and implementing data-driven assessment strategies to boost outcomes. From August 2018 to February 2023, I was a Resource Person & Tutor at Allama Iqbal Open University, conducting courses in Assessment & Evaluation, Educational Psychology and Philosophy of Education and providing individualized learning plans with formative and summative feedback ​
. Concurrently (Jan 2019-Dec 2022), I served as a Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Education at Sargodha University, teaching Foundations of Education, Comparative Education and Research Methods-integrating innovative, learner-centred approaches and overseeing curriculum updates to align with academic standards ​

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring philosophy is grounded in a student-centred, evidence-based framework: I begin each partnership with a diagnostic assessment to identify strengths, gaps and preferred learning styles, then co-construct clear, measurable goals. Sessions are structured around bite-sized objectives-whether delving into phonics and comprehension for KS1-KS3 learners or honing advanced reading and writing strategies for adult students-and built on interactive, scaffolded activities that promote critical thinking and metacognition. I employ regular formative checks and use data-driven feedback (leveraging tools like SPSS and NVivo) to adjust content and pace in real time, ensuring every lesson moves you closer to your targets. Whether face-to-face or online, my aim is to foster a supportive, confidence-building environment where progress is transparent, sustainable and genuinely transformative.

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Personal Description:
I am a scholar with experience in scientific writing, critical thinking, research and communication. As a researcher, my personal motto is that all of your academic writing ought to be the layman version of your work. This because a scholar - in my case, a philosopher - who cannot ground his reasoning in ordinary intuitions (or at least some intuitions the reader/hearer can grasp) is doomed to produce meaningless contributions to the debate. In addition, putting yourself into the perspective of a non-expert is a good technique for analyzing your own thoughts and spot the potential flaws. Thus, being able to communicate concepts to non-expert is a skill which for me is instrumental towards my own research goals, and one which I took great care in developing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring students since the time I was going to high-school. I have also some teaching-assistant experience as a doctoral student. Furthermore, I am currently working on a teaching and orienteering project alongside some teacher of my former high-school.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost, I run some quick tests in order to assess the general skills of the pupil within the relevant field, taking notes on his/her flaws. Once I have identified the area where the pupil has difficulty, I employ a goal-structured teaching strategy: first of all I verify whether the pupil has understood which is the application goal (or one of the goals) of the skill he is trying to (and currently has difficulty to) develop. In case he/she has not understood, I try to explain to him/her, i.e., I frame the relevant skill (for instance, derivative calculus) with reference to a general or specific application goal (for instance, the framing of the relationship between speed and acceleration). I find that often pupils lack cognitive incentive because they have not been presented with the practical application of the knowledge they are trying to acquire.
Regarding language learning, I first try to understand which communicative faculty the individual is more inclined towards to (speaking, listening, reading, vocabulary memorizing, etc.). Then I try to create a bedrock by developing his proficiency in that area, while at the same time encouraging him/her to go out of the comfort zone towards communicative areas where he/she is not confident. On that regard I apply a learning process based on increasing levels of contextual stress (for example, in the case of learning to listening a foreign language, I suggest to start from a situation where the hearer is speaking slowly and then I encourage the pupil to build up his confidence step by step by adding elements like a noisy environment, increased talking speed, lack of background context for the conversation, etc.) This because I believe emotional factors like self-confidence and stress-control are key in catalyzing the cognitive process of acquiring proficiency in a new language.

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