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

Personal Description:
I hold an MSc in Innovation and Technology Management degree with scholarship from the University of Bath which is ranked in the top 3 institutions in the UK. Before that I studied BSc(Hons) International Business at the University of Sussex.

I am a very sociable and relaxed person. I enjoy outdoors, music, and cooking.

I have my own private limited company selling organic cosmetics and offering business consultancy services.

Teaching Experience:
BUSINESS

I have experience in teaching Business Studies, and subjects related to it to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions. I also have specialist knowledge in Innovation and Lean Six Sigma.

I have worked as an operational excellence facilitator in the past so I know how theoretical knowledge applies in real life situations.

Business studies is really fun and you will get to see it with me.

LANGUAGES

I have experience in teaching English as a second language to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions.

I have experience teaching any level, we can start from the most basic elementary things to the most advanced levels.

As a native Turkish speaker I have experience teaching Turkish as a second language to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very easy going, patient, and I can understand the different needs of every individual and find ways to accommodate them.

I like an interactive approach.
I like to make sure not to move onto next stages without making sure everything is well understood and learnt.

Most important thing for me is to to make sure the logic behind everything is understood, and I keep explaining until it makes sense to the person. I see this is the only way to learn anything.

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Personal Description:
My name is Karina. I am 45 years old. I am from Argentina and I am currently living in London where I am teaching Spanish. I really enjoy my job and enjoy meeting different people all the time. I love languages and the cultural exchange that comes with the process of learning a language.

Teaching Experience:
I have a university degree to teach both English and Spanish as a second language, both have been recognised by NARIC and I also have a CRB. I have wide expirience teaching English and Spanish both to kids and adults. I have worked in very well known companies such as Univeler, Neoris, Ernest and Young and Mogan Staley, HMT, Nabarro Solicitors, KMPG, Wieden + Kennedy, McKinsey & Co, Credit Suisse. I also have experience in GCSE and A levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailor made classes based on you needs and interests. Communicative approach where you learn by doing things with the target language.Dynamic and fun!!

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Personal Description:
I work as a Solicitor. I have been working for 20 years. I have been tutoring for the past 10 years and it is something I enjoy immensely.

I am able to obtain all exam papers and mark schemes, in order to help the students.

I am very patient with my students and can keep a calm temperament. I will assist my students in any way possible, in order for them to reach their maximum potential.

As a person, I am very approachable and like-able. This is also my approach as a tutor as I aim to make my students feel comfortable. All the students I have taught have provided me with positive feedback, as they have enjoyed sessions and feel they can relate to my style of teaching.

I am also able to provide sessions in order to assist with coursework deadlines etc and general English speaking and writing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring for 7 years, with a wide-range of students, from GSCE to Degree level. In addition to this, I have continued tutoring my younger brother, who has now completed his LLB and he further provides me with constructive feedback and the up-to date course material.

I have taught around 40 students, with varying abilities levels, although I have succeeded in helping them improve.

Tutoring Approach:
I take tutoring very seriously and approach each student on their own merits. I am recently qualified I'm my area for work, therefore my approach to teaching is relatively up-to date and contemporary. My recollection of School confirms that the classes in which I excelled, were the ones where the teacher would take an active-role in class. I have incorporated this into my teaching method. I have an individualised teaching approach and adapt my style to the student's needs.

If any students require one-off sessions, for help with coursework or exams, I am able to provide this.
With the exam period forthcoming, I have experience in going through exam techniques and revision methods.

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Personal Description:
I am 54 years old, I am married with four children. I have a degree ( Joint Honours, 2.1 in Agriculture with Agricultural Economics) and a Cert Ed. I am a member of the Institute for Learning. I have taught a wide range of subjects over 28 years and am able to coach you to success whether you are looking for science, geography, Excel spreadsheets, English as a Foreign Language or even French and German ( I worked in both countries when I was younger)

Teaching Experience:
I can help you prepare for exams in Geography, Biology, Ecology, French and German. I have taught English as a Foreign Language over many years. I can also help you with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, particularly for Business. I am a patient, enthusiastic and committed teacher with 28 years experience particularly with post 16 and adult education. I have taught agriculture and related topics over that time, and very much enjoyed diversifying my teaching portfolio as new courses arose at the college. I have taught a range of biology and geography related topics, including plant and soil science, crop science, crop production, livestock production, environmental issues, ecology, woodland management. In business I have helped many people develop diverse enterprises, preparing carefully costed cash flow projections. I very much enjoy seeing people develop confidence with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which are an invaluable tool.

Tutoring Approach:
I am convinced that one-to-one tuition is by far the most efficient way in which a person can progress and gain confidence. Often someone can grasp a topic in 5 minutes of one-to-one that would have taken 2 hours to cover with a larger group. Once you are confident with a topic, we move on rapidly to the next one. A current A level tutee of mine told his father "I learnt more in that 2 hour session than I have all term at school" and his headteacher wrote to congratulate him on his improved grades. (The reason for this is not that his teacher is bad, far from it, but a tutor can give you personal one-to-one attention, concentrating on the bits you need) I always ensure that the learners are confident with each step before progressing further.

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about language learning and believe that languages contribute to intercultural understanding.

​"A different language is a different vision of life." - Federico Fellini, Italian film director​​

I am a qualified teacher and native German speaker from North Rhine-Westphalia, the central western part of Germany, and I relocated to England in 1991. I have been teaching German and English as a Foreign Language (IELTS) for the past 17 years in a range of educational settings (Primary, Secondary, Further and Higher Education) and online. Therefore I have been teaching students from a wide variety of backgrounds either for exam preparation, leisure or business.

I am a member of the Tutor's Association (MTA), Society for Education and Training (SET) and have Enhanced DBS Clearance (2021).

Because I am passionate about language learning I am currently studying Italian and can relate to the challenges of language learning!

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience in teaching German and English as a Foreign Language (IELTS) with all my students achieving their set targets and 100% satisfaction. I cover all exam boards and levels. All sessions are tailor made to match the individual or group level. I cover the following exam strategies:

GCSE German:
• to revise key topics
• to extend your range of vocabulary
• to improve accuracy through grammar
• to develop confidence in speaking
• to create an idea bank for speaking and writing topics
• to tackle translations
• to practise mock exams in real time

A-level German:
• to acquire a diverse vocabulary and culturally appropriate idiomatic expressions
• to create language use (as opposed to memorised expressions)
• to improve translations through language concepts
• to gain a better understanding of essay writing
• to increase language fluency
• to practise mock exams in real time

IELTS test taking:
• to develop a broad vocabulary
• to obtain a good understanding of the English grammar
• to gain confidence in speaking
• to discover your unique approach to the Reading section
• to create an idea bank for Writing section 2
• to acquire language accuracy
• to increase speed in answering questions

Home education: German
Enriched learning: meaningful - personalised - flexible
Over the past years I have taken on more home educated students from around the world providing either exam support, a full curriculum or just short language experience courses. Working with my students has been very rewarding and enjoyable. I tailor my sessions to my students' interests and needs to promote confidence and uniqueness.

Tutoring Approach:
Your level - my approach - your success!

Effective planning on my part will determine your success in German or English as a Foreign Language at your pace. I pride myself in being patient, committed and enthusiastic enabling you to develop confidence in all four language skills (reading, writing listening and speaking) based on individual needs, learning styles and continuous progress.

Passing any exam can be stressful but you will be well prepared! We will focus on exam-style or past paper questions in order to check, practise and perfect your understanding and techniques. We will focus on relevant study skills necessary to pass the exam. Where appropriate I set and mark work, provide detailed feedback so that you can improve quickly!

I am hoping for you to actively participate during lessons, ask questions develop your skills and for you to have fun! Being successful in a language demands dedication and perseverance but most importantly the willingness to try out new things.

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Personal Description:
My background is in languages and performing arts. I began studying
English at age 8, French at 13, German at 15, and have been
self-taught in Spanish since age 10. I come from a family with a
long tradition in teaching and have always been encouraged to study
and learn, while at the same time inheriting and developing a strong
capacity to explain, train, and encourage.

Teaching Experience:
Since graduating from my Master's course in 2011 I have been working
as a self-employed language tutor in and around London and have
always received more than positive feedback from my clients. My
tutees' ages range from four to seventy-four and I constantly
endeavour to improve myself and adapt my teaching method to my
clients' needs.

Some client reviews:

David
21/03/2020
5/5 Rating

"I`ve been doing Romanian with Maria for a few months now,
initially face to face and now via Skype. I enjoy my lessons
a great. Maria has excellent teaching skills, prepares well for
the class, and provides me with good feedback. Aside from that,
the lessons are fun and I look forward to them. Would definitely
recommend."

Toni
20/09/2018
5/5 Rating

"Only had 3 lessons but I`m loving the way Maria breaks everything
down and explains it. She fills me with confidence by focusing on
the positive from the lessons. Thank you for everything so far :)"

John
14/05/2018
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor, already 2 lessons in and I am picking
up the basics quickly!"

Rebecca
01/04/2018
5/5 Rating

"Prompt, organised, professional and a great teacher!"

Arshad
22/02/2018
5/5 Rating

"Very professional tutor
Highly recommended"

Otis
26/12/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very knowledgeable and her
lessons are always well structured and enjoyable. She has a genuine
passion for languages which is evident in her thorough preparation
for each lesson. I would recommend Maria."

Polly
24/10/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria has been great so far!!!"

Tracey
22/05/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very punctual and happy to be
flexible with the times we can meet. She is very patience and her
explanations are concise and clear. I would have no hesitation in
reommending her."

Mihaela
14/11/2016
5/5 Rating

"Maria is a very punctual and organised tutor and my daughter is
making good progress. She is friendly and supportive and I would
definitely recommend her."

Phillip
31/03/2016
5/5 Rating

"Absolute great tutor, who was professional, personable and patient!
Highly recommended."

Evita
05/11/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is teaching German to me and my 7-year old daughter both had
no previous knowledge and I can suggest her as fast progressing
learning teacher. She is strict and well prepared. It`s been a
pleasure working with her."

Luke
23/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"Amazing tutor, highly professional and well qualified! worth her
weight in gold!"

Spiros
07/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"I THE LIKE THE WAY MARIA GOES THROUGH THE LESSON, AND SHE EXPLAINS
EVERYTHING, ALSO SHE IS ALWAYS ON TIME AND FLEXIBLE WITH THE HOURS
SHE DOES.
VERY PLEASED, THANK YOU."

James
20/07/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is efficient, focused and hardworking. My 14 year old
daughter enjoys her lessons with Maria."

Teresa
10/02/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria tutors my daughter and me together in French. Maria is
extremely patient and we are enjoying her lessons. She is really
helping us."

Deborah
12/09/2016
5/5 Rating

"Very patient with lots of energy! Really good with my 6 and 7 year
old girls learning German."

Tutoring Approach:
Although I learned all my foreign languages through a rigorous method very much based on writing and grammar, I am happy to adapt my method to my pupil's needs. Personally, I believe that conversation is the key to becoming fluent in a language, but at the same time I do not neglect the importance of writing and reading comprehension. I therefore aim to split my lessons as evenly as possible between speaking, reading, listening comprehension, and writing assignments.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional in my 30s with degrees in English & Italian Literature (BA 2:1, Warwick 2000) and the History of Medicine & Science (MA Merit, Birkbeck College, University of London). I also hold a CELTA qualification in teaching English Language to adults.

I am a friendly and open teacher and get on very well with my students. I have a car and will travel.

Proof-editing: contact for rates.

In addition to teaching I also offer a proof-reading service so for university essays / research proposals / writing projects, please do contact me for rates.

Teaching Experience:
I have spent the past three years in Germany teaching English as a foreign language to university students and business professionals. I am CELTA qualified and have a flexible approach, adapting my style to suit my students' needs. One to one teaching was my preferred method. l

Before I went to Germany in 2014, I had been a English and History tutor for ten years.

Please note that I am not a PGCE-qualified teacher. My focus is on the required skills rather than the syllabus as set by the school. This method has proved very effective time and time again.

I hold a German CRB, in due time I will replace this with a UK one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to proof-editing / English checking is to look primarily at the language. For some clients - university students in particular - it is not appropriate to offer an editorial service as this goes against the rules of university submissions. However, where I think a mistake has been made or something is not clearly expressed - and it is not a simple matter of correcting the language - then I will flag it up to the student so they can look at it again.

My main aim with my tutees is to build their confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. To this end I concentrate on teaching the skills they require to achieve the grades they want. My role is not to replace the teaching they get at school but to compliment it so a tutoring session could concentrate on planning an essay the student has been asked to write or going through specific areas the student needs help with. I won't necessarily give homework - unless required - as I feel students have enough to do without me adding to their workload.

In return I expect my students to engage with the sessions. They don't have to like the subject and of course I'm there to help those who don't understand some things or just need a little help or encouragement, but the student must be prepared to be tutored.

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Personal Description:
I am a retired police officer who has retrained as an EFL teacher. My main interests are my rescue dog, swimming, music, reading, cinema, concerts and travel. As a person I am empathic, patient and kind. I am interested in current affairs both in the UK and worldwide.

Teaching Experience:
During my career I spent 5 years teaching IT in industry. As a police officer I spent 7 years in the Training Department teaching IT as well as Communications Skills, First Aid, Law and Force Policy.

Since retiring I have passed a CELTA course and have taught English in Vietnam for 3 months and Mexico for 4 months as well as a short contract in a high school in Austria. In the UK I have taught at a residential Easter School and two residential Summer Schools, teaching children and adults of all ages and from beginner to advanced level. During 2021 I volunteered teaching online for my previous employer in Vietnam as they were in lockdown for a considerable time and value having a native English speaker working with them.

Tutoring Approach:
I apply to tutoring the same skills that I have used during my extensive time as a trainer - I motivate by encouragement, patience and praise, and use a teaching approach that will suit the learning style of my student. I also enforce strict deadlines and standards in order to maximise the learner's gain from the teaching time and to ensure that they use their study time wisely and efficiently. My attitude towards learners is that the only silly question is the one which they want to ask but don't, and that if they do not understand something then it requires me to explain it in a different way. I believe that if a learner enjoys their study they will gain a lot more from it, so endeavour to make lessons and tasks interesting and relevant.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic, patient teacher, with a love of the English language, I teach English as a Foreign Language as well as English for exams. I have travelled extensively and have had a varied career.

Teaching Experience:
I taught around other jobs for over five years until I concentrated on teaching full time in 2014. I have taught all ages from 7 to 70 and lots of different nationalities including French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Indian. I teach all levels from beginner to advanced including business English. I have taught exam preparation for Kent test, GCSE language & literature, IELTS, TOIEC and Cambridge exams, amongst others.

Tutoring Approach:
Student led, I adapt to individual students using the most appropriate method. I begin with a test and needs assessment, identifying areas of focus ensuring lessons are specific and manageable. I cover all elements of the English language ensuring improved ability in all areas.

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Personal Description:
I am an Australian who lived in Spain for 20 years before moving to the UK as a permanent resident.
I studied Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, worked as an artist for several years before deciding on a career in the catering industry.
I worked as a cook/chef for a few years before moving to Madrid, Spain to teach English to students of all ages and work as a part-time tour guide/manager for an English company.
I also do Spanish/English translations and am currently writing online educational material.
I teach online English for a Polish company and offer private tutoring in Spanish, EFL, Creative Writing and Art.

Teaching Experience:
20 years English teacher to native Spanish speakers, online classes to people of all nationalities.
Private tutoring in Spanish to all ages and arts and crafts to 3-12 year olds..

Tutoring Approach:
My classes are catered to the students' needs. I tend to prefer teaching young children with a more dynamic, creative and hands-on approach, incorporating various mediums such as art and crafts, story writing, plays and puppetry and simple film making.
However, if the student requires help with homework or exam preparation, then the classes are catered to those needs.
I am friendly and accessible and kids seem to respond well to my teaching techniques. :)

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Personal Description:
I am British, and living in Hampshire. I am a qualified secondary school teacher in the UK (QTS, PGCE), and have taught Mandarin Chinese full-time in both the state and private sectors in the UK, at two schools leading the country in their Mandarin provision. I have passed the highest level exams in Mandarin Chinese (HSK level 6, and Advanced Speaking HSKK), and have lived in China for six years. I have just completed a Master's degree in the field of applied linguistics.

My Education background is as follows.

2016-2017: University of Southampton
- MA English Language Teaching.
- Specialism in motivation in online learning.
- Distinction level pass anticipated. To receive certificate in November 2017.

2014-2015: CfBT; University of Hull
- QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), with PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate of Education).

2002 - 2005: University of Durham
- First class honours degree: Politics BA.

1992 - 2002: Portsmouth Grammar School
- A levels: French A, Spanish A, Politics A, History A,
- GCSEs: 6 A*s. 3 As.

Teaching Experience:
2017 - 2020: LSI Portsmouth English Teacher
- Taught Exam preparation courses (IELTS, CPE) to foreign students.

2015 - 2016: Whitgift School Mandarin Teacher.
- Taught Mandarin and French to secondary school students aged 11 to 15 at one of the top schools in the UK.
- Offered a permanent contract at the school.

2014 - 2015: Bohunt School Trainee Mandarin Teacher (School Direct Salaried).
- Learned from Outstanding teacher at 2014 TES School Awards Overall
School of the Year.
- Taught Mandarin and French to secondary school students aged 11 to 13.

2010 - 2014: Guilin University of Electronic Technology (Guilin, China). TEFL English Teacher.
- Taught English to Undergraduate students majoring in Teaching Chinese as a Second Language.
- Prepared students for the IELTS examination.

2008 - 2010: Caterpillar Inc (UK). Purchasing Specialist (Graduate Trainee)

2007 - 2008: New Dynamic Institute (Chengdu, China). TEFL English teacher.
- Taught small groups of professionals in middle and senior management, both conversational and Business English, in an English training school.

2005 - 2007: Thames School of Languages (Huizhou, China). TEFL English Teacher.
- Taught primary and secondary school students aged 4 to 18 in an English training school.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on my own experience and academic research in the field of second language learning.

- I aim to foster and maintain motivation, through relating all topics directly to my students' everyday lives, experiences and opinions; and through providing instruction which is tailored to students' requirements.
- I aim to make my students feel comfortable through helping them to feel relaxed and providing as much linguistic support as is needed.
- I aim to increase my students' linguistic knowledge through using resources which are at a level just slightly beyond the student's current level, so that they are comfortable, but challenged.
- I am to promote skills development through developing comprehension skills (reading and listening), but also productive skills (speaking and writing).

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Personal Description:
Привет! Hello! My name is Nailia. I am a native Russian speaker as well as a passionate language tutor. Since 2009, I have been teaching English, French and Russian to students of all ages (0+) and abilities. As part of tutoring, I successfully prepared candidates for Russian State exam in English. More recently in 2016, I have been working as a French teacher in one of the top 5 schools in Moscow. Learning Russian might be challenging as the pronunciation is different and reading Cyrillic takes time to get used to, yet it opens a whole new world to you and I can't wait to help you explore it!

Teaching Experience:
Having gained 13 years of teaching experience, I am able to adapt and be flexible to students with different abilities providing them with material most suited to their level. I am able to accommodate different needs from helping pupils study for specific exams to educating children whose parents wish for them to become familiar with languages at an early stage as well as adults who simply want to explore a new language!

Tutoring Approach:
The first lesson is vital for understanding the student's needs and determine their ability. This is normally done by tests, speaking or engaging games - depending on age. Afterwards, I like to go straight into the teaching process bearing in mind the student's and parent's request. I use different course books throughout the lesson.

Depending on the language level, I may suggest reading, watching films or listening to music to get the grips with understanding the language as well as some grammar exercises to consolidate the knowledge. The learning is very friendly and authentic but still includes tests to obtain results wanted.

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Personal Description:
I am an english foreign language teacher and have been working for 2 years in the industry. I enjoy travelling and experiencing different cultures. I teach online because I am travelling at the moment.
My previous work experience is related to business, law and finance.

Teaching Experience:
Two years of teaching english as a foreign language.
10 years of working in the finance and insurance industry during this time i have trained and developed staff as part of my role.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a friendly and relaxed approach to teaching. I can develop materials around you and if you have a specific subject in mind or one which relates to your studies I can create a lesson plan to help you in this area.
If you are looking to improve your english language skills in order to advance your career or pass a university exam or a citizenship test I will help you to achieve your goals.

Lessons can be 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your needs and preference.

I will give you feedback to help you make the most of our lessons together and to improve your grades.
If you are looking to advance in your career and need a tutor to help you improve your speaking skills we can work on that too. If you need help to improve your reading skills my method will show you how to read words and make it easy to pronounce.

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Personal Description:
I'm an enthusiastic and open to new challenges teacher, optimistic, positive, easy-going and happy. I search to make teaching an enjoyable activity opening new horizons for anyone who has decided to study foreign languages as it happened in my life. Speaking languages is a great opportunity to get to know the world around you and the world within yourself.
I fluently speak English, Spanish and Russian. I have extensively travelled to Spain and I have also worked with Spanish and South American companies. In my position of a freelance interpreter for Prestige Network I performed verbal interpretation from and to English, Spanish and Russian.
In my free time I like reading, travelling and taking pictures. I completed a course in photography in the Regional Culture and Art College in Saint-Petersburg.

Teaching Experience:
I received my higher education in the Russian State Pedagogical University named after Alexander Herzen at the Faculty of Foreign Languages, one of the best linguistic faculties of the country. I studied at the department of Spanish language and continued my studies of English as a second language.
After graduation I worked as the office manager and interpreter and acquired communicative and organizational skills in what concerned the functioning of an office, discussing everyday matters with the staff, calling customers.
I studied a course in teaching Spanish in the summer courses for foreign teachers organised by the University of Zaragoza.
I started my teaching career in 2002 giving individual lessons. It helped me to receive experience in lesson planning, providing didactic materials, developing communicative skills of students and attending to their interests and requirements.
I completed a PGCE course at University of Winchester and worked as a School Direct trainee teacher at Westgate School in Winchester from September 2021 until June 2022. I taught Spanish and French in years 7-11, planning and delivering lessons, carrying out assessment and marking, preparing pupils for their GCSE examinations.
As a tutor, I helped students to prepare for their A Level examinations which enabled them to receive highest marks.

Tutoring Approach:
I give individual and group lessons according to the requirements of my students. The duration may vary from 1 to 3 hours, where I combine conversational practice with grammar, I usually include all aspects of language learning such as listening, speaking, reading and writing. My principal aim is to achieve effective communication in the language I teach. I stick to the principle: learning is fun. There should not be any boredom in the classroom. Every lesson is supposed to be enjoyable and provide more resources for the motivation of the students and me as a teacher. I have mastered certain techniques necessary for teaching online. I have made myself familiar with a broad range of online resources and electronic educational material. I am open to suggestions and flexible in my schedule. I am also very patient and understanding. Learning foreign languages is a challenging, laborious process which with some dedication can become very rewarding and I am proud to contribute to it.

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Personal Description:
I am a teacher, novelist, and musician from Scotland. I have tutored for many years and taught at preparatory schools. I have also taught English abroad (Italy & Brazil).

I enjoy helping students to overcome their difficulties and find ways to enjoy the language and culture.

Lessons at my house or yours.
Online tutoring is a great way to work on your language (rates negotiable).

Teaching Experience:
12 years with First Tutors, from beginners, through Common Entrance, GCSE and A-level to university.
6 years with Greater London Tutorial Agency/Top Tutors
Latin, Ancient Greek & English:
6 years Classics, Mayville High School, Southsea
12 years Classics, Hall Grove, Bagshot.
1 year at Academy School, Hampstead.

Creative Writing: 7 years University of Portsmouth
2 years Islington Summer University.

English as Foreign Language:
1 year St Giles, Sao Paulo, Brazil;
2 years English Academy, Molfetta, Italy, including PET, CAE, CPE, IELTS, TOEFL.

I also teach guitar, bass, piano and Italian.

Tutoring Approach:
Most pupils who come to me have simply lost track or lost confidence.
With careful guidance, it usually doesn't take long to put them back on the right track.

I can help with the building blocks of grammar, presenting it as a puzzle or a game; I can suggest ways to improve vocabulary; and I can point the way through the complexities of translation and syntax. Even working on exam technique can ease anxiety quickly.

I also enjoy enthusing students about classical mythology and literature.

I am happy to teach online as well as in person: with a committed tutee, this can work as well as tuition in person.

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Personal Description:
Hello and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. My name is Dr. Alisdair and I am a part time tutor with with eighteen years experience teaching psychology and research methods & statistics. I am currently the Head of Psychology at one of the top online schools. Developing and enhancing a student's learning experience is something I am passionate about. To achieve this, I employ a patient approach to tutoring, ensuring that students have an enjoyable, challenging and interesting experience. My teaching style relies on honesty, dedication and transparency. I aim to offer you a bespoke tutoring service that meets your requirements, be it face to face, or via online technology.

Studying and tutoring for many years has given me experience in realising the pressures that students face, and I'm able to use my awareness and knowledge to motivate learners. I have a real appreciation for how people learn and are able to adapt my teaching to different learning styles. I try to make lessons informative and fun, ensuring that the student takes an active part in the lesson. I feel my academic experience has given me the necessary skills to help students reach their full academic ability.

Teaching Experience:
One of my subjects of expertise is psychology. Having studied, researched and taught/tutored psychology to numerous students, I am well placed to help you with assignments, exams and general course content in all areas of the subject, including; cognitive, social, developmental, research methods and more. Whether you are studying for a degree or beginning your journey into psychology at GCSE or A-Level, I can help you to get to grips with this fascinating subject.

My other main area of expertise is in research methods/statistics. Since 2006 I have provided support to individuals from a range of backgrounds, including students studying social sciences, life sciences and humanities. My experience extends to helping employees with their data analysis. If you are struggling to interpret your analysis, or need help using SPSS, or if you want to understand more about statistics then please do get in touch.

If you would like support with learning English as a second language (ESL) then I can help you. Please do contact me if you would like to practise speaking or are having difficulty reading and writing in English. I can support you with vocabulary comprehension and word meanings for example.

I have experience in tutoring students with assisted learning needs, including; Asperger syndrome, dyslexia and dyspraxia. My one to one teaching experience extends to the supervision of final year undergraduates and Masters students, therefore I have coherently supported and guided students through empirical projects, improving skills such as literature search & review, analysis and scientific writing.

Qualifications:
My first degree was in psychology (BSc Hons). I then went on to complete a Masters (MRes) in psychological methods, followed by a PhD in psychology/cognitive neuroscience. I also obtained a 'Teach English as a foreign language' (TEFL) certificate.

Awards:
Excellence in Teaching - Awarded by Bournemouth University in 2013.

Feedback:
Below are some examples of student and parent feedback that I have received across various sites:

Lisa (Lily) 5/5
Alisdair was an amazing Tutor for my daughter. Her A Level tutor went on sick leave the term before her A Level exam, and after an initial couple of one to one meetings, we settled upon a series of Skype tutorials which were brilliant. Alisdair would send key exam questions for my daughter to do prior to the Skype tutorial, and she would send them back to him to mark before their tutorial. The system was so engaging and efficient that she went from a grade D in her mock A-Level to a grade A in her actual A-Level exam. Alisdair is flexible, personable and very effective. I would totally recommend his services.

Michelle (Sammy) 5/5
An excellent tutor - patient, kind, encouraging, and well organised with great resources. We used Alisdair`s services both for one to one sessions and online in the run-up to my daughter`s A-levels when she experienced a pre-exam confidence crisis. She found him to be an effective and empathetic tutor, with an obvious enthusiasm for his subject. We really appreciated Alisdair`s experience, which enabled him to work out how best to support my daughter and get her back on track. Alisdair was incredibly helpful, and very flexible in his scheduling of sessions. A`levels are now over, and I am sure that Alisdair`s help made a huge difference. Highly recommended!

Jeremy 5/5
Alisdair helped me with my final major project, both with the statistics, and academic writing. I was very happy to achieve a first for the project and I can`t thank him enough for his help. I learned a lot with his tutoring and improved my understanding of statistics and my academic writing. I now feel more confident going into my Msc next September. He was very fast at responding to my questions and emails and was always very positive and helpful.

Nicki 5/5
I've had the pleasure of knowing Alisdair for over a year, during which time he tutored me with my undergraduate psychology degree. Above all, he has excellent subject knowledge along with the ability to convey complex information in a simple and easy to understand manner. He made light work of SPSS and report writing as well as guiding me to a deeper understanding of psychological concepts. Alisdair's friendly personality immediately put me at ease and he knew the correct level of challenge to ensure that I gained a good grade for my dissertation. I cannot thank him enough! He is a truly talented tutor - smart, efficient, professional, and comes with my heartfelt recommendation.

Mark 5/5
Alisdair is an exceedingly knowledgeable, friendly and patient tutor who responds promptly and with amazing clarity on even the most complicated of SPSS issues. He has a great understanding of the planning and organisational problems associated with dyspraxia, and was of enormous help to my son during his MSc project, keeping him calm and giving advice where needed. I only wish we had discovered him earlier! My son has achieved a Distinction at Masters level, and without Alisdair's reassuring and friendly discussions I don't think he would have managed to even finish his project. I would recommend Alisdair highly as a tutor.

Maha 5/5
The best tutor ever, he makes everything so clear and he trying his best to make sure I understood what we had in the session and clearly he is so kind as person and tutor!

Tutoring Approach:
Other services:
If you require help with developing your study skills, including; revision techniques, essay planning, critical thinking and more, then I can help you to hone your study skills set. In addition, feel free to contact me if you would like your work to be proofread. I will check your document to ensure the spelling and grammar is watertight. If you need me to, I can provide you with comments using track changes with suggestions/edits to improve the quality of the document, for example, the structure, scientific standard and whether you have answered the assignment question. Having published numerous scientific articles, I appreciate and understand the need for precision in the preparation of your work, therefore I'd be happy to help you with things such as APA formatting and preparing a manuscript for publication. Please take a look at the tasks I can help you with below.

Examples of tasks I can help you with:
Understanding concepts/theories/studies
GCSE/A-Level exam technique
GCSE/A-Level homework
Revision techniques
Critical thinking/reading/writing
Essay planning / editing
Report planning / editing / suggestions for improvement
Presentation planning
Dissertation/thesis planning/editing/suggestions for improvement
Preparing manuscripts for publication
Literature search/review
Help with systematic reviews/Meta analysis
Experimental design
Data analysis/selecting appropriate tests/interpretation/reporting analysis
Using SPSS/JASP
Figures and tables
Addressing Reviewer's and Editor's comments
Proofreading
APA formatting / referencing
ESL

Other details:
I also offer tuition via Skype, Zoom and e-mail for those students who do not want to meet in person, or live far away. Therefore I can fully explain any concepts, ideas or subject content that you need help with, and give verbal and written help with assignments and exam prep online.
A-Level exam boards I have tutored students on include; AQA, OCR and CIE. I have many resources, including; mind-maps, evaluation sheets, research study summaries, past exam papers, quizzes and more.
Please enquire directly to me about availability, do not go by tutoring website calendars.
Lessons cancelled less than 12 hours before the scheduled start time will incur a 50% charge, as will no-shows.
Student/parents will be asked to cover travel expenses/time for travel costs if lessons are to take place at the student's home or public place. It is £5 if you need me to travel up to 8 miles away, then 50p for any additional mile over that.
Group sessions (up to 3 students) can be arranged also, please enquire.

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Personal Description:
I am a 57 year old lady, born in England and I have a passion for teaching English as a Foreign Language.
I originally qualified as a nurse and spent many years working within the NHS before moving to Malta in 2014 and completing my TELT and TEFL qualifications.
I really enjoy working with students from different backgrounds and cultures and get tremendous pleasure from helping them and supporting them to achieve their goals.
My husband and I have recently moved back to the UK to be closer to our family, but I still feel that I have so much to offer to all age groups who want to learn English as a Foreign Language.

Teaching Experience:
After I qualified in 2016,I worked at an English Language School on Gozo, Malta and I originally started teaching small groups of students at an elementary level. My lessons included all aspects of English.For example, grammar, vocabulary, speaking, writing, listening, spelling and pronunciation and I taught all age groups from the ages of 5 years of age to 80 years of age.
After teaching one particular student on a one to one basis for a number of months, I soon realised that I really enjoyed this method of teaching as opposed to teaching groups of students, as my lessons could be tailor made to suit the individual's needs.
As a result of my Nursing background, I also found myself teaching English to Paramedics, Medical Students and Midwives which I thoroughly enjoyed as I could combine both my medical knowledge with my knowledge of the English language.
I built a particularly good, professional relationship with one student who, once she had left school and returned to her native country, we continued to have Skype lessons in pure, conversational English.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that each student has individual needs, strengths and weaknesses and these should be discussed openly at the initial meeting in order for lessons and their content to be planned according to the student's requirements.
The relationship between Teacher and Student should be relaxed and both should feel comfortable to express their feelings as regards to lessons and progress etc freely to each other.
I also feel that both Teacher and Student should set realistic learning goals together, with regular assessment and re-evaluation from both parties.
Most importantly, both Teacher and Student should enjoy their lessons together, which I feel is the best environment in which to learn.

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Personal Description:
Travelling, I have visited many countries around the world, I also love musical theatre ( both local and West End) attending gigs and live tribute acts, dance lessons, reading, and walking my dog along the beautiful Dorset coastline

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a teacher for the past nine years after completing my PGCE at Roehampton University in 2011.
Even though my main experience is in Early Years, since January 2018 I have worked as a Supply Teacher and have taught every year group up to year 6. Prior to becoming a teacher, I worked for four years as a Senior Teaching Assistant, spending two years in Nursery and two years in Reception. This school-based experience also inspired me to pursue a career in teaching, especially my passion for working in Early Years.
Due to my experience, I have a secure knowledge and understanding of the EYFS curriculum. I have taught 'jolly phonics'. which is the foundation for recognising and understanding each phoneme and is essential in children beginning to learn to read and write simple sentences and basic punctuation. I have taught maths which involved number recognition and introducing counting, shape, colour, weight, height, sorting, and considering 'more' and 'less' up to 20 I have also taught PE, IT, topic subjects, and guided reading. I have also worked as an EYFS teacher in a pre-school where I was also a key worker to 11 children of pre-school age, so I have up to date knowledge of teaching in a nursey setting. I have high expectations for my pupils and set clear objectives based on individual targets, so momentum and challenge are maintained. I am always mindful of differentiating my planning and teaching to cater for every child's ability, learning needs and styles of learning. This is because I have the experience of teaching children with a wide range of differing needs. I am also acutely aware of how Covid 19 has interrupted essential progress and delayed learners important development, and how this unwelcome change in their educational routine has impacted on a child's self esteem and ability to learn in a familiar and happy environment.
I consider one of my strengths to be the excellent relationships I have developed with my pupils, with whom I form positive and productive relationships, promoting a nurturing environment where Early Years children can feel safe and happy and therefore facilitate learning. I am also a strong believer that children learn when they are enjoying themselves so lots of singing and fun is essential. Young children engage with audio visual so these are included within the lesson to stimulate and maintain interest.
During lockdown I also gained my TEFL qualification so am able to give conversation classes to students who are looking to improve their English language skills

In conclusion, I believe every child matters and each child is entitled to the best so they can reach their full academic potential.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an experienced KS1 teacher, who specialises in Early Years. I recognise that fostering self-esteem in a nurturing,safe setting is fundamental in children becoming confident, happy, successful independent learners and young adults. My approach is to assess each individual to establish their specific learning requirements , which will inform future bespoke planning. Each child is unique and will therefore require their own personal learning journey. I am happy to work at a slower pace, to reinforce and consolidate learning or work in depth to push more able children. I have earned the trust and respect of parents and colleagues in all my roles by my empathetic, approachable and conscientious approach to all that I do.

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