Lockerbie Italian Tutors and Lockerbie Italian Tuition

Personal Description:
I have a Doctorate in Languages and Literatures from La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy and an MSc in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from RGU.

I love teaching and using my communication and interpersonal skills with people of any age, nationality and background.
I enjoy helping students achieve proficiency in the languages I teach, help them become confident communicators in writing, listening and speaking whether is for work, study or leisure.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching to people of various ages and backgrounds since 2009 at Aberdeen College, language schools (Aberdeen Courses) and as a freelancer.
I have experience in teaching students from schools, professionals from oil and gas organisations, and other sectors.
I have helped school pupils of various ages and levels in achieving high marks in exams such as National 5, GCSE and Highers.

I also have experience in preparing for language exams and University essay writing on various authors.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is based on the student's requirements and needs whether is for business, leisure or study.
Grammar, reading, writing exercises and developing listening and expressive skills are all at the core of my approach.
These skills are taught depending on the level and nature of the classes (business, academic or casual learning).
I am aware of all the difficulties of learning a foreign language, therefore I make sure that the students not only have an effective class but also an enjoyable time.
I make use of grammar books, exercises, audios, conversational topics, newspapers, magazines, games and more!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced language tutor with excellent proficiency (oral/ written) in 3 languages.

I am an experienced tutor in teaching French (up to GCSE and IGCSE, A'Level and International Baccalaureate and beyond). I also teach German and Italian up to GCSE/IGCSE level.

I also teach conversation and practical French for adults looking to use the language for holidays/buying/maintaining properties in France as well as business French or just for general use

Have valid CRB disclosure

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for the last 10 years at all levels and have consistantly produced good results in my students at A' Level/IB as well as GCSE/IGCSE.

I am fully conversant with all Exam Boards and GCSE/IGCSE/A'LEVEL/IB etc. syllabuses

I have also taught French to adults at all levels for example who have just wanted to be able to converse comfortably while on holiday, use French to purchase a house in France. I have taught those who want to learn from scratch as well as those who are already at a reasonable level and want to improve their oral and writing skills for business or pleasure

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is firstly to assess closely where the gaps in my pupil's knowledge are and then build on closing them through grammar and vocabulary. I therefore give my students the building blocks to construct their own sentences in writing and speech.

I will work with them sometimes using their own text books but also I provide my own material to make the lessons more interesting. I will use games/quizzes as well as focussing on past papers and oral exams to help them gain confidence in the language.

I engage well with all my pupils and they always enjoy their lessons with me so that their time with me does not feel like just another extension of school

My conversation lessons with adults are always fast-paced and fun and my pupils widen their vocabulary and gain confidence in the new language very quickly

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a teacher of French, Italian and Spanish in St Ninian's High School, within East Renfrewshire. I graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a joint Honours degree in French and Italian (language and studies). I also have a Masters in Marketing which I also obtained from the University of Strathclyde. I spent a year abroad in Lyon, France, during my fourth year of university, where I worked as an English Language Assistant in two high schools. I am extremely patient and understanding and have extensive experience tutoring both young children and teenagers, in all three languages, as well as helping with reading and literacy skills. I am passionate about working with and helping others and find it to be a most rewarding experience and I would love to pass on my knowledge and skills, in my specialist subjects, in order to help develop the skills of the tutees I will be working with. I am a very driven, confident and enthusiastic individual and I give 100% to everything I am involved with, and I am passionate about achieving results and helping others to do so also.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified French & Italian teacher in secondary education with 13 years experience delivering BGE, National and Higher courses. During my fourth year of University, I worked in two high schools in Lyon, France as an English language assistant, teaching children, teenagers and young adults, from the age of nine to twenty three. I was responsible for helping them with all aspects of the language, and developing their reading, writing, listening and verbal skills by preparing and working on a number of different activities. I also taught them about British culture, history and lifestyles so as to help develop their knowledge of Britain, particularly Scotland, in general. I ensured that I worked differently with different individuals, depending on their style of learning and I took a different approach accordingly. I aimed to make my style of teaching both informative and fun so that they enjoyed learning and I believe this is something I am always successful in as many tutees I have worked with have commented on my positive and helpful way of teaching.

I have tutored many pupils, both in French and Italian, with a great focus on exam preparation and the skills that they needed to do well on class tests, with a great success rate.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a different approach to my tutoring depending on the individual I am working with. On my first session with my tutee I will find out the areas that they are experiencing the most difficulty in, and what their strengths and weaknesses are, as this will help me to develop an effective and helpful way of teaching. I prepare various worksheets, practice tests and activities which are interactive and will allow for valuable learning. I will ask the tutee what their preferred way of learning is and look at ways in which they successfully learn in other subjects and try to incorporate this in to my way of teaching. I encourage tutees to ask questions wherever necessary and to state if they wish me to try a different approach. I believe communication is the key to successful learning and I pride myself on my friendly and approachable nature and my ability to achieve results in my tuition. On the whole, I am aware that my way of teaching has to be of benefit to the tutee so I will tailor my approach to suit their wants and needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 35 years old and I have most recently completed the LPC at the University of Law. I have already completed a GDL (Graduate Diploma in Law) at the same university. I also have an undergraduate 2.1 with Honors degree in French and Italian at The University of Manchester. I have spent 6 months in Bologna in Italy, working in a private language school for those wished to learn either Italian or English. I worked as a copywriter for the school website, working in French, Italian and English. I also worked as a conversation tutor to those who wanted to learn English. I lived in Paris for 7 years where I worked at ELLE, the well known women's fashion magazine, where I used solely French as well as a stint at Kantar Health and the majority of my time at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris. I am very down to earth and my biggest passion is football, I enjoy a good movie and love a good comedy. If you feel more comfortable meeting in a neutral place, a coffee place or in the town centre that is fine by me, I can be flexible. I have a clean criminal record and can boast a detention-less education!

Teaching Experience:
I now have teaching experience and I have shadowed those who have done this for a job. I have worked voluntarily in a school teaching beginner's Italian. Having already worked as a conversation tutor in a private school, I feel I would excel in giving private lessons, given the chance.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel every student works at their own pace, however it would not take me long to work out an approach which would realise the full potential of the tutee. I am patient and I can sympathise that learning a new language or topic can be frustrating. I've often found practicing certain exercises to be the most effective way to get over any tricky topic.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello and welcome :-)

I'm Craig and I have been teaching languages for almost 15 years now. I am a relaxed and patient teacher and will be well suited to anyone who needs to learn at their own pace or who needs things explained well and carefully to them.

I am also well qualified for the job with a BA Honours degree with triple distinctions in Spanish, Italian & French as well as Teacher Qualified Status and a CELTA. I have also lived, worked and studied in Spain, Italy, France and Greece.

I have studied a lot of languages myself. I've studied over 30 languages over the years. I have achieved fluency in the languages I teach, but I have also reached a fairly good standard in some other languages or have acquired a basic knowledge of many others. I will use some of the methods I have used to learn these languages to help teach you.

I will help you, step by step, to begin speaking and understanding your chosen language.

I am also DBS (previously CRB) checked for your security.



Here are a few a reviews from my customers:

I thoroughly recommend Craig to everyone as an excellent Spanish tutor. He is kind, patient and commited to his students.
My daughter, who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) had an hour`s lesson every week for eighteen months, after her secondary school was unable to offer Spanish lessons. She achieved an A* grade in her GCSE exam (Review by Kerrie, Sittingbourne)

I thoroughly recommend Craig if you are looking to learn a foreign language. I spent my teenage years completely adamant that a second language was beyond me. German was my weakest subject and I sat at the back of the class applying my make up! I am now working towards conversational Spanish, and after just over 3 months I am able to hold a Facebook messenger conversation with my South American friends! Not only has Craig taught me enough grammar to achieve this, he also anticipates difficulties English speakers may have with certain language constructs and works through those too. I always look forward to my lessons each week, and enjoy doing the practice questions I`m given for homework. (Review by Emma, Chatham)

I am giving my Italian lessons with Craig a 5 star rating. I began my lessons as a complete novice and now feel confident enough to be going on holiday to Italy to stay in a non-English speaking village. Craig is a highly-skilled professional. I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn a language (he speaks and teaches many!) whether a beginner or with some existing knowledge, for holidays, for work or to reinforce their language learning. (Review by Amanda, Maidstone)

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching languages since 2004 and have worked as a full time language tutor since 2010.
I have also taught in language schools in the UK and abroad as well as in public schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very patient and will guide you step by step towards speaking your language of choice. I use a mix of my own course designed by me and materials from other sources such as course books, grammar books and realia.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I have always had a love for languages and would love to instil you with the same enthusiasm. After having lived abroad as part of my degree, I then graduated with a BA Hons Degree Class 2.1 in Modern Languages (German, French and Italian), after which I obtained my Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). After teaching, I also worked for International companies, using my languages extensively by liaising with customers and colleagues overseas and also translating and interpreting. I have always kept my languages fresh by reading foreign literature and keeping in touch with German / French friends. I am mother to 4 children, but even after my children were born, I continued to do some freelance translation. As a mother and as a teacher, I know the importance of patience and how important it is to make learning worthwhile, enjoyable and fun!

Teaching Experience:
After qualifying as a Languages teacher, I have taught German and French in a Comprehensive School to the 11-18 age group. I have tutored teenagers and adults privately in both German and French. I have also provided French classes in one of the International companies I worked for.

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer a learning program which is specifically tailored to suit the individuals needs, whatever the level of knowledge or ability. If required, lessons can be adapted to focus on specific areas such as grammar or conversation practice. My experience in using languages in a business setting also means that I am also well placed to teach lanuages to adults for business purposes. I am a perfectionist and will strive to offer the best tuition possible, by thorough preparation and the use of a variety of learning materials and approaches. If required homework can be set to consolidate knowledge learnt. I want your learning to be productive and engaging. It can open a window into foreign culture and soon you will realise how much fun it is to be able to communicate in another language.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced tutor both face to face and online sessions. I am at present a part time languages teacher. I have been teaching for 15 years in secondary schools and I have 7 years experience of teaching adult education. I specialise in French and have been mainly responsible for GCSE and A level teaching. I am able to help students with set texts and films such as L'étranger, un sac de billes, l'auberge espagnole, No et moi, entre les murs and la Haine they are studying and I can provide extra guidance and help with this aspect of the new A Level course. I have a detailed knowledge of exam criteria for a range of exam boards and I can offer personalised tutoring for all aspects of the course. My teaching style is very engaging and interactive and I adapt my teaching to get the very best out of students. All of my tutees who took their exam in summer 2022 increased their overall grade by at least one grade.
I am able to provide targeted intensive revision sessions in the holidays to boost exam success .

Teaching Experience:
12 years secondary school experience teaching KS 3 French and Geman , KS4 French , KS 5 French and beginners Italian.

5 years experience with a local city council teaching adult French and Italian.

5 years tutoring experience teaching a range of levels.

I currently mark for one of the major exam boards at GCSE level.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor sessions to the needs of students and their learning styles. I aim to create a safe environment for learners where it is ok to make mistakes and try to be creative. I use a range of teaching resources to make lessons varied and engaging.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

---

I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

***

For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

---

Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Giada and I'm a native Italian speaker. Since I love learning new languages, I know what difficulties can be encountered and I can help you with them! Available for writing support, grammar lessons, conversation and more!
I offer classes of Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Maths and Physics.

Teaching Experience:
Italian lessons to foreigners

Tutoring Approach:
Tutor for Maths, Physics, English, French and German at high school level.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified Italian teacher, with 5 years or experience. I also hold a Bachelor`s Degree in Linguistic and Cultural Mediation and a Master`s Degree in Literary Translation.
I immediately decided to start to teach Italian, and moved to London to qualify as a teacher. I obtained the CTLA (Certificate in Language Teaching to Adults) at the Italian Cultural Institute of London, and have been teaching ever since.
I decided to open a website in 2018, to create a platform with online courses for students located anywhere, and with a blog to write about the "hows" and "whats" or share my interactive activities.

Teaching Experience:
5 years of experience here in London, with students of all ages, levels, and cultural background, in person and online

Tutoring Approach:
Through my experience I have realized there is no best approach to teaching, because using different approaches help students according to their different needs.
I encourage my students to be independent learners by building up little by little and in a stress-free situation, similiar to the way one learns a first language as a child, thanks to games, videos and informal conversation.
I prefer interactive activities whenever possible to make my lessons engaging and fun.
In order to help learners, revision and 24/7 support are available.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Modern Foreign Languages teacher and have been working as a secondary school teacher since September 2016.

I am passionate about languages and about language teaching in particular and am a fully qualified secondary school teacher with vast experience in the education system and in the teaching of modern foreign languages. I have also had significant tutoring experience with GCSE and A-Level pupils as well as teaching English to younger pupils in both France and Italy.

Teaching Experience:
I have had experience of language teaching at a secondary school as a fully qualified teacher for the past seven academic years as well as having previous experience teaching English abroad in both France and Italy. I have vast experience teaching KS3, KS4 and KS5 students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am enthusiastic and have a wealth of experience in languages teaching as well as excellent knowledge of the current GCSE and A-level courses. Furthermore, I have strong links with the University of Hull, having worked as a languages ambassador and thus retain my strong links with the university and its languages students and staff in particular.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Maria and I come from Italy. I have always been passionate about foreign languages and I got a Diploma specialising in English, French, German and European Certificates (C1 Advanced level ) in English and French.
I have recently graduated at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama getting my MA in Advanced Theatre Practice, i also got a BA in Drama, Film and Media Studies in Italy.
I am a positive and friendly individual, professional and responsible. I chose becoming a tutor because I really care helping other people and I like sharing my knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Italian, French and English for 4 years assisting students of any nationality and age.

Tutoring Approach:
My classes are friendly and tailored, I try to make my students feel comfortable, enjoying my classes and feeling that they can always have a person to count on.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am passionate about languages and enthusiastic about teaching language. I teach Italian and English as a foreign language to all levels and learning purposes. Before being a teacher I was a student myself and I understand how difficult can be to learn a foreign language. My lessons are tailored according to my students' needs, learning styles and personalities.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher specialised in Modern Languages (PGCE with QTS). I have been teaching and tutoring for several years. I had the opportunity to teach in different contexts, cultures and to different ages and levels. I have taught Italian to individual students and corporate clients with different language requirements and purposes. I have also conducted a preparation course for Italian GCSE and A level exams in schools across London. Previously, I taught English (EFL) to high school students and to primary school teachers in Italy. Courses included preparation for Cambridge English language examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
Some students come to me feeling unconfident and generally struggle to remember grammar rules or vocabulary, some others may not feel confident to express themselves. This is why I ensure my lessons are always motivating and fun!
I use a communicative approach where my students take active part in the lesson through understanding, thinking, eliciting and producing. My role as a teacher is to guide them through their learning process, considering their learning styles and personalities and making sure they always feel comfortable and engaged. Some activities I use include role plays, games and situational activities. Finally, one of my main goals as a teacher is to enable my students to enjoy the
experience of communicating, thinking and reacting in a foreign language.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Since I was a young student, I have been extremely passionate about Italian History, Philology, Culture and Traditions. I'm currently working at Parliamentary Groups of Sicilian Parliament (ARS) where, since 1993, I've been performing a proofreader role of legislative texts.
Considering the nature of my job, I have always had a keen interest in the Italian language, focusing on the linguistic structures in order to perform high skill levels in spoken and written Italian.
I'm also cooperating with various authors as a translator of books.
Membership: - ATI (Associazione Traduttori Italiani- Italian Translators Association)
- Association for Language Learning
- the Society for Italian Studies

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching in Italy for many years foreign students who needed to enhance their language skills for study purposes or professional reasons. (Private Individual lessons) .My lessons are confidential, encouraging my students with practical activities and modifying my training style to suit the needs of everyone. I do believe that the best approach to the Italian Language is by learning from a native teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I prepare my lessons by planning what I will teach my students. I consider the level of the students, their age, the skills I hope they will achieve, and the final goal of the lessons.Interaction is the key to ensure a successful learning process. I can say that through the interaction students increase their skills as their attention is focused on their involvement in a friendly context of learning, curiosity, speaking and listening. I encourage my students to ask questions in class.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a friendly and passionate mother tongue Italian tutor.

Teaching Experience:
I offer tuition for General Italian and support for all ages and stages. During my studies in Italy, I successfully tutored a number of foreign students who were keen to learn Italian to progress with their careers and I achieved excellent results for my students.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly and approachable, I always aim to boost confidence in my students along with targeting the specific needs of each student. I believe in assisting all my students to achieve their maximum potential. I am very flexible and adaptable in my teaching style to meet my students' needs.
In my lessons, I like to include an insight into the Italian way of life and culture which I feel enhances the speaking of Italian as my students can feel the soul of my country.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, I am Claudia and I am from Italy. I moved to London with my family in 2016. Last year in 2020, I earned my CLTA pass to teach Italian at the International House of London. I love studying foreign languages like English and French and I also enjoy sharing my Italian culture with others. I have a degree in Economics. I like to talk with other people and learn about different cultures. I am available to teach various people. Since I am a mum, I am experienced in managing young students, in addition to adults. I am able to teach specific subjects like Economics and Finance, Arts and Design, Fashion, Italian Literature and Cooking. I am currently studying to earn my CIMA BA CERTIFICATE and to improve my level in both English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I taught business italian on teaching online platform
I achieved some experience during my study at International House of London teaching to beginners and intermediates students L2/LS
I am teaching to different kind of student form totally beginner to advanced level. To students or adults.

Tutoring Approach:
My method is set with the student after a chat to know better him and to put him at ease. Usually I tailor each lesson based on the student goals. A mix of grammar, speaking, reading and listening.
My exercises are based on books but not only often they are structured from modern instruments (app, online, journal, tv show etc.). If necessary I prepare scheme for my students and resume about some subjects that student would like to learn.

Subjects

Personal Description:
10 years of teaching experience. (Italian History, Geography Culture and Tourism)
25 publications ( Italian Military History)
IWM London volunteer
Partnerships:
Italian Army and Navy
British Archaeological Reports
After The Battle
Accademy of St. Marciano
Italian Sociery of Military HIstory
National Geographic Channel ( Series Nazi Megastructures)

Teaching Experience:
10 years of teaching experience. (Italian History, Geography Culture and Tourism). High schools, academies, training schools

Tutoring Approach:
professional approach by means of slides, books and notes.
Modern and effective teaching methods

Subjects

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.

Subjects