Expert knowledge about language learning and teaching
The aspect that separates me from most other (classroom) language teachers or tutors is that I do not only have more than a decade of teaching experience in various settings and at the top of my profession, but I also have expert knowledge about how languages are learned and how to teach them best.
I acquired this knowledge as a student in the USA where I studied for an MA in German with a focus on applied linguistics and second language acquisition and I have been studying the research and making use of its findings since then.
The advantage of such knowledge is that I do not have to rely solely on my own hypotheses and experience on how to teach a certain aspect of a foreign language, e.g. grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, listening, writing or culture, but instead I can draw from an endless reservoir of scientific findings that have proven to be effective in practice. Whichever problem or difficulty arises, a solution that works can be found in the research. This way, language learning can be optimised to achieve the best results for each individual learner.
These skills are particularly useful in 1-2-1 teaching settings as it is possible for me to break down the language learning process of an individual, analyse their strengths and weaknesses and make detailed suggestions on how to improve. This can happen at any level in the language learning process from a beginner to an advanced learner.
The proof of the effectiveness of such knowledge can be found in my students and their results. All of them have not only made considerable improvements in their language skills but also enjoyed the language learning process, no matter if they were in a class of 25 or received 1-2-1 tuition. This also holds true in preparing students successfully for EFL and German language exams where all my students have achieved or exceeded their target scores.
I acquired this knowledge as a student in the USA where I studied for an MA in German with a focus on applied linguistics and second language acquisition and I have been studying the research and making use of its findings since then.
The advantage of such knowledge is that I do not have to rely solely on my own hypotheses and experience on how to teach a certain aspect of a foreign language, e.g. grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, listening, writing or culture, but instead I can draw from an endless reservoir of scientific findings that have proven to be effective in practice. Whichever problem or difficulty arises, a solution that works can be found in the research. This way, language learning can be optimised to achieve the best results for each individual learner.
These skills are particularly useful in 1-2-1 teaching settings as it is possible for me to break down the language learning process of an individual, analyse their strengths and weaknesses and make detailed suggestions on how to improve. This can happen at any level in the language learning process from a beginner to an advanced learner.
The proof of the effectiveness of such knowledge can be found in my students and their results. All of them have not only made considerable improvements in their language skills but also enjoyed the language learning process, no matter if they were in a class of 25 or received 1-2-1 tuition. This also holds true in preparing students successfully for EFL and German language exams where all my students have achieved or exceeded their target scores.
Applied Positive Psychology
Positive Psychology is the science which focuses on well-being, happiness, flow, personal strength, wisdom, creativity and imagination (Hefferon & Boniwell, 2011).
Since the beginning of my teaching career, I have implemented various aspects of positive psychology as my experience has shown that this will lead to improved learning and assist learners to achieve better results. But it does more than that, as not only do my students enjoy their language learning process, but they are also helped to become more confident in themselves and their abilities, especially secondary school students.
I use the theoretical knowledge about positive psychology and apply it in my daily teaching. Furthermore, I developed several teaching modules on positive psychology that I used successfully to strengthen students' self-confidence and improve their positive outlook on life by teaching them the scientific knowledge behind happiness & flow and success & failure.
Since the beginning of my teaching career, I have implemented various aspects of positive psychology as my experience has shown that this will lead to improved learning and assist learners to achieve better results. But it does more than that, as not only do my students enjoy their language learning process, but they are also helped to become more confident in themselves and their abilities, especially secondary school students.
I use the theoretical knowledge about positive psychology and apply it in my daily teaching. Furthermore, I developed several teaching modules on positive psychology that I used successfully to strengthen students' self-confidence and improve their positive outlook on life by teaching them the scientific knowledge behind happiness & flow and success & failure.