What is your teaching philosophy?

Each class is designed according to the needs of the student. I value a relaxed atmosphere and serious methods. My classes are interactive and diverse: I always use different resources as material (radio, newspaper article, etc.), and put an emphasis on oral expression.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

I would first evaluate his/her level by chatting and asking a few questions. And of course I would ask what his/her needs, interests and expectations are.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I would give the student some tips to practice the language (where to find accessible resources in French and German for instance), and most importantly increase his/her interest to make learning an enjoyable experience.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

I would vary the resources, find class materials that meet his/her interest (music, film, etc.). I would pay attention to a relaxed class atmosphere and don't discourage the student.

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

I would try different ways to explain it (put it into context, find examples), and if it doesn't work, don't insist too much; work on something else and try again later.

How do you help students who are struggling with reading comprehension?

I would find out why exactly they are struggling (lack of vocabulary, no understanding of specific turn of phrase or grammar point), and work on this aspect.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

It is very important to first understand the expectations of the students before designing a class (are they working for an exam, for personal reasons, do they want to put emphasis on oral or written expression, etc.). And to learn a foreign language, raising the interest in the country is essential.

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

If a student is struggling with learning a foreign language, I would figure out what his/her personal interests are (music, sport, etc.), and find class material related to the language learned that meets these interests. I would always design the classes in a playful way.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

First of all, I would use material adapted to the level of the students. And I would engage a discussion to see what the students understands from it.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

I increase the difficulty progressively and don't start too high. I often review the progresses and the lessons learned.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

First I would ask an open question to see how the student evaluates himself/herself. Then I would start with a conversation or a simple exercise and notice (for myself) the recurring difficulties we will need to work on in the future.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

Depending on the student's needs, I would put the emphasis more on oral or on written expression and comprehension. I would use different class materials and more or less traditional or playful methods. Of course the material varies also according to the age of the student.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

Materials can include a newspaper article, an extract of a TV or radio show, an extract from a novel, lessons and exercises from different learning books…