Elena

My name is Elena and I am considered to be reliable and hard working, friendly and patient. I am capable of establishing a good rapport with my students learning English as a foreign/second language. I think, being a non-native speaker as an English teacher makes it advantageous to avoid the potential pitfalls in the English language learning. My students find me easy to understand and they appreciate the atmosphere in my lessons.

Tutoring Experience

I am a highly-qualified teacher of English as a foreign language, graduated from the Russian university system, with over 25 years of professional experience gained in TEFL both in Russia and the UK.
Prior to migration I participated in two British Council projects (coursebook writing, developing training materials) and became a co-author of a series of English coursebooks for Primary school in Russia,
I worked as a teacher trainer specialising in teaching English as a FL to very young learners,
I am currently teaching adults in a language school in Plymouth,
I have practised one-to-one teaching, including Skype lessons, for a few years.

Tutoring Approach

My approach is based on students needs and aimed at achieving their goals. I always encourage my students to work out rules themselves through eliciting and guided discovery rather than spoon-feeding them. New language is introduced through context of a listening or reading text and then practised in speaking or writing tasks.
My own experience of the language learning and observations made in my classes allow me to give practical advice regarding remembering and organising vocabulary, practising skills and exam preparation. I believe that teaching a language also involves teaching study skills, i.e. learning to learn, which will help a student organise their independent learning more effectively.