Archive for the ‘For Instructors’ Category

Which is better for learning English: private lessons or classes?

Clients often ask me which is better, private lessons (1-1) or classes? My answer always depends on what the client wants to learn. I often ask two questions, “What do you want to improve?” and “What kind of classes have you taken before?”
Regarding the first question, if the client wants to learn how to speak [...]

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Learning a Second Language on Your Own

I read a blog post today from Chad Fowler called “How Learning a Second Language Changed My Life.” I think it’s a great story, and I would like to share my own thoughts about how people can learn a second language on their own.
First, find out what kind of learner you are. Answer these questions [...]

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20 Reasons why classroom discussions fail and what to do about it

Have you ever finished a classroom discussion where getting the learners to talk was like pulling teeth? The learners just don’t seem interested in speaking up, or when they do answer questions, their answers are too short.  I recently read a blog post titled, “26 Reasons why most brainstorming sessions fail (and what to do [...]

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Learn English from Earth

Disney’s new Earth movie is visually stunning.  Cascading waterfalls, tremendous oceans, golden deserts, and crisp arctic snow…what a wonderful way to spend an evening, and what an amazing glimpse into the natural world!  From a language trainer’s perspective, the movie is also an excellent opportunity for nonnative speakers of English to improve listening skills. It [...]

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