Find Private & Affordable EFL Tutoring
When do you want to start?
Randy B.
Private tutor in Oakland, CA
Education
BA English Literature, University of Minnesota Minor, American Studies, University of Minnesota MA Creative Writing, National University, California
Experience
I taught ESL (English as a Second Language) abroad for seven years, primarily in Asia, on a wide variety of subjects and themes, and became quick at assessing student needs and interests, stimulating lively conversation, and developed a detailed knowledge of grammar and cultural influences. I like to keep to schedules and text-based work, but also enjoy flexing my style to meet client needs. One of the best teaching tools I have is a portfolio of theme-based classes with multi-level readings, grammar exercises, social activities and group work, themed vocabulary, language charts, and bibliographies. While abroad, I helped to successfully matriculate graduate school level ESL students by raising reading levels three grades in three months, which was test-verified. I attribute their success to their hard work and placing trust in using "3rd Space" learning, where the usual hierarchy between student and teacher is leveled. I also implemented a new reading series and reading-to-writing methodology for students including process summarizing, writing from stories and documentary movies, film dialogue modeling, and end-of-term presentation of student inventions. Additionally, I tutored a wide age- and job-range of students on the mechanics of application and essay writing, research and grant writing, thesis composition in the arts and sciences, business conversation and writing, presentations, and negotiating skills for executives.
Subject Expertise
EFL, Art History, American Studies, Psychology, Literary Theory, Philosophy, Study Skills, Public Speaking, Basketball