
With these lessons, first you will meet with the teacher and discuss your interests and your goals. Together with the teacher, you will make these decisions:
These lessons will meet your needs! If you have scheduled a meeting, please download this document and answer the questions before we meet. |
Many learners want to focus on one or more of the areas below. These are just examples, however. If you have more specific goals and needs, you can work with the instructor to prepare an appropriate plan. Scroll down to read more about each of these different areas of learning.
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| SPEAKING SKILLS We will focus on different aspects of oral communication, as well as develop listening skills. The type of oral communication and listening will depend on the learner’s needs. Some examples include conversational English (including both formal and informal conversation), academic discourse (listening to lectures and giving presentations) or professional/business English. If a learner wishes, pronunciation practice can also be a part of these lessons. |
| ENGLISH GRAMMAR Some English language learners prefer to have grammar as the primary focus of their course or tutoring sessions. If a learner chooses to focus on grammar, he/she will be able to practice grammar in written communication as well as spoken discourse. Tutoring and class time will focus on grammar used in specific social or business situations, as well as general development of grammar use and knowledge. |
| READING SKILLS The learner will develop his/her reading skills, focusing on different types of texts (newspaper and magazine articles, academic texts, Internet searching or professional/business communications). It is also possible to focus on one type of text, if this is the learner’s preference. The learner will develop skills necessary for successful reading comprehension. Some of these skills are skimming texts for main ideas, scanning for specific information and understanding vocabulary items from context. The learner will also practice reading with time limits to build reading speed. |
| WRITING SKILLS There are many types of writing that a learner can focus on: academic essay writing, research writing, personal written communication and professional writing. The learner can choose one or all of these types of writing to practice. Learners will become familiar with different organization patterns as they relate to the goal of particular writing tasks. |
| PRONUNCIATION For some learners of English, pronunciation is a significant obstacle to effective oral communication. A learner may choose to focus most of their time on different aspects of pronunciation. Areas of pronunciation covered will include all the specific sounds in English, syllable stress, word stress in sentences and intonation. The learner should understand that this material will focus on American English, not British or Australian English pronunciation. . |
| WORKPLACE/BUSINESS ENGLISH A learner may choose to focus on English common to the workplace or in professional communication. This may include interviewing skills, written correspondence or presentation skills. Also, a learner can work with the instructor on language related to a specific type of job or skill. |
| TEST PREPARATION This is for more advanced students who want to prepare for academic or professional tests. Some examples include TOEFL, GED, SAT and ACT. Other types of tests that students might want to prepare for include driver's exams or U.S. citizenship requirements. . |
| ON-LINE LEARNING In today's world, on-line learning is becoming more and more popular. Students may choose to work with their instructor via the Internet and/or by telephone. Your instructor has experience teaching online, and can work with students from all over the world. If you are interested in this option, contact the instructor to discuss scheduling and payment options. Students may study all the areas of English listed above, as well as prepare for exams or learn more about U.S. culture, through on-line learning. |