The first question to ask private English students
Dylan Gates
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Dylan Gates
Teacher Educator | Business English Trainer | Course Designer | Unplugged Advocate
The first question I always ask adult learners enquiring about private classes is:
Why do you want to study English with a private tutor?
Here are some responses I have heard:
- I don't enjoy group classes
- I have specific needs
- I have specific scheduling requirements
- I want to improve their English in a short time frame
- I want control over the content of the lesson
- Nothing to do with me. Somebody else is paying for the class
- I'm looking for a new approach because what I normally do isn't working
- I want to be more accountable
- I'm not like other learners.
Finding out why learners don't want to opt for the more economical option (group classes) is essential if you want to meet their needs and help them improve their English.
It also gives you vital information which can help you a) decide if you want to work with the learner and b) anticipate problems you might have later.
Sometimes it's better to run the risk of losing a paying client than work with a learner whose needs are not in alignment with your own approach to teaching.
Business Communication and Public Speaking for IT Professionals | Presentation Skills
7 年Saying "no" to a potential client is never easy. I try to make it easier by framing it in terms of my reputation as a teacher. Happy students means more recommendations and more students in the future.
Teacher Educator | Business English Trainer | Course Designer | Unplugged Advocate
7 年100% Gabriella Kovacs ACC. The information-gathering process is vital to ensure both parties are in agreement about the nature and process of the professional relationship between 'teacher' and learner.
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7 年Yes, these are relevant, however the student - even if "hours are paid" - should be aware of the fact that an effort on their part and the teacher's is to be made... All the information gathered prior to starting the learning process must focus on exploration of a. reasons to learn b. specific needs c. short and long term goals, among others. With all this (not to mention past learning history and curent level) both sides can ascertain whether a fruitful co-operation can take place and the format ie. one-to-one is best or they should look at other options. Do you agree, Dylan Gates?