English Conversation Online Practice with Kaitlyn
Tell us about your past experience helping students with English conversation online practice
I have worked as an English conversation partner in Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, China, and the USA. I have taught all aspects of English, to professionals and children.
Further, I was also a volunteer with the Brigham Young University-Idaho Pathways program in teaching foreign students through conversation practice . I was able to help two men from Japan in their English conversation online practice.
Tell us about your educational qualifications
I have a Bachelor of Arts in French from Bowling Green State University. I have studied abroad in Florence,Italy and Paris, France.
I also took a TEFLA certificate course in teaching English as a foreign language 2 years ago.
What is the biggest challenge to students learning English?
Through the vast number of English conversation online practice sessions I have completed, I’ve noticed flow is difficult for many English learners. Mainly because in classes and on paper most don’t have the opportunity to have conversations with native speakers. There’s only a short window of time to think when conversing rather than the long pauses you can take to think and write out a sentence. I know that insecurity holds people back from having conversations as well, it can make you feel flustered when put on the spot and in turn you tend to forget what to say if you’re down on yourself and your abilities. That’s why I personally think one on one encouragement and a friendly non judgmental attitude is important to have during English conversation online practice.
How do you approach English conversation online practice sessions?
I would focus on extracting as much conversation from the person concerned. As I have said already, confidence is a major issue. I would try to think of ways of building the confidence of the student, and breaking down inhibitions in speaking. This I would do by not over-correcting in the beginning, but attempting to get a flow of conversation. My first priority would be to discover the interests of the student, and to gear the conversation towards these.
What tips do you have for students who want to improve English speaking skills?
1. Watch movies in English with subtitles in your native tongue.
2. Speak with an English native as much as possible, even if it’s only for 15 minutes in one setting.
3. Put all your vocabulary words in the context of a real-life-situation instead of memorizing random words that aren’t connected with each other.
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