Meet Native English Teacher Michelle
[one_second]Every week we introduce one of our Native English teachers (also known as Native English Tutors or English Conversation Partners) so that you so that you can learn more about how they can help you improve your English speaking. Today, we introduce Michelle, who joined our team in 2015. Michelle has previously taught English in China as well having multiple, diverse experiences living abroad in non English speaking countries. If you want learn more about Michelle unique Skype English lessons or want to sign up for a trial lesson, send us an email with “Michelle” as the subject line. Here’s our interview with Michelle:
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Tell us about your past experiences teaching English
I taught ESL students U.S. History. My students were from Venezuela, China, Japan and Korea. I also taught Oral English at Xiangtan, University in Hunan, China. My students were mostly Freshmen and Sophomores in College. I also would go around to different elementary schools in the area and assist the teachers with their English classes. When I was in Mexico helping build adobe brick houses for needy families, I was able to assist with the local English classes in the community.
Tell us more about your education
I have my Bachelor’s degree in teaching secondary education in Health and Physical Education. I am currently learning Spanish and Chinese.
How would you describe a typical English lesson at Spoken English Practice?
I would start the conversation with talking about how their day went and what their schedule is like for the week. I like my English lessons to be light and fun. I would be asking my students a lot of questions about their interests and help them to use description in their words and how to express themselves better.
What are your favorite conversation topics?
My favorite conversation topics would be different cultures, traveling and the foods they like to eat.
In your experience, what area in English do students need the most help? Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation or something else? How would you address this in your classes?
Usually students need the most help in pronunciation. I would have them repeat how I am saying the word. Certain letter combinations are really hard for some languages to cross over, so we would be doing a lot of repetition as well.
What are your top 3 tips to ESL students around the world?
My top 3 tips would be for them to,
1) Keep that passion of wanting to be a better English speaker because ‘interest’ is going to be your best teacher
2) Always write down goals to see how you can keep improving in each area
3) Practice speaking English out loud, even if it is to yourself.
A little bit about what you like to do when you are not teaching English.
When I am not teaching English I love to spend time with my family and go on dates with my husband. We like to go out to different restaurants and try different food. He loves learning about different cultures and traveling just as much as I do.
What kind of students do you prefer?
I would prefer a student that has a lot to say and will be very humble. It’s not always easy learning a new language, but if you really put your mind to it and will be open minded in what I have to tell you, then you will be very successful in learning English.
