Meet Skype Spoken English Tutor Rebecca
Tell us about your past experiences working as a Skype Spoken English Tutor
I have worked as a Skype Spoken English Tutor for over 10 years now. I have worked with children and adults of all ages as well as taught all levels of English. For the last 2 years I worked for an English language school in Tokyo, Japan where I worked with both children and Business Professionals.
Tell us about your formal education
I have a Degree in English from Washington State University. I also worked as a Writing tutor which allowed me to be surrounded by international students. I was able to learn many interesting things about cultures anywhere from India to Russia, as well as China and Brazil, along with many others.
As an experienced Skype Spoken English Tutor, what tips do you have for ESL students?
Don’t stress too much over language rules. English Language rules are super complicated and no one can ever learn and process every rule while using the language.
For example, take the mnemonic rule of thumb for English spelling “I before E except after C,” which, in reality, actually has more exceptions to the rule than words that fit the rule. It is just silly trying to apply this in usage.
My advice is to forget memorizing rules and learn English naturally, just like you learned your native language. If you want to pass examinations, then study rules. However, if you want to become fluent in English, then you should try to learn English without studying the grammar or memorizing rules.
How do you approach English speaking lessons on Skype? What is your teaching philosophy?
I’m strong believer that Spoken English will flow much more naturally and fluently if you can just train your brain to think in English. Think of it like a switch — when it’s time to communicate in English, you need to turn your English brain on and your mother language brain off! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. We all make mistakes. The fear of making a mistake is the greatest obstacle.Think of it this way, with every mistake you make Also remember that you are not aiming for perfection when learning to speak English, you are aiming for progress. Making mistakes is all part of the learning process, they will help you to become better, so embrace them! If you aren’t making mistakes you are not progressing.
What Conversations topics do you use in Online English lessons?
My favorite topics to discuss are food, health, cooking, animals, family, holistic living, music, sports, snow sports, outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, camping, etc., crafts, construction, I am even open to listening others about spiritual or political conversations too. See this post for some sample ESL conversation topics we use in Spoken English classes.
