TIPS FOR TUTORING
- Students who sign up for Sportello di inglese will be motivated and with individual goals, needs and questions, therefore much easier to interact with compared to a class. After the first time you are likely to have a couple of students who will become “regular”.
- Try to have a series of topics/questions in case they do not have specific requests; they will mainly be interested in improving their conversational skills, their pronunciation or find out more about America and Americans. English pronunciation tends to be difficult for Italians, so you can work on it using articles/passages/lyrics that you can look up on google or on the students’ books. You can read first and then have the student repeat, entire sentences/passage rather than single words.
- In order to correct any kind of mistake (grammar/pronunciation/words’ order) it is more beneficial not to interrupt until the student has finished the sentence. Try to underline or point out the mistake and ask the student first to fix the mistake him/herself ; in case s/he does not know you will give the correct solution. It is more conducive to deeper understanding and learning if you guide the student towards the answer/rule/ rather than giving them the answer right away. This way they are likely to better absorb the information and retain it longer.
- In oral communication try to select mistakes to correct; the most frequent and the ones which interfere with communication/understanding. The lower the students’ level is the fewer corrections you will make; encourage students to try to speak in spite of a limited vocabulary.
- You can connect a conversation topic with a grammar rule that they need to practice; e.g.: talking about trips, adventures, memorable days to practice past tense; wishes, dreams, expectations to use conditional ( the would tense); plans, goals to use future.
- You can also read/talk about certain topics to expand their vocabulary and use you tube on your pc. There is wifi at school. While teaching you can learn a lot about Italian language, Roman life, the city, Italy,Italians, Politics, geography……
- Do not be shy, be yourselves and STAY HUNGRY STAY FOOLISH J!!!!( the speech of Steve Job starts at 7.47 and it is wonderful for advanced students)