大阪の英会話エイム

1.Teaching Strategies-

Perhaps the biggest problem that students face when learning a new language is how to remember what he or she is studying. The three most important factors to help the student, whether he or she is at the most basic level or a veteran, learn any new materials are seeing, hearing, and doing.In order to help the student remember the material teachers should put a large focus on these three factors by incorporating visual aids, games, or even plays.Not only can this relieve some tension, but it also makes the learning environment fun!

When students encounter difficulties grasping new or complicated concepts, teachers should give the student a chance to create their own examples based on the grammar or structure he or she is struggling with.Encouraging students to make examples provokes interest and gives him or her more confidence.

As we all know when we cannot understand something, our minds tend to close down and we easily give up for any number of reasons.Instead of simply pointing out their mistakes when a student’s weak point surfaces the teacher should have the student explain his or her understanding of that particular grammar or structure.After the student tries to explain this, the teacher should also clarify any other missed points.This not only gives the students assurance, but it also can increase his or her self-confidence,

2.Period and Assessment-

In order to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding, learning, and excitement teachers should continue to teach the same student for a period of at least 6 months.This is proven to be beneficial for both the student and the teacher.However, if a teacher cannot teach a student for a minimum of 6 months the teacher needs to inform AIM before the trial lesson.

Many students who study English during his or her regular schooling often find little enjoyment because the rapport with the teacher.Thus teaching a student for a longer period of time can actually develop this relationship, making the classes pleasant for both.

Before the lessons start, preferably during the trial lesson, teachers and students need to create short term and long term goals for studying.The lessons should be geared so the student can obtain his or her aim.

Students will regularly critique his or her teacher’s ability to perform the lessons, professionalism, and punctuality.In the case that a teacher receives an abnormally high amount of negative feedback teachers will be required to attend seminars, often with their student.AIM also holds the right to let teachers go if serious problems appear.

3.Locations-

*Teacher’s Residence-

The first time the student and teacher meets, the teacher needs to pick his or her student up at the nearest station to the teacher’s residence in order for the student to khow to get there alone.In some cases, teachers might need to be required to accompany the student back to the station (late lessons with younger students, etc).

*Student’s Residence-

If the lesson is less than sixty minutes the student will pay for the teacher’s transportation costs at the same time he or she pays for the lesson.

*Cafe/Park-

When choosing a cafe or any other public location for the lessons, please do so with discretion as many cafes tend to be noisy.It is extremely hard to create an atmosphere of learning and concentration at such places.Both the teacher and the student are asked to pay for his or her own portion of the bill.

4.Curriculum-

Text-Because there are an inordinate amount of books to choose from, please select an appropriate book that both you and the student feels comfortable with.The flow of the class is very smooth when the teacher pre-reads lesson material and creates questions beforehand.Please determine the proper balance of conversation and grammar during the lessons.However, sometimes students specifically request not to use books.In such occurrences, teachers need to prepare lessons that can sustain simple or detailed conversations.

In the instance that a teacher feels he or she would like to use a different book or material as a supplement for the class, AIM has many available resources to select from.Unfortunately, because photocopying is a copyright violation, teachers should not make print outs of the materials.Instead, teachers are urged to make their own notes from our collection.

Speaking-Is critical because this is one of the only things students cannot do alone.When discussing topics during free conversation, teachers can entice the students to try harder by asking questions.Although most students who decide to do private teaching are very self-confident and out going individuals, occasionally some students remain shy.In these rare cases teachers should prepare a larger amount of questions to keep the conversation flowing.

Free conversation-Is mainly aimed towards students with no book, whether because his or her ability to speak is high or simply because he or she prefers not to use a book.However, if a student lacks the ability to keep a fluid conversation the teacher should aim his or her attention on strategies that will fix these weak points.

Pronunciation-Is vital to every lesson and needs to be incorporated into the lesson to break down the walls of katakana pronunciation a serious learning inhibiter.Furthermore, students do not have a chance to hear native spoken English on a regular basis.R and L, B and V, Th, and various combinations of these letter forms are among the most difficult, which can make the difference for someone sounding like a native speaker or a complete amateur.

5.Pay-

For every ten minutes teachers receive the sum of 500 yen.This payment method was established so the students can tailor his or her lessons to fit his or her every need.Moreover, why stop a lesson at exactly sixty minutes when both teacher and student are enjoying the lesson.The most common lesson length is between sixty minutes and ninety minutes; however, some students prefer shorter lessons, while others prefer even longer lessons.If the lesson is less than fourty minutes the student will pay for the teacher’s transportation costs.For lessons that continue past forty minutes the student does not pay for any transportation costs.This system works out for both parties interests.

AIM’s payment method also makes it quite easier for the teacher to receive more money.At many other eikaiwa schools, lessons are commonly one hour or two hours only; meaning that the student has to pay anywhere from 3000 yen to 6000 yen respectively for one lesson.Therefore, most students generally choose an hour long lesson, resulting in less money for the teacher.However, with AIM’s payment technique students and teachers are given more freedom to make lessons in ten minute intervals.It is also easier for the actual transaction process and it can create better relationships between the student and teacher as well because no one is being taken advantage of.At other eikaiwa schools if the lesson is 70 minutes, for example, one of two things will happen:either the student will be required to pay for a full two hour lesson fee or the teacher will only receive money for the single hour.Thus, both parties win!

AIM does not take any of the money from the lesson fee which results in more money for the teacher, and less for the student to pay.

6.Student Level-

AIM does not tag students with levels because our lessons are one on one, and even more importantly is the fact that no matter how detailed a level graph may be some students fall between “the cracks” of two levels.Being labeled with a level can also sometimes be intimidating and demeaning for others.Therefore, teachers determine the student’s ability to speak and understand English based on his or her own impressions.If a student does ask for a specific level, giving it in terms of ability to travel in an English speaking country is often a good, constructive form of evaluation.

Teachers are also required to write lesson reports and assessments to determine if the student is improving or not.

7.Counseling-

Is a highly recommend available option that AIM provides for teachers and students.Counseling is offered when and if a problem arises regarding studying or teaching methods or any other unforeseen dilemma that either the teacher or student feels.During this event, the teacher and student will meet with one of AIM’s qualified staff members to discuss new approaches to solve the teacher’s or student’s concern(s).Counseling sessions are generally one hour in length and the teacher will receive the sum of 3000 yen from his or her student.Even if a problem does not occur with the teacher or student, AIM highly encourages this service.It is both valuable and fun!

Counseling is also aimed towards providing study and teaching tips, and establishing personal goals and studying techniques for the student to accomplish while at home.This guarantees that the student will quickly grasp that lessons material and be prepared to move onto the next lesson’s subject matter, thus alleviating setbacks for the lesson and the teacher.

8.Why AIM-

*Flexibility-Students and teachers are partnered together to fit your schedule, accordingly in order to maximize your free time.When teachers want to change his or her schedule or take a holiday or vacation, anytime is ok.AIM asks teachers to tell us prior to the schedule change or holiday.

*Relaxed and professional environment-At AIM we are very particular in our selection process for teachers and students alike, creating a positive environment for everyone that promotes willingness and understanding in both parties.