Colin Pendleton
Bio:
My students' successes are my successes, which means I make every effort so that you achieve your objectives. Even when studying for orthodox exams and business presentations learning should be fun, which is why I choose materials from the real world in order to make classes relevant and interesting. Post-class exercises are provided to ensure the student is on the right track and are based on subjects which are interesting to each person. We should both be enjoying our time together!
My teaching methodology:
- a mix of practical exercises designed to develop real-life skills which are needed for exams, leisure, and professional communication
- fun and communicative exercises as many learners are jaded after impractical grammar translation classes in state schools and universities
- multimedia realia to complement the underlying syllabus, understanding that reading, listening etc. based on real world sources are superior examples to traditional class books.
My teaching background:
I qualified as a CELTA teacher in 1997 and have been working full time in the profession ever since. I have taught Young Learners (8 years), Business English (25+ years), Presentation courses (12+ years), Phonology & Accent Reduction (25+ years), CEFR exams, e.g. Cambridge, IELTS, Aptis (20+ years) and summer intensive courses for university students. Before Covid 19, I taught the majority of my classes face-to-face in Ministeries, ñanguage academies and private corporations, but have since moved to online teaching. Clearly, technology has enriched the student's experience with more realistic, accessible and practical materials. Teachers now enjoy the ability to rapidly adapt their classes to each and every student they encounter. And this is the key: a passion for meeting new people and helping them with their objectives. A new class is a pleasure as it is fresh and allows me to work with someone new and contribute to their future success... all while having fun.
My background outside of teaching:
I have lived in Spain for almost 30 years. My brother has resided in the USA for 20 years. My sister is now a permanent resident in Germany. Also, I have two nieces living and working in foreign countries with a nephew preparing to do the same. Summer holidays can see 4 or 5 languages being spoken around the table... only two of which I understand. So, today it is clear that we might need to speak to anyone of any profession from any country. Of course, the most spoken languages globally are English, Hindi, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and Arabic. However, at the moment, the predominant international language of travel and commerce is English and that's where I am able to help. I live in a foreign country, in a multi-lingual family, and spend my life trying to create and improve the ability to communicate. I appreciate what it is like to speak a foreign language, feel frustration at my limitations, and the satisfaction of improving. I have lived the experience of every student.
