Istvan Nagy
Bio:
I like to teach (and learn) languages the same way we all acquired our native language skills: full exposure to the language from day 1 avoiding intermediary language usage, major focus on speaking and conversation and introducing grammar points through examples and let the student find the patterns. I incorporate movies, songs, quizzes and role-plays to deepen the vocabulary items. I encourage students to start thinking in the target language instead of making them "translate in their heads".
My teaching methodology:
- movie fragments
- fun language videos
- quizzes
- role-play
- songs (with or without lyrics)
- and lots of conversations
My teaching background:
Since I was a teenager, I gave German and English lesson to my fellow students who struggled with languages. This has continued until I finally decided to dedicate my skills in a classroom setting. I thought English in Andorra to Hispanic speakers, mostly children between 10-18. I conducted exam preparation classes for DELF and Cambridge and gave French and English to adult students. As I studied Business Communication I was sent to companies to offer business language classes in English. At a later date I had a small group of Dutch students which I enjoyed the most. I have many anecdotes from the classroom setting - the success and gratitude of my students brought me to tears sometimes :) During the pandemic I needed to tailor my classes differently and adapt to online teaching, a new challenge we were all obliged to face. The most important I took away from online teaching is that bridges still can be built between teacher and students, no matter the distance.
My background outside of teaching:
Lately, I have been working for big corporates, some world famous and some lesser know as part of the Customer Support Team. In my last role I was promoted to Team Manager where I acquired leadership skills, time and people management. I coordinated a multinational team with dverse cultural background. My main task was to drive the results and number but I am happy I never forgot: we are all humans in the first place. I also spent some months as a social worker where I had the chance to take care of elderly people or people with disabilities. It was yet another type of commitment, nevertheless useful for my personal growth.
