Antony Durrant

Cambridge Exam Suite experience for 30 years, IELTS tutor for 15, also TOEFL, SELT, TOIEC. I have an English BA degree, a CELTA and DELTA. My lessons begin with a needs analysis in which the student's requirements and goals are established, and from that the course of lessons proceeds. Lessons will be focussed on speaking and helping the student to communicate effectively in any given situation: in short, learn by doing. If there are difficulties, then will come the explanation, in full. Depending on which of the four skills the student wishes to improve - or if there is an exam, a business presentation or proposal imminent - the lesson will lean towards that. As I have lived abroad (Greece) for so long, I am well aware of the difficulties language learners face because I faced them myself. The obstacles that learners encounter in lack of confidence, fear of making mistakes, natural impatience, boredom and having other (work, school) commitments can be overcome when the lessons are interesting and enlightening. Language learning isn't simply about becoming easy with the mechanics of grammar and vocabulary but about an awareness of the wider world. So I encourage my students to practice outside the lesson whenever and wherever possible, to interact with other speakers of English and to engage with as many subjects of interest the student finds appropriate. What are you into? What do you like doing? What do you think about things? A good teacher doesn't just instruct, motivate and inspire - he or she listens and learns as well.These are all starting points to a fascinating journey!