John Calderbank Jones

Hello, my name is Jack and I’m from North Wales. I’m a recent graduate from Lancaster University, where I studied English language and literature, and I am truly passionate about teaching. I have had the opportunity to teach English as a second language in various European countries, including Poland, Germany, and Spain. Through my teaching experience, I have had the pleasure of working with a diverse range of learners, from young children to adults, and from beginners to advanced levels.

In addition to my experience in ESL teaching, I have also worked as a private tutor in subjects such as engineering and politics. This diverse tutoring background has allowed me to refine and develop my own unique teaching style. I believe in taking a personable approach to tutoring, establishing a supportive and encouraging environment in which students can thrive. By building a rapport with my students, I create a comfortable space for them to ask questions, share their ideas, and actively engage in the learning process.

When it comes to planning lessons for my students, I take a tailored approach, analyzing their specific needs and areas for improvement. This individualized approach allows me to create lessons that target their weaknesses and help them progress rapidly. While incorporating a variety of teaching methods, I tend to favor a conversation-based approach to language learning. I believe that language is best acquired through active communication and authentic use. By engaging students in meaningful and interactive conversations, they are able to develop their language skills in a more natural and practical way. This approach not only nurtures their speaking abilities, but also enhances their listening, reading, and writing skills.

Furthermore, adopting a conversation-centered teaching style exposes students to real-life scenarios and cultural aspects of the English language. By incorporating discussions on various topics, students are challenged to express themselves and expand their vocabulary range. This approach also helps them develop confidence in their language abilities and adapt to different conversational contexts. I believe that language should be learned holistically, and by incorporating conversation into the learning process, students can effectively apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

In addition to conversation practice, my lessons include a variety of interactive activities, such as role-plays, debates, and group discussions. These activities not only provide opportunities for students to practice and reinforce their language skills, but also foster teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Visual aids, audio materials, and authentic resources such as news articles and videos are also integrated into my lessons to expose students to different sources of language input and to enhance their comprehension skills.

Overall, my goal as an English as a foreign language teacher is to empower my students with the necessary linguistic tools and cultural understanding to confidently communicate in English. I am committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment where students can thrive, take risks, and achieve their language goals. I am excited to embark on this language learning journey together, and I look forward to helping my students unlock their language potentials and discover the beauty and richness of the English language.