Phillip White

I have previously worked as a Learning and Skills Mentor for People Plus, where I would assist the learning of adult learners working toward ESOL (English as a second language) and Entry level 1 to level 2 in English. I was also responsible for mentoring in digital skills.

My approach to teaching ESOL students is usually through the use of phonics, going right back to the basics of making sure that students have a good understanding of the English alphabet and the corresponding sounds for each letter. I then move on to teaching the sounds made by combining letters such as, ch, sh, and th. If students speak little to no English, I use pictures and visual cues to help students learn nouns, adjectives and verbs.

Making the lessons relevant and fun for my learners is of high priority to me, as is keeping the lessons age appropriate to avoid patronising them. Typically, I will sit with someone and try to get to know them as much as possible before even beginning the teaching. This helps me to establish their level of oral English. I also like to find out about their hobbies and interests, which I can then use to make the lessons more interesting and tailored to them. For example, if a learner has a particular interest in football, making a lesson out of talking about that!

I feel that establishing a good rapport with my students is crucial.