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Learn more about Simon

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I began teaching private English lessons immediately after qualifying as an EFL teacher in Chile. Teaching groups and private students has been constant throughout this time, but the difference is the level of personal attention you can give a student who is in a private class.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach English language in all its forms. I find that, even with beginners, it's possible to have a conversation, however limited. The best thing to talk about is the thing which interests the student - that way, they'll learn. Really, there's no subject I'm not happy to talk about.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  When I was studying A level English literature our teacher Barry made Shakespeare seem so exciting, which it is, but he did so because he could make everything seem real and relevant. Many people have to learn English and often it's an obligation. If you can make the subject seem relevant, if you can find the student's personal motivation, they're going to enjoy the process a lot more - a learn faster.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  I think listening is the most important thing all of us can do. Smart people listen more than they speak, in my view. The more you listen, the more you stand a chance of understanding other people, which is a complex thing to do. As a teacher, I prefer the student to speak more than I do.
  
  Also, having clean teeth helps a lot.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  Recently a student told me that they were really happy to be reaching the end of an Upper Intermediate course because it was the first time they'd got so far studying anything. In one year that person went from a beginner to a B2 level and has really gained a lot of confidence. I didn't do much except listen to them and make some corrections, but they're very happy with their progress. This is a positive thing.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One challenge is that, for many people, learning English is an obligation rather than an act of love. I speak three languages and I can read in four; I'm trying to learn a fifth but I've only just started. For me it's different because no one has forced me to learn a language - it's been a question of enthusiasm for me. I wanted to speak Italian so I could read Dante. That's a strong motivation. But if you're learning English just because you have to, it can be hell. It's a punishment. I think a good teacher has to try and help a student with this obstacle by helping them a strong, exciting, personal motivation. Once you have that, it no longer feels like being in prison.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I love music. In the past year I've been able to teach myself some pieces by Chopin, so I'm pretty excited about that. But I'm definitely not a piano teacher - I'm a piano student.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  I only really know that I'm good at listening to people. I wish more people would listen - it's a very important thing to do, and when you meet someone who listens, you know it immediately. I really believe that listening is the key to everything good. It makes you more intelligent. If you listen to people, you can understand them. If you listen to a student, you can identify what they need, and work out how to help them. I'm also punctual.
  
  Thank you!