Tutoring EZ? You bet with EZ-Teach
At EZ-Teach, we understand that the journey to academic success is unique for each learner. That's why we have curated a holistic approach to make tutoring ez (easy), by seamlessly blending innovative techniques and time-tested methodologies to teach ESL.
In this article, we delve into the core pillars of our tutoring philosophy, exploring how our distinctive methods make the learning experience accessible, engaging, and tailored to the diverse needs of our students. Click on the following links to read more about each method:
Each facet of our approach is designed to foster a love for learning and empower students with the skills they need to excel in ESL!
Tutoring EZ with EZ-Teach!
Visual Aids
At EZ-Teach, we recognize the power of visual aids in enhancing comprehension. Our visual aids include
Photos,
Posters,
and Flashcards
to make tutoring ez! Continue reading to find out how we use each of these aids.
A) Photos
When a student is learning English, it is important to associate vocabulary with things they see every day. At EZ-Teach we use photos with our vocabulary to help improve retention and give context to the words students are learning. We also use photos to compare and contrast words such as brother vs. family or breakfast vs lunch.
B) Posters
Posters are useful in ESL to teach about common themes such as:
Family,
School,
Holidays,
or Food
At EZ-Teach when we want to focus on a certain theme in vocabulary and conversational talk, we use a poster with multiple images. For example, when exploring vocabulary around school or education, we use a poster that shows different aspects of school, like a teacher, students, classroom, desk, pencil, etc.
C) Flashcards
Flashcards are an excellent resource when learning ESL. They can be used in multiple ways including:
Have a picture on one side and the word on the other to practice calling things by name.
Have a word on one side and the pronunciation of the word on the other side to practice pronouncing words correctly.
Have a conversational question on one side and a typical answer on the other to practice how to have a conversation in English.
Use to practice reading words quickly.
Visual aids are important for making tutoring ez! Here at EZ-Teach we are always innovating and adding more visual aids as we learn about their effectiveness in ESL tutoring.
2. Interactive Learning
Contact EZ-Teach for ESL lessons that include interactive games!
Our tutoring sessions go beyond the conventional lecture format, encouraging students to actively participate in
Discussions,
Games,
and Answering Questions.
At EZ-Teach, we don’t believe in lecturing ESL lessons. We want the students to interact with our tutors. We strategically ask questions during the session to gauge comprehension and encourage students to play an active role in their learning. We believe that often the best learning comes from a conversation to mimic what speaking English would be like in the real world. We also believe in having fun, and games are a fun way to make tutoring ez!
3. Contextual Learning
We understand that learning is most meaningful when it's connected to real-world applications. Our tutors emphasize contextual learning, helping students bridge the gap between theory and practice. We begin our sessions by asking what our students are interested in and tailoring our lessons with these themes to make it real for the students. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also equips students with the skills needed for success beyond the classroom.
4. Vocabulary Building
Continue reading for our methods to teach vocab!
A robust vocabulary is not just a tool; it's a gateway to effective communication when learning a new language. At EZ-Teach we recognize the pivotal role that vocabulary plays in learning English, and we focus on vocabulary for a portion of almost every lesson. We use the following methods in vocabulary building:
Interactive Word Games - We know that making learning fun always helps students retain information and this is especially important when remembering thousands of words.
Flashcards - Flashcards make for a quick check of retention and learning.
Story-Telling & Role Playing - This creates an immersive tutoring experience that turns abstract definitions into vivid experiences and helps students understand the contexts in which they would use the words they are learning.
Using Words that are Contextual to the Student
Vocabulary is a huge part of making tutoring ez! Learning and remembering words are some of the first steps to making sentences, having conversations and learning ESL.
5. Spaced Repetition for Memory Retention
It’s okay if your brain has too many tabs open. We make tutoring ez with spaced repetition!
Memory retention is a key aspect of successful learning. We integrate spaced repetition techniques into our teaching methodology, ensuring that students revisit and reinforce previously learned material at optimal intervals.
One size does not fit all, especially when it comes to memory retention. At EZ-Teach, we make tutoring ez because we recognize the unique learning pace of each student. Through continuous assessments and personalized attention, our tutors determine the ideal intervals for spaced repetition that align with individual cognitive rhythms. This customized approach ensures that students review material at the moments when it matters most for their retention.
Beyond the classroom, spaced repetition becomes a valuable skill for developing efficient study habits. By instilling this technique in our students, we empower them to approach their studies strategically. This not only improves their ability to recall information during exams but also equips them with a lifelong tool for continuous learning.
6. Cultural Understanding
Contact EZ-Teach for tutoring made ez!
Our commitment to holistic education extends to fostering cultural understanding. To promote an inclusive learning environment that prepares students for a globalized world, we incorporate the following into our tutoring:
A) Mosaic of Cultures in Every Lesson
Whether we're exploring idioms, delving into cultural nuances, or sharing stories from various corners of the globe, every lesson becomes an opportunity for students to broaden their cultural horizons. This immersive approach not only enhances language learning but also fosters an appreciation for the diversity of human expression.
B) Language and Cultural Context
Understanding a language in isolation is incomplete; it must be seen through the lens of culture for true mastery. Our tutors seamlessly integrate cultural context into language lessons, demonstrating how expressions, gestures, and customs shape linguistic nuances. This holistic approach ensures that our students not only speak the language but also understand the cultural subtleties that make their conversations more meaningful and authentic.
7. Regular Assessments
To ensure continuous improvement, we conduct regular assessments to gauge each student's progress. These assessments provide valuable insights into strengths and areas for improvement, allowing us to tailor our tutoring approach to meet individual learning needs. We include 2 forms of assessment in our tutoring:
A) Formative Assessments
Formative assessment in an ESL context refers to the ongoing and dynamic process of gathering feedback on students' language proficiency and understanding throughout the learning journey. They are designed to inform instruction, identify areas for improvement, and guide the learning process in real time. This could include:
Questioning
Flashcards
Games
Formative assessment will be used in every lesson to ensure understanding.
B) Summative Assessment
Summative assessment in an ESL context refers to the evaluation of a student's language proficiency and overall understanding of the English language after a specific instructional period, such as the end of a unit, or month.
Unlike formative assessment, which is ongoing and provides feedback throughout the learning process, summative assessments are typically conducted at the end of a specific timeframe to gauge overall achievement and assign grades or certificates. This can be done through the following methods:
Worksheets
Oral test
Assignments
Projects
Both forms of assessment are important on your ESL learning journey and will be used by EZ-Teach to make tutoring ez!
8. Feedback and Positive Encouragement
We believe in the power of positive reinforcement. Our tutors provide constructive feedback, highlighting achievements and offering guidance for improvement. This approach not only nurtures confidence but also instills a sense of resilience that is crucial for overcoming academic challenges. Like formative and summative assessments, students will get positive and constructive feedback both throughout the learning journey and at the end of a specific time frame, like a unit or after 1 month.
Your Journey Is Made EZ With EZ-Teach!
At EZ-Teach, we take pride in crafting a learning experience that transforms the challenge of mastering English into an accessible, engaging, and ultimately gratifying adventure. In choosing EZ-Teach, your journey with tutoring is made ez!
Your journey to English proficiency begins here, and at EZ-Teach, we make tutoring ez so you can embrace the language with confidence and competence.
