Hello, my name is David Livingston and I'm an experienced native English tutor currently living in Nicaragua. I have been giving English lessons online with Verbalplanet since 2016. I am currently offering a discounted initial trial lesson at 80% off my normal lesson price for new students.
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About me - English
I was born in London and lived there for over forty years. I love traveling and have traveled to Africa, Asia, Europe, North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. This has exposed me other cultures and added depth to my understanding and view of life.
My hobbies are traveling, watching movies, weight lifting, running and dancing.
Qualifications & Experience
I'm a Level 3 TEFL qualified native English speaker from London. I have over 10 years’ experience in teaching adults and children from the ages of 4 to 17; I have experience teaching on a one-to-one basis and in group classes.
I have taught over 1,800 online English classes and helped hundreds of individuals who were lacking in confidence to feel more positive and to achieve improved grammar, comprehension and fluency. I specialise in public speaking, pronunciation, business English.
I have spent the last three years working as an online consultant for the biggest online English teaching companies in China. Working with hundreds of students with differing needs and abilities. I have learned what methods and materials are most effective in helping beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.
For example, there is no single book that will enable an individual to be complete as an English speaker, it requires a variety of teaching materials and methods to help different individuals achieve their full potential.
QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
December 2012 Level 3 TEFL/TESOL Teacher Training Certificate in English Language Teaching
December 2012 TEFL Essentials Lesson Planning Course
February 2003 City & Guilds (D32) Certificate - Assess Candidate Performance
November 2002 City & Guilds (C21) Certificate – Create a Climate Conducive To Learning
December 2002 City & Guilds (C23) Certificate – Facilitate Learning in Groups through Presentations & Activities
July 1989 BTEC 1st Diploma in Business & Finance
Teaching Approach
My teaching approach is student/learner-centered
I tailor each class to the needs and objectives of my students (free talk, improved grammar, IELTS preparation, pronunciation or fluency).
I teach conversational English that follows a structured curriculum using a variety of books, PowerPoint and short video presentations.
I believe that the use of technology and visual stimulation is a key factor in creating the desire to continue learning and to help those who study English to enjoy learning.
I use an extensive range of the leading and most effective teaching materials currently available. I also recommend that most students should do at least twenty minutes of homework each week to cement their learning in-between classes. I believe this is extremely important if the student needs to improve their grammar for work, school entrance exams or if they are preparing to live in another country and are not learning just for a hobby.
I am a happy, enthusiastic, accommodating and versatile teacher. I am very patient and strive to make my classes a place where students who are shy or self-conscious can relax and enjoy learning.