My name's John, I'm English and I teach English online using Skype, WhatsApp and Viber.

I always want my students to get a lot from the lessons and have fun while learning - I find this is very important - and I enjoy the work too.

I spend some time each year in Prague. While I am there I can teach students in person and continue to work on Skype with students in other countries. I have also traveled around many parts of Europe, to China and to 11 countries in Africa (10 of them by bicycle).

I am here to help you, and your success is my job satisfaction. When lessons have been arranged, I will send you all the learning materials you need in the form of links to download books, audio files and other free stuff. Some students prefer to buy the books we use, but you need not spend anything on course materials.

If you can read this, then you will have no problems studying with me online. If you have problems reading this, you need my help!

I qualified as a teacher in 1980. More recently, in 2005, I earned an additional certificate in TOEFL and spent five years in Moscow, Russia, as a teacher of English. Now I work from home in England.

My students are:

professionals, learning English for their work

students who need to pass English exams, including state exams, IELTS and TOEFL

people learning so they can move to an English-speaking country

anyone who wants to improve their English by talking to an English person

The types of lesson I teach are:

General English

Here you can study all aspects of the language by reading, listening, writing and talking about various subjects of general interest - and those which are interesting to you. All grammar appropriate to the level of the course is covered.

Business English

This also deals with all aspects of English, but concentrates on business topics. It covers the same grammar as general lessons, but slightly different vocabulary.

IELTS preparation

I specialise in helping students prepare for IELTS, both general and academic modules. All four requirements of the exam are covered:

Reading and listening concentrate on dealing with different types of question as well as improving understanding of the text.

Speaking practice covers all the main topics to be found in the test, with full rehearsal of all three parts of the speaking test.

Writing preparation includes marking of one piece of your writing, part 1 or part 2, per lesson, helping to eliminate mistakes in grammar, construction, spelling and clarity.

The lessons will improve your vocabulary and ability to use it in order to achieve the band score you require. I have already helped many students, mostly to get band 6 or 7, some up to band 8.

Conversation

We can talk about some particular subjects in order to practise listening comprehension, pronunciation and intonation. I have a long list of questions to ask you about many topics, but you can choose what you want to discuss. Grammar and spelling are not covered well in this type of lesson, and writing skills not at all.

I aim to teach complete courses for learners studying English from Pre-Intermediate to the most advanced levels.

I do give conversation classes, but recommend structured courses using sets of authentic and recognised books from reputable publishers. Of course, the amount of conversation we have on any topic can vary according to what the student wants.

I concentrate on the development of all four skills through a variety of communicative tasks, while allowing for a flexibility of approach suitable for each student. Key language is regularly recycled, achieving interactive, holistic learning. The books and other materials reflect the guidelines of the Council of Europe Framework.

I love to teach and help people, and Skype is a great way to do that. I don't work for a big company, just for myself and my students, so I can charge less and arrange lessons that suit us both best.

I use course books because they include:

Theme-based lessons from a wide variety of authentic sources. Systematic development of all four language skills through realistic, challenging tasks which encourage the learner's personal engagement. Target vocabulary is presented in a meaningful context, using visual/auditory aids, and is activated and extended throughout with examples and explanations only a native speaker can give. Variety of authentic, appealing, informative texts and natural everyday dialogues, which constitute a wide range of usage.

Exploring grammar: students are allowed to explore the new structures, find examples and complete the rules themselves, so that new information can be anchored in their long-term memory. Students extend their grasp of grammar functions through a range of structured tasks. Advice on how to study, promoting students’ autonomy and independence.

Everyday English enables students to practise real-life communication. Functional structures associated with realistic situations are practised in wide variety of communicative tasks. Literature extracts provide students with the opportunity to enjoy literature in authentic form. Writing tasks to ensure that students develop their writing skills in a systematic manner.

Cultural examples: students have the opportunity to read and talk about aspects of life in English-speaking countries. These also promote both cultural individuality and understanding.

Across the curriculum, students use the English language as a tool for exploring interdisciplinary themes such as Science, Art & Design, History and others.

Eco-aware sections: they are designed to broaden students’ understanding of environmental issues and provide them with the opportunity to use their language skills in order to learn, read and talk about ecological matters.

I can include the use of songs, which help develop language patterns and provide diverse and pleasant homework tasks. Homework is specifically designed to extend and consolidate learning through a wide variety of tasks. Grammar exercises fully exploit all the corresponding work done together in the lessons. In addition, students are exposed to interesting multicultural and cross-curricular pieces of writing with the aim of broadening their horizons and providing insight into other traditions and customs.

Documentation and suggestions to enable students to build a personal language portfolio. Video, listening and speaking for the learners.

Through these they review and consolidate the material taught in the course and enhance their grasp of everyday English.