Tutor Tips

I. Been w/ VITA about 7 years, had about 10 students, but also teach classes

  A. VITA very greatful to its volunteers, but goes both ways for me,
  I am equally Thankful 

  B. Am retired, but reluctantly: My work had been important in giving my life meaning,feared 
   would be set adrift w/o direction

  C. Soon discovered organizations like VITA can replace job and become new anchor give purpose 
  and structure to my week and a place to go

  D. When I started my career, was idealistic and felt my work would benefit society but later began 
  to wonder if working for a company like BP was really that beneficial.

   E With VITA, it is clear: no only can help someone, potentially change a life, but by strengthening 
   the individual you strengthen the community.

II. I've been working mainly with ESL
    A. Two types of students

    B. Reason prefer ESL is I've been trying to learn Spanish. 
       1. I fell a kinship with others trying to learn language.
       2. Gives me an opportunity to use my 2nd language when helping Spanish speakers
       3. Although true ESL immersion precludes using the students own language, I think it can help
          a. Keels the lesson moving
          b. I know how frustrating 

III. Tutor tips:  Many apply to ESL but some apply to both.

    A. Patience: Missed classes, Punctuality, "not getting it" and Dyslexia

    B. Each student is unique

    C. Primary task is to build confidence.

    D. I am learning almost as much about English as the students.
       1. It is ironical: I'm teaching English -- I fluncked English in college, not once but 3 times.
       2. But remember we are not teaching freshmen composition here, mos of what I use is 
       from Miss Van Mail's 7th grad class.

    E. Rising inflection to ask a question -- only yes/no.

    F. Modal verbs: can, must etc (9 of them) like auxiliary but cant be used alone (defective verbs)

    H. Phrasal verbs: verb with preposition.  Distinct meaning depending on preposition. (Turn/on/off)
       1. Where to put object (Agree with Bill, Bad at tennis, bring a subject up/bring up a subject)