Hi there!! I´m really hoping that someone can recommend a Spanish tutor for me -the only catch is I am looking for someone who will come to my house, and someone with Referrals. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated Thanks!
Elle, without revealing exactly where you live, could you give us an idea, perhaps by SM? ______________________ If you've tried before to find a private teacher of Spanish, you already know how hard this can be. There are many who hold themselves out as teachers who have no idea how to teach; others, are simply not reliable. If you thought you could find a small group, taught in an effective manner, would you be willing to come to the center of town for studies 2X/week?
V!! I live in SMZ 17...pretty close to Costco, Marakame, etc.... Yes, it is very difficult to find someone with actual teaching experience. I used to have the BEST Maestra ever, however, unfortunately she is now working and living in Sayulita. She is a Canadian and had a Masters Degree in Education. She learnt Spanish after living in Spain for several years.... tear. I am not completely opposed to the idea of group lessons. My only concern is that it can be difficult to find a group whom are all at the same level. Do you have something/someone in mind? Thanks!!
I have a number of people in mind, Elle. All of my colleagues at the university, and others I know, are possible candidates. A group solves one problem, making it cheaper for each student while compensating the teacher adequately. My experience with private instruction, here, is that even at 200 pesos per hour, you will not get the best teachers available, making small group classes a possibly appealing alternative, both for you and the teachers involved. Being a language teacher, myself, I expect more of a teacher than others might, but a good teacher can make a world of difference to the rate of progress towards mastery of any language. As you suggested, it's necessary to establish the level that would be right for you, and then be sure the other students can study effectively with you, at that level. ___________________ Anyone can establish their level by responding to the following questions: How would you characterize your Spanish Language ability? 1) To what degree can you follow an animated conversation between others, in your presence (rather than one involving yourself)- at a party, for example? 2) With what degree of understanding can you follow a Spanish Language movie which relies on dialog, rather than action, to tell the story? 3) To what degree can you read and understand a Spanish Language novel? 4) To what degree can you express yourself in depth conversation? 5) To what degree can you read and understand a Spanish Language newspaper? 6) To what degree can you handle a light conversation, covering a very wide range of topics? 7) To what degree can you handle situations in which you are conducting your personal business; for example, establishing an internet service account at Cablemas, in person? 8) To what degree can you make your needs and wants made clear to others, such as plumbers or other service people, with the aid of a dictionary? Finally, 9) to what degree can you use pronouns, and express time concepts (using tenses, for example), in Spanish? Answer these questions with a percentage, expressing your own opinion of your skills in Spanish. Readers have probably guessed by now that the items are arranged from higher order to lower order skills, with item 9 not exactly fitting the pattern, but useful to know, in setting a level of studies that would be appropriate for you. Items 1-4 are advanced level; 5-7 high intermediate/intermediate; 8 is low intermediate. ___________________
I just spent a good time answering the above, and somehow managed to lose it all!!! So here goes again...less detailed version. These were answered on a scale of 1-10; 10 being the highest level. How would you characterize your Spanish Language ability? 1) To what degree can you follow an animated conversation between others, in your presence (rather than one involving yourself)- at a party, for example? 5. Happens in my every day life. 2) With what degree of understanding can you follow a Spanish Language movie which relies on dialog, rather than action, to tell the story? I have to admit I have only watched one movie in Spanish sans subtitles a few years ago. 3) To what degree can you read and understand a Spanish Language novel? Never tried. 4) To what degree can you express yourself in depth conversation? 4 5) To what degree can you read and understand a Spanish Language newspaper? Again, I haven't tried to be honest. 6) To what degree can you handle a light conversation, covering a very wide range of topics? 5 - I often chat with my maid, my hair-stylist, esthetician, etc.... Also, my husbands entire family live here in Cancun and are Spanish speaking 7) To what degree can you handle situations in which you are conducting your personal business; for example, establishing an internet service account at Cablemas, in person? 6 8) To what degree can you make your needs and wants made clear to others, such as plumbers or other service people, with the aid of a dictionary? 7 Finally, 9) to what degree can you use pronouns, and express time concepts (using tenses, for example), in Spanish? 2. I am forever stuck in present tense. Again, V, I have based the following answers on my opinion of my level of the language. One could disagree, but that would also depend on their level. If I'm worse, I'm worse. Better , I'm better. I have reached out to a few of my friends who are either taking lessons, or interested, but we are all on different levels. My beginner friends do not want to share a tutor with me, and I do not want to share with my friends who are further advanced. Fair, is fair, and we all want to learn.... Thanks again!
Wow, thanks, Elle, you did go to some trouble! I wish I'd seen the more expansive version, it must have been something! I've got some people in mind, some of them real sweethearts (I mean, they are kind!). I need to check on whether they'd be willing to come to your home, and the bottom line cost for serious instruction (it's got to be enough that they themselves would not want to miss a lesson: we already know about students!). It's possible my wife would take an interest in this, and the two of you could form the core of a small group. She is somewhere around your level, and certainly could study the same material: she perhaps knows just a little more grammar, but has not had your experience speaking the language. She managed to learn Russian, so Spanish shouldn't be too big a challenge. She's out of town at the moment, but will return soon, and we can see if she'd be game for it. She has a tutor now, but frankly the woman doesn't know a lick about how to teach, and they mostly just chat, in Spanish, for an hour, at a basic level. Do you have a special need to have the lessons at your home, or is that just a preference based on convenience? (Your new place does look very nice, so I can see why you wouldn't want to leave it!)
V - if you could check with some of your colleagues, or with the other invidividuals you have in mind that would be most appreciated!! I would say it's a safe bet your wife's grammar is further advanced than my own....que pena!! However, if you think she would be interested, please ask as it is difficult to find individuals who are more-or-less alike. Heck, Russian??!!! This will be a piece of cake for her.... !!!!! Having someone come to my home is not a necessity, but it would make things easier on myself. Also, I would be more inclined to actually "show up" if it's in my living room!! Also, thank you - we are very happy in our new home
Hey elleboogs! A coworker has a friend who teaches Spanish, French and English. I'm sending you his info in a PM, in case you're interested.
Gringation!! Gracias amiga - you know I was actually going to ask you if you knew someone, why I didn´t? I no longer remember... LOL!!!
Hi Elleboogs. I was working at Delphi Technical Center for a little over 6 years as language/communications consultant, and before that I was catering to companies such as Cordis & Enthicon (Johnson & Johnson), Scientific Atlanta, Cummins, BRP, and a couple others. Did a little over 2 years of teaching at Univerisidad Regional del Norte, (costs a little less than Tec. Monterrey). In conclusion, I was contracted to do mostly one-on-one coaching to assist mid to upper management for specific needs to improve their communication flow. I see V got you to do a self evaluation to identify a little of where your at, that's very good. Depending on Interview and a schedule that is suitable for both of our schedules, I may offer a course and solution to your communication needs in Spanish. Best wishes, Andres