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About Me

Hi, My name is Scott…

I'm a young and enthusiastic English tuor. I began my interest in helping others learn English around 2005. I have always had friends from different parts of the world, and have enjoyed learning about their culture and language myself. I took an interest in Ghanaian culture and spent 7 years getting as close to the Ghanaian lifestyle, culture and language as I could here in the Lower Mainland. I had a great time, especially learning some of their language called “Twi”.

Since then, I have taken more interest in Asian cultures, mostly Chinese and Japanese, and took an interest in learning Cantonese. I chose Cantonese because I didn't want to learn the typical Asian languages everyone always learns, like Mandarin. I knew it would be more difficult to learn Cantonese, but I just enjoyed the sound of the language better than Mandarin. I must admit, it was/is a very hard language to learn, especially with all the tones that are vital to the word meanings. I started learning Cantonese near the end of 2004 up until 2007. Recently, I've started learning Japanese as well, and I hope to keep learning basic Japanese in the near future. I also recently spent 3 months in Japan in the Spring of 2009. I really loved it and want to return there again! So I really need to know the language better.

So, I guess the first advantage I can offer, is that I know how difficult and embarrassing it can be learning and trying to use/speak a new language. I can identify clearly with fellow learners and how they feel, and I believe this is a major advantage over someone who has never tried to learn another language, as they often overlook how a learner of a new language truly feels. I believe students will feel more comfortable with me, as I know how "I" want to be treated by someone teaching ME a language.

My tutoring style is centered on the actual 'pronunciation' and 'spoken' form of English, in order that the English you have learned prior or with me, is spoken correctly or as close to correct as possible. For example, say you wrote a short story that you need to read in front of the class, and although you have written it correctly, you may have many problems pronouncing the words you read, and the way you say them in a sentence. Or, you may want to speak to someone on the phone, and you are not sure how to say the words you want, or arrange them correctly in a sentence. You may want to order at a restaurant, but are too shy because you are not confident you will say everything correct. There are many different situations we could cover. This is were I can help you most.. as I have the patients to go over something with you as many times as it takes until we are both satisfied with the outcome. I'm never rude, or pushy, or unhappy when teaching. I want us both to smile. :)

As a person, I’m very easy going and friendly, always smiling. Many people I have tutored have expressed that I was the most gentle tutor they had ever had, yet the most inspirational. I just teach the way I would want to be taught. I’m still young at heart and in age, so teaching younger students is always a treat and enjoyable as well, where some tutors don’t have patients for children, children relate to me very well. I also have much respect for the older students and realize that learning or perfecting a language in mid or late life can be quite a challenge. I enjoy tutoring students of all ages whether young or old.

The reason I began tutoring English started from my feelings of wanting to help people, many of which were my friends or their families, and they often needed help in English, being from other countries. I began to feel so rewarded when they accomplished what we set out to accomplish in improving their English. I had one Japanese female student who had to read a poem in front of the class the next day, and she was terrified because she was having trouble pronouncing the poem. I went over right away and sat with her for 2 hours until she got the poem sounding good. We really worked on the pronunciations of the difficult words. When I left, she was feeling confident. The next day she called me, so excited and happy, she told me she had got an “A” on her poem reading! I was so happy for her, and she was so thankful. I felt good after that, and that is one of the rewards I enjoy as an English Tutor. Truly helping someone and making a difference.

I also work part time in computer repair/service, so I often have a flexible schedule. I also have my own vehicle, so I can come direct to your house, or any other place, private or public, you may want to hold the tutoring session.

We can always have a first meeting, and if you feel I can help you, then great! If not, that’s ok too!