Experienced English tutor with advanced academic background — tailored lessons for all ages

Find out more about Luisa

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed an interest in private tutoring in 2014 when I was asked to help a relative's child with their English studies. I found the experience incredibly fulfilling, especially seeing the progress they made with my guidance. This inspired me to start offering tutoring more formally in 2015, where I initially taught in person. My passion for languages and teaching continued to grow, leading me to pursue a PhD abroad. In 2022, I decided to transition to online tutoring, allowing me to reach a broader audience and continue doing what I love-helping students excel in English and Portuguese.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach both English and Portuguese, with a focus on making the learning experience engaging and relevant to my students' lives. I enjoy discussing a variety of topics, especially those related to culture, travel, and current events, as they provide a rich context for language learning. I'm also passionate about incorporating literature and media into lessons, as they offer diverse perspectives and deepen linguistic understanding.
  
  On the other hand, I find technical grammar exercises a bit less engaging, although I recognize their importance in mastering a language. Therefore, I always aim to present them in a way that connects to real-world usage, ensuring that even the less exciting aspects of language learning are both useful and interesting.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, I had a teacher during my undergraduate studies who made a significant impact on me. Their ability to make complex topics accessible and engaging was something I admired and aspired to replicate in my own teaching. This teacher not only imparted knowledge but also instilled confidence in students, making them believe in their potential. This approach inspired me to adopt a student-cantered teaching style, focusing on each student's unique strengths and needs.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to be patient, adaptable, and empathetic. It's important to understand that each student learns at their own pace, and a tutor must be able to adapt their teaching methods to suit individual learning styles. Additionally, being passionate about the subject and showing genuine interest in the student's progress can make a significant difference. Clear communication and the ability to break down complex ideas into manageable parts are also crucial qualities.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  One of my most memorable experiences was when I taught English to a group of children aged 9-12 at Cultura Inglesa in Brazil. I remember using a popular English song to teach vocabulary and grammar, which not only made the lesson fun but also helped the students remember the content better. Seeing their excitement and improvement reaffirmed my belief in the power of creative teaching methods. This experience also highlighted the importance of connecting with students through their interests.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  One challenge I initially faced was transitioning from in-person to online tutoring. Adapting my teaching style to fit the virtual format while ensuring that students remained engaged and motivated required some adjustment. However, with time, I developed strategies to maintain a high level of interaction and participation in my online classes. Another ongoing challenge is ensuring that students not only learn the language but also feel confident using it in real-life situations, which requires constant encouragement and support.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion lies in teaching languages and helping students overcome their fear of speaking a new language. I believe that language learning opens doors to new cultures and perspectives, and I find great joy in guiding my students through this journey. Beyond teaching, I am passionate about fostering connections between people from different backgrounds, which language learning naturally facilitates. This passion extends to my interest in sustainability, as seen in my involvement with environmental projects, where effective communication plays a vital role in bringing about change.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  What makes me a Superprof is my commitment to creating a personalized learning experience for each student. My diverse teaching experience, both in-person and online, allows me to adapt to different learning styles and needs. I'm dedicated to my students' success and constantly seek new ways to make learning engaging and relevant. Additionally, my background in research and academia equips me with a deep understanding of language and a structured approach to teaching, ensuring that my students achieve their goals.