Читать книгу Start & Run an ESL Teaching Business - T. Nicole Pankratz - Bodner - Страница 35

Now that you have created a big-picture vision of your ESL tutorial business, you need to flesh out the information on your programs and services by adding details about tutoring methods and materials, as well as service options and accessibility. The information should be written in a way that is easy for new staff and prospective students to understand.

There are two main types of tutoring: content-based tutoring and student-led tutoring. In content-based tutoring, the tutor collects and organizes information and learning materials and delivers these to the student. During a session, the student receives instruction and, when applicable, is given homework assignments related to the lesson. The tutor may even provide the student with the material that will be covered in the next lesson, giving the learner time to prepare for the lesson ahead of time.

In student-led tutoring the student is responsible for the content and direction of the lesson. During each session, the student raises questions (e.g., how to understand and use a tough grammar point, or how to politely bring up a problem with a homestay host) or topics for discussion (e.g., a recent news item or a confusing cultural difference that is causing him or her concern). The student may ask the tutor to help him or her read and understand a newspaper article, correct a collection of sentences using new vocabulary words, or simply assist with a homework assignment.

Because content-based tutoring requires extra time and work in terms of preparing and organizing materials, you may want to charge more for programs that use this method. That said, while student-led tutoring is less demanding in terms of preparation, some instructors find it more difficult precisely because they cannot prepare for what they may be asked or are expected to know.

Both content-based and student-led tutoring methods can be used for almost any type of program, with any level, type, or age of student. You may want to offer your students both options. Or, you could insist on using content-based instruction for certain types of programs, the most obvious being grammar or TOEFL lessons, and use student-led tutoring for lighter, less rule-oriented types of programs.

When deciding on your tutoring methods and materials, you will need to consider your target market’s needs, desires, and expectations, while keeping in mind the nature of your facilities. If you are setting up a formal location, you will have more options, since some tutors could be available onsite while others are working at students’ homes.