English | Native |
---|---|
Afrikaans | Fluent |
Hindi | Just a few words |
Tamil | Just a few words |
Can I say that 5, 10, 20 years ago I never could have imagined that I would be strongly considering online tutoring, but here I am, serious about doing just that, being an online tutor? You might be wondering why am I sharing this thought with you. Well, this shows that when you are passionate about something, you will continue to find ways to keep it alive, no matter the odds, simply because of the satisfaction and fulfillment it brings into your life.
Warm greetings to all of you from sunny South Africa. Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself.
Who am I?
My name is Irene Singh and I was born and raised on the east coast of South Africa in the green province of KwaZulu Natal. I am a wife and a mother of 3 adult daughters.
I am a former educator and lecturer with 21 years of teaching experience. In my country, I have gained extensive experience teaching English as a second language at both school and tertiary levels.
I am eager to meet and engage with all prospective students from different cultures and backgrounds so we can grow together.
Qualifications and teaching experience:
I have a 198 hour TEFL Level 5 certification which includes Business English. I have a Junior Primary Teaching Diploma from Springfield College in Durban. Whilst teaching I completed my B. A. degree through UNISA, Durban, specializing in English and Communication. I then completed my Master's degree in Tourism Development and Management through Buckinghamshire Chilterns University in London.
I have taught students ranging from 6 years (primary school) to 25 years (tertiary). I spent the best part of my first 16 years teaching at 2 primary schools in Durban. I enjoyed teaching young children immensely. I learned that it’s not WHAT you teach that’s important, rather it’s HOW you teach, that transfers the knowledge successfully. Helping to shape their young impressionable minds has been the most rewarding experience of my career.
I lectured in Business English/Communication to 1st-year, 2nd-year, and 3rd-year students at the Durban University of Technology., and lectured in Tourism Studies to 3rd-year students at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
During my gap years between teaching and lecturing, I became an entrepreneur, providing educational resources to matriculants of disadvantaged schools in KwaZulu Natal. I obtained funding from big corporates to do this. In addition, I co-ordinated matric tuition programs for radio… they say ‘once a teacher, always a teacher.
I consider myself to be a dynamic teacher who takes her job seriously. I am able to adapt, and can communicate well to all age levels because, (I think…) I am mature, friendly, kind, and patient. My lecturing experience has helped me become a better communicator to adult students. I am certain I would be able to effectively mentor and train young adults to become better communicators at their workplace.
My approach:
I continue to have high expectations of myself and intend to serve all your prospective students well in your desire to learn and grow and become holistic individuals.
It is important t understand the psyche and the learning needs of students in order to create a successful classroom experience for both the teacher and student alike. I have found that active participation and including aspects of their culture in the lesson helps keep students interested and feeling included. This also helps to build trust in the relationship between student and teacher.
My teaching techniques primarily focus on identifying a student’s unique learning needs and abilities and helping him/her to improve and grow from there. With younger students, I have learned that the best way to teach a language is to make lessons short, fun, and engaging. I think we can agree that nothing brightens our children’s futures more than teaching them to read and spell, and that poor literacy and reading skills lead to underachievement and reduced opportunities in life. I will hence, attempt to help students tap into their own learning potential, harness their unique abilities, and develop their strengths. Students must be made to feel safe when making mistakes and must be taught that mistakes are stepping stones to greatness and success
My online tutor - offering includes the following topics of interest
1. Proficiency in English as an academic subject or as a 2nd language to improve conversation skills.
2. Business English for adults, entrepreneurs, tertiary students.
3. Guidance and Counselling for daily living, improved relationships, conflict resolution, and life improvement.
4. Spirituality focussing on Mindfulness, Divinity, and the art of living in Oneness, beginning with “ How to learn to love yourself."
A little about my hobbies and other interests:
My family and I enjoy traveling and exploring nature. I have traveled extensively locally and a few places abroad. I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. There is so much to be learned from simply observing different types of people.
I have a small bath and beauty business. I make, by hand, bath soaps and other beauty products using only organic ingredients.
The subject of Astronomy and how the Universe was first created, has fascinated me from a very young age. Start a conversation on this topic and I will passionately join in and teach you all that I have learned and discovered! Here’s a highlight: My family and I visited SALT, the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, which is based here in South Africa. Amazing!!
Yoga and meditation help me stay grounded and connected. I started my spiritual journey in 2009 and am still on my path to achieving deeper levels of consciousness. I occasionally do online and offline courses to deepen my spirituality. Am also a devout member of 2 huge international Spiritual Schools based in India.
In a nutshell…
I value relaxed, yet serious conversations with people from diverse backgrounds. This kind of interpersonal interaction will also benefit me as a curious individual. I am gracious and can add value to your life, even if in a small way
I look forward to opportunities to empower, educate and inspire you. Purposeful communication will be a key aspect of our social interaction and I intend to create an atmosphere of integrity humility, understanding, and collaboration. I understand that we are all students in today's fast-changing world and we all need a nurturing and trusting learning environment in order to feel safe and included.
So come on board with me and book a lesson. You will not be disappointed as I promise to sincerely fulfill your learning goals. You will be constantly improving and discovering with me.
I want to share all the knowledge and expertise that I have acquired over the years…you have to simply allow me to.
So eagerly looking forward to meeting you online!
Thank you for reading about me and take care!
***ky34