Why take English lessons with so many self-study options available?

There are so many great apps and sites online that can help you study English. This is an
awesome opportunity that wasn’t available to people just a few decades ago. Take advantage
of it and milk it for all its worth, but realize that passive knowledge gained from reading or
studying needs to be activated.
I taught ESL in Asia for 15 years. I worked with people of all ages, teaching in private schools,
public school, on site for Business English and at a university. During this period, I met so many
people who had studied English for more than 10 years, but who couldn’t really speak it. I have
worked with students whose grammar scores were near perfect scoring them a C2 rating but
when I began to ask them questions, their responses were often slow and awkward.
Language lessons or classes give you an opportunity to practice what you have read or studied
with feedback, error correction, and explanations of grammar, vocabulary, idioms, culture, etc.
Trying to become fluent in a language through reading and self-study is possible, but it
compares to traveling the world by watching YouTube videos of famous places – instead of
actually seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing… etc. There is value in every form of education, but
some experiences are richer than others.
Having studied more than a dozen languages, with proficiency in several European languages, I
understand how expensive and time consuming lessons can be. This is why I try to offer well-
prepared study materials, along with private and small group lessons to help students activate
the knowledge that they spent so much time acquiring. Activation speeds up acquisition.
Repetion forges new habits and patterns.
Private instruction gives you tailor-made solutions for rapid results. Nothing beats repetition
under the direction of a coach who offers a great deal of suggestions, explanations, feedback
and encouragement. Accountability is an important part of reaching our goals. Another option
would be following a course with a small group of people with whom you can do role plays,
share ideas and develop confidence and fluency together.
I offer reasonable rates, flexible schedules, and the convenience of studying without leaving
your home or office. 🙂