![Kevin B.](https://avatars.preply.com/i/logos/i/logos/avatar_wkciqwqxqcn.jpg)
Kevin B.
Columbia University Graduate With 20 Years University Teaching Experience
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About me
Welcome! My name is Kevin and for over 22 years I have taught English in over 20 countries! As both Canadian and American I offer classes covering academic English topics such as SAT English, TOEFL/IELTS tests, Academic Essay Writing for secondary school students. No matter your level of English learning, my courses offer something suitable. Filled with invaluable information and multimedia tools, these classes are guaranteed to make improve and change how think about who you are as a learner for the better! You can learn more about me by exploring my Preply courses, and I look forward to sharing my expertise as your English instructor!
At Teacher's College, Columbia University, I earned a Master of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). I have taught at numerous renowned Asian institutions such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong and at South Korea’s Hankuk University of Foreign Studies. Currently, I primarily teach Essay Writing for junior high school and high school students, as well classes to prepare students for the 2024 Digital SAT Evidence-Based Writing and Reading Exam. Students will benefit from following a structured program with regular homework and evaluations. My complete SAT/ACT curriculum creates realistic test-taking conditions in my classes to familiarize students with actual test situations and better comprehend the SAT/ACT English exam. Each lesson includes structured coursework, interactive activities, customization options, assessments, and teacher support.
For English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, I understand your concerns regarding English as a Second Language since I have mastered a second language. The experience I have teaching IELTS preparation includes serving as an official IELTS speaking test examiner during my tenure with Georgetown University English Fellows Program Vietnam in 2013-14. Consequently, given my firsthand experience as an official examiner, my IELTS classes provide students with effective ways to better develop their listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities while familiarizing them with the test format and requirements. Additionally, I have many years of successful online instruction for IELTS students around the world.
Regarding my TOEFL classes, as an associate professor at Kyushu National University in Japan, I had the pleasure of teaching an elite student body from all around the globe, giving me invaluable experience teaching TOEFL courses. Furthermore, as a former TOEFL test official at Kyushu National University, I have an excellent understanding of the test’s contents and format. Additionally, with my successful strategies for TOEFL success, I can teach you the tips and test taking strategies that will help you the most by providing you with helpful homework, giving you time for practice drills in-class, and taking monthly practice tests.
All the lessons I teach have been customized for digital learning, making it possible for you to interact yourself for good chances to practice with in class drills and digital worksheets to give you the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned ways for you to display your knowledge and skills. Any mistakes you make I view as a learning opportunity, and not something for you to be embarrassed about as this is a natural part of the learning process.
Whatever you level, come discover English through an individual experience! My hour-long placement exams allow me to identify areas for improvement and strengths, then create a tailored learning plan that includes instant feedback, homework and materials tailored specifically for you. This way, I can ensure high-quality yet affordable lessons, suitable for exam preparation, business communication, or simply for improving English skills faster.
I speak
English
NativeJapanese
Upper-Intermediate B2What my students say
Anton
August 16, 2024
Kevin is a really good teacher who can explain a bunch of complicated grammar topics and provide a systematic understanding of their rules in a short period of time. I'm looking forward to our next class!Grace
August 13, 2024
Very experienced and fun tutor to have! Each class includes fun material to learn, in which Kevin can adapt to your learning speed and teach lessons based on your knowledge. Highly would recommend!Ella
August 8, 2024
Kevin is a very professional teacher and have many learning materials.Alice
April 21, 2024
Kevin is a superb tutor who consistently aids in enhancing my English writing abilities. Thanks to his guidance, my SAT writing skills have significantly progressed, leading to notable improvements in my practice test scores.Brahim
November 25, 2023
Great and very experienced tutor! I have noticed a significant change in my writing skills ever since I have started taking classes with Kevin. Totally recommend!IRYNA
September 25, 2023
My classes with Kevin are temporary paused because of the war, but after the victory I'll back. I have only positive experience, our classes always were related to various topics. Thanks Kevin, now I feel free to discuss history, economy, political, cultural themes, ect. Kevin has recommended me a huge list of useful resources to improve my vocabulary, grammar skills, pronunciation. I would definitely recommend Kevin as a tutor, you will have a brilliant results with him
Schedule
Resume
1993 — 1994
Columbia University in the City of New York
Masters in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Diploma verified
1983 — 1988
Whitworth University
B.A. History with emphases in Secondary Education
Diploma verified
My specialties
Conversational English classes focus on respect, communication and an inclusive environment. I tailor each lesson specifically to your interests while encouraging active participation from attendees. Young learners and beginners require conversation-focused material like dialogues and topic articles as an introduction into English conversational experience. My listening and speaking exercises focus on real-life settings that encourage conversational English for my students. I use authentic video content to encourage natural dialogue for advanced learners in my lessons, using carefully chosen videos as discussion starters. These courses include vocabulary exercises, listening comprehension exercises and discussion questions to provide a holistic approach that emphasizes realistic usage in conversational English. Each session features structured activities, interactive exercises and online quizzes which students can complete effortlessly. My system gives children and beginners the chance to practice independently while I monitor their progress in class and check weekly homework. I create lessons for students based on their English level and for students of all ages using enjoyable games and interesting online learning tools.
In my Business English curriculum, students expand their foundational skills by delving into essential business vocabulary, which includes industry-specific terminology, job roles, and common business activities. Moreover, learners focus on refining their email writing abilities, mastering formal greetings, request formulation, and composing clear, concise messages. The curriculum places a significant emphasis on cultivating effective presentation skills, covering presentation structure, the utilization of visual aids, and fostering confidence in content delivery. It also introduces negotiation techniques and strategies applicable to various business contexts. Furthermore, listening and speaking exercises are designed to enhance communication proficiency in meetings, interviews, and phone conversations, ensuring a comprehensive skill set tailored for intermediate-level to advanced business English learners. My extensive experience includes teaching Business English courses at diverse institutions, including notable companies such as KDDI Tokyo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Kamakura, Japan. In 2013-14, I worked as an English Fellows Program teacher at the American Embassy Hanoi. Under the auspices of Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office Initiatives, I served as lead instructor in two 10-day English Language Projects on Professional Communication Skills for Leaders on behalf of U.S. Embassy Hanoi. These seminars included lessons which taught students advance Power Point Presentation skills and strategies and techiques for using English effectively in Business.
With vast experience teaching IELTS preparation - including serving as an official IELTS speaking test examiner during my tenure with Georgetown University English Fellows Program Vietnam in 2013-14 - I provide students with a comprehensive platform designed to systematically develop their listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities while familiarizing them with its format and requirements. My lessons consist of structured coursework, interactive activities, customization options, assessments and feedback mechanisms - as well as speaking practice, progress tracking and teacher support. By creating realistic test-taking conditions in my classes, my goal is to familiarize students with actual test situations and better comprehend the IELTS exam. Through engaging and effective online learning experiences, my goal is to assist my students in reaching their target scores on this prestigious test whether online or at top universities worldwide.
My vast teaching experience of English for Beginners speaks for itself; my ability to create a supportive yet stimulating learning environment. Being fluent in two languages myself, I understand the challenges facing beginners when starting off learning another tongue and strive to create an environment which is welcoming and safe. My courses focus on vocabulary development as well as essential English phrases. At my classes, students learn English quickly through engaging online text with plenty of photos to facilitate immediate learning and conversation. Engaging games and postcards reinforce lessons while helping students retain key information for future use in functional conversational phrases spanning body, family food, jobs, clothes, weather nationality and transport topics. After 20 lessons they become ready to master functional conversational phrases! I cover various practical subjects including body, family food jobs clothes weather nationality transport units.
As a native speaker of American English, I bring with me an extensive educational background when teaching. At Whitworth University I completed my undergraduate studies in History, Political Science and Secondary Education while earning a teaching English to Other Languages degree (similar to an MAL Minor in American Literature) through Columbia University New York City in May 1994. My expertise also extends to teaching American Idioms, cultural nuances and various facets of contemporary American society.
My experience as an intensive English teacher spans four years as an Associate Professor in the English Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, teaching courses entitled Intensive Reading in English and Writing, designed specifically to offer an immersive learning experience with in-depth explanations and hands-on activities. My approach embraces "learn by doing" within a cooperative learning environment so students could quickly and efficiently increase their reading and writing skills.
As an English lecturer at Chinese University of Hong Kong - an institution with strong British English roots - I developed a firm understanding of British English that extends beyond vocabulary, customs, accents and idioms into various aspects. Being native Canadian English speaker also gives me an advantage in being able to understand and navigate British vocabulary effectively.
As someone who has traveled to many different countries around the world, I can teach you the functional English you need for your trip. Lessons are made based on students' own interests in other countries and cultures. Some of the classes I teach for getting you ready for travelling to an English speaking country include: Language for the Classroom/On Vacation Planning Your Destination/On Vacation Booking Accommodation and Transport/On Vacation before You Leave Home/On Vacation at the Airport/On Vacation at the Bus or Train Station/On Vacation at the Hotel/On Vacation Eating Out/On Vacation Sightseeing/On Vacation Shopping and Souvenirs/On Vacation Directions/On Vacation.
As an associate professor at Kyushu National University in Japan, I had the pleasure of teaching an elite student body from all around the globe, giving me invaluable experience teaching the TOEFL courses. Furthermore, as a former TOEFL test official at Kyushu National University, I possess a deep understanding of its contents and format. Additionally, with my successful strategies for TOEFL success, I can teach you the tips and strategies which will help you the most with helpful homework and practice drills in class.My teaching method emphasizes customized strategies for each section, to ensure you're ready to excel on Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing exams. In addition to improving your score in these four areas, my goal is also to strengthen your writing and create well-structured essays that make your writing stronger.
I have a proven track record of assisting students in achieving success in job interviews conducted by native English speakers. It's a source of pride for me that a recent student secured a position as a stewardess with Vietnam Airlines after just two months of intensive interview preparation with me. With my experience in conducting job interviews at Hankuk University for their English Department, I possess valuable insights into the skills that employers seek and can provide you with precise guidance for your preparations. Several of my former students, whom I've helped prepare for job interviews, are currently employed by well-known corporations. I can teach job interview skills effectively because I have a comprehensive approach. I start by explaining the interview process, types of interviews, and emphasize the importance of research. I help students craft impactful resumes and cover letters and guide them in answering common and behavioral questions using the STAR method. Improving communication skills, including language fluency, pronunciation, and industry-specific vocabulary, is a key focus. I conduct mock interviews, provide constructive feedback, and address any nervousness. I also cover interview etiquette, follow-up procedures, and cultural awareness if needed. My teaching adapts to each student's unique needs, ensuring they are well-prepared and confident for their job interviews.
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