TEACHER CASE STUDIES

Listen & Learn: Hello, Francine! It’s great that you could meet with us today, thank you! Could you begin by telling us what languages you teach and why you chose a career in teaching?
Francine: I am a Dutch tutor teaching Dutch, German, and English to adult students. I have always liked languages and interacting with people, and a career in teaching seemed the best way to combine both passions.

Listen & Learn: How did you do to achieve that? Could you tell us about your teaching qualifications and history?
Francine: I have a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences paired with Foreign Language Studies, a Master’s Degree in Creative Writing, a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, and I have been an interpreter/translator on cruise ships.

Listen & Learn: You clearly are an expert in the field! What attracted you to teach with Listen & Learn?
Francine: Listen & Learn have been instrumental in starting my career as a tutor . They paired me up with motivated students who needed to master Dutch for their professional careers. The students are punctual, trustworthy and keen to learn.

Listen & Learn: It’s great to hear that our team has been able to match you with students who are a great fit for you! And what is your favourite thing about working with Listen & Learn?
Francine: The Listen & Learn staff are all incredibly helpful and dedicated to assisting tutors and students alike. The team makes sure they fully understand their students’ needs before matching them with a tutor. Their response times are also excellent.

Listen & Learn: Thank you for your excellent comments, Francine! And what do you expect from your students in class?
Francine: I expect my students to be motivated and fun-loving. I also tell my students that making mistakes is the best way to learn a new language, and that they shouldn’t be afraid of making them! I encourage students to talk as much as they can, and to not be shy.

Listen & Learn: That’s great to hear! Making mistakes is a very important part of learning a new language. And what should students expect from you as their teacher?
Francine: As a teacher, I like to bring fun to the lesson. It’s not all about grammar! Languages are more than just grammar and words, and the most important thing is to enjoy learning them. I like to play quizzes and games during the lessons, and to do lots of role-plays. The most important thing is that the student gets to talk a lot.

Listen & Learn: Your classes sound like a lot of fun! Why do you think students should enrol in a language course with Listen & Learn?
Francine: I can only encourage students to sign up for a course with Listen & Learn. The staff makes sure to match the right student with the right teacher, and they are always available to answer questions, and even recommend materials and resources.

Listen & Learn: Lastly, could you tell us a fun fact about the language you teach or a favourite expression you ask your students to learn?
Francine: Did you know, for example, that the Dutch use the word gezellig (which means “cosy”) a lot? If you are planning to go shopping, get together or go for a meal with a friend or even an acquaintance, the Dutch say “oh, gezellig!” This means that you look forward to spending time together. The Dutch also have a saying “act normally, because you’re crazy enough as it is.” That’s right, the Dutch are very down-to-earth, and also very straightforward!