22 Sep 2016
Seven ways to choose a good language trainer
Since I was a child, I have often thought about what makes a good teacher. My classmates and I were not sophisticated enough to elaborate on the required traits of the chosen one, but we could immediately recognize a good teacher as soon as we saw him in action.
Like many of you, I had excellent school teachers and also ineffective ones. Indeed, the work of a good teacher can single–handedly create an everlasting impact in our learning, independently of the school or institution he works for. As adults, we know now that a good teacher has clear objectives, manages his lessons wisely and uses a wide variety of methods to help his students see the moment of light.
Yes, it is clear that now, as adults, we know precisely what makes a good teacher or trainer, but the question is how do we find this inspiring soul, or more specifically, a good language trainer? Does it remain a game of chance with few lucky winners and many losers?
Answer 1: You can search on your own by trusting word of mouth, or by looking for trainers that advertise themselves online.
Answer 2: You can look for language schools that already have good trainers.
In the above case, look for language institutes that:
- Carefully select trainers based on their academic background, previous experience in teaching and are socially competent.
- Even the best teaching talent goes to waste if it is not nurtured. So, look for institutes that foster high teaching standards via in-house training and supervision
- Offer courses at market prices. If they are offering rock-bottom market prices they will not be able to keep their best trainers long-term for you!
- Offer reduced class sizes: even the best trainers cannot do wonders with unmanageable class sizes.
- Have fully equipped facilities to provide both trainers and participants a rich and pleasant place for learning.
- Offer a work environment where trainers and students are treated with respect and respect for the training profession as well.
- Present referrals and testimonials that are concrete, descriptive and cover all relevant aspects.
A voice of warning: Your selection process should not blindly follow a trial lesson (Schnupperstunde).
At best, the lesson can turn out to be a well-rehearsed marketing show that has very little to do with the course and trainer that you will end up getting. At worst it is possible that you may be seeing a great trainer having a bad day.
Remember: You are looking for a living trainer of flesh and bones, and not just a perfect talking machine.
But don´t look any further, at language institute i-diom we are certain that you can find the language course and trainer that you are looking for. Just visit us for a free consultation.
How do you find a good language trainer?
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About the author: Carlos Aleson is the director of i-diom, an institute specialized in language and communications training in Austria.
