Personal Description:

Hi! I'm Rachel, a recent graduate of the University of Toronto with a B.A. in Linguistics. During my time in school, I've taken many literature courses (especially Russian literature). I ran a program on behalf of the Centre for International Experience called Language Exchange which is where students got to practice the languages they were learning with native speakers. Through my linguistics major and this program I learned a lot about ESL and how to practice English with non-native speakers through casual conversation, grammar lessons (if desired), games, videos, etc. I wrote many essays during my undergraduate degree and presented a research paper at two different linguistic conferences. I am currently pursuing a certificate in editing from George Brown College and truly enjoy editing essays. I will edit more than just basic grammar - I will make sure your ideas make logical sense, arguments are soundly made, and sentences and transitions flow seamlessly. Most of all, I will help you understand how to achieve these results yourself.

Tutoring Experience:

Through the Language Exchange program, I created language games, topics of conversation, grammar notes, and participated in discussions in the ESL and other groups. As a passionate reader, I have participated in many discussions about different literature. Finally, I have been voluntarily editing essays for others since high school (about 6-8 years now) and completed I.B. high level English.

Tutoring Approach:

I have an encouraging and enthusiastic approach to teaching - I not only want to help students understand the content but also develop confidence in themselves. A lack of confidence can be one of the largest stumbling blocks to achieving success in subjects that are difficult and it can quickly overcome the desire to improve. It is important to me to point out what students are doing well along with looking at what needs to be improved. This is not only important for building confidence but it is important to see what a student's strengths are, even in subjects that they may be struggling with overall.