Information About Leonardo - Glasgow teacher

Personal Description:

I am a language enthusiast with a passion for teaching and learning. A doctor in Language Science, I recently completed my PhD in the teaching of French as a foreign language (FLE) where I focused on pronunciation; some of the errors that take place and the techniques and methods to correct them. Although I have devoted the last few years to the francophone language and culture, I am also fully qualified (BA) to teach Spanish – native speaker – and English as a foreign/second language. This is my first year in Glasgow and after an enriching experience in the “bubble” of French academia, I am eager to put theory into practice and to make language accessible to its eager learners.

Teaching Experience:

I have significant experience teaching foreign languages to students from diverse backgrounds. I started teaching English and French in Colombia, where I obtained my BA. Then, I had the opportunity to teach Spanish in France, where I would later obtain a Master’s degree in FLE (French as a Foreign Language). I worked as a French teacher in Colombia, at Bogota’s Alliance Française, before returning to France to complete my PhD at Avignon Université.

Over the last few years, I have worked as a French teacher, as a university tutor and as an Assistant Lecturer in Avignon. I worked with the undergraduate and master’s students covering subjects that ranged from general linguistics to the evolution of teaching methodologies. During the years I spent in Avignon I also had the chance of working with migrants and helping them develop their language skills.

I have had the great privilege of teaching in various contexts including public schools, private institutions and university courses and seminars.

Teaching Approach:

My teaching style is based on a communicative approach. This means the development of skills that allow efficient oral and written communication with different speakers of the target language in a variety of contexts. I believe we can adopt a “learning by doing” style, in which the learner uses and improves their language skills through the accomplishment of different tasks. In terms of pronunciation, I like to implement exercises, methods and techniques that help the leaner identify and correct their potential errors in order to make themself understood without difficulty.

I always like to make classes as enjoyable as possible; I believe that creating a fun and safe space is crucial for better results and for a more fulfilling journey. I seek to dedramatize the learning of French and Spanish (which can be tortuous for some – especially French, let’s be honest) without losing sight of the goals at hand.

I strive to provide my learners with the elements necessary to overcome obstacles, to reflect on their strengths and areas of improvement, and to confidently affirm themselves as French speakers – or "francophones", if you’re a purist.

Services I provide :

- General French : covering all levels, from beginner to advanced. I can adapt my classes for students who are discovering the language, for those with some previous experience, or for those who are already advanced and looking to excel through regular practice. I always take into account the specific goals of the learner, covering from conversation practice to exam preparation.

- Academic French : for college/university undergraduate and masters’ students. With my extensive experience at the university level, I can help students whose academic goals require a specific approach. This includes the writing of essays and dissertations, preparing for an oral presentation or exam, and providing feedback on a research project in terms of its methodology, its theoretical framework, its bibliography and/or the analyses and discussion of the results.

- General Spanish : covering all levels, from beginner to advanced. In addition to being a native Spanish speaker, I am experienced in teaching this language to non-natives, and I am able to adapt my classes to specific purposes. If you’re particularly interested in Latin American Spanish and culture, it would be my pleasure to share my knowledge as a native Colombian.