I have been teaching German and Italian for over 15 years at a prestigious Canadian University as well as at a local language school. I have experience teaching all levels and age groups, both in-person and online. 

I aim to incorporate all 5 language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing, and culture) in every lesson. Besides teaching the five traditional language skills, I also believe in the importance of developing a sixth skill – strategy awareness and use. By teaching you learning strategies, I try to develop in you the autonomy you need in order to continue exploring the language independently.

I tend to adopt an eclectic approach, whereby depending on the situation, I borrow different techniques from a variety of teaching methods. My PhD in Applied Linguistics and ongoing research in second language pedagogy allows me to stay informed on the latest research developments in the field of second language acquisition and to adopt the most appropriate teaching practices for each teaching and learning situation.

In order to adapt the instruction to the learning context, it is important for me to know my students well. This allows me to account for different personal factors, such as the learners’ age, proficiency level, learning styles, personality, and individual needs. I try to provide a range of learning opportunities that can satisfy the needs of different students. I also believe that there is a time and place for a judicious use of learners’ first languages in the second language classroom. Knowing seven languages often allows me to help students build upon their preexisting linguistic knowledge by drawing parallels between their different native languages and the target language. 

Finally, I believe it is important to develop both learners’ fluency and accuracy. Therefore, I strive to find a balance between emphasizing communicative skills and focusing on linguistic forms. Thus, depending on learners’ needs and goals, I might choose to employ more implicit or more explicit teaching methods.

My ultimate goal as a teacher is to create a friendly and productive atmosphere, in which students have fun and progress in their learning journey.