I was born and raised in London in the UK, but have lived in Rome, Italy for many years. I have been teaching English as a foreign language for about twenty years.
After the initial training and teaching with the recommended books, I decided that there had to be a better way. I had the good fortune to meet some great teachers and trainers who stimulated me to look at different humanistic methods and creative techniques. I experienced firsthand Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Multiple intelligences, the use of the five senses, drama and the use of the body and movement in learning.
Using this experience, I began to create my own unique style, I adapted others that I especially liked and I could see the benefits for the students.
Recently, I have even incorporated something called Laughter yoga into my teaching, see article, Laughter yoga in English Language teaching www.hltmag.co.uk/aug08 >>
My philosophy on life is that if you are not learning, you are not living! Life is a journey, which throws up both predictable and unexpected situations. It’s how you deal with them that makes you what you are. If you want to make progress, you have to take risks and get out of your comfort zone. It also makes life far more interesting. Or you can follow the same repetitive, predictable path, refusing to try anything new for fear of what you might have to face. Learning is not about certificates, or finding the right job. It’s about developing and improving yourself.
My greatest strength I believe, is that I am open minded to new methods which present themselves and am always trying to improve myself. I am totally committed to my work. By this I mean, I believe in giving the best and the most I can in any given situation. If I only gave half of myself, I would not only be cheating my students, but more importantly, cheating myself. That would be unforgiveable!