Teacher Discussion Forums

[myself]

I'm just getting started teaching private (individual) students, and I'd like to know if anyone can recommend a good ESL text (or texts) for that purpose. Most of the usual texts are for group classes, and I'm not sure how they'd work for private lessons. Many thanks.

[alexcase]

There's a textbook called business one:one especialy designed for one to one classes:

http://www.oup.com/elt/global/products/businessoneone/

We've got a copy of each level at school, but to be honest I took a quick flick through, decided it was dull and have never picked it up again. I think it is easier to just take an interesting book (e.g. New English File) and get some tips on how to teach one to one than taking a book that is made for it and then trying to spice it up. There have been a book about techniques on how to teach private classes, so I'd spend my money on one of them instead

Here's the link for a Businessey one:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/One-Teachers-Handbook-Peter-Wilberg/dp/0906717612

but there was also a cafe classes type one that I can't trace at the moment

And for online hints on one to one classes:

From onestopenglish (some of these lessons are mine):

http://www.onestopenglish.com/section.asp?sectionType=listsummary&catid=58047

And the British Council:

http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/think/methodology/onetoone.shtml

[mgrima]

I also teach private classes and have not had any success in finding an ESL textbook that I like for one on one privates however I find the best way to format your classes is through conversation more then grammar. When you have a one on one student you have the advantage of oral communication. What I like to do is teach the grammar concept and then do and oral activity with the student this way they get to practise it right away and they have a better chance at remembering it. You can then send them home with a workbook to work on exercises to reinforce what you saw in class.

[danielwelsch]

Most people I know use English Grammar in Use by Raymond Murphy. He has various levels, and it's good for grammar.

What I do is assign them homework from that book and look it over in class. If the student doesn't do the homework you can do the activities conversationally also...