Job Discussion Forums

[Master Shake]

They don't do their homework and then complain they aren't making progress.

They force me to feign an interest in their job and ask them endless questions. "Go on, ask me another question about myself," an executive said to me at a recent 1-to-1 lesson.

They constantly change their mind about what they want from the lessons: less grammar, more grammar (but only as homework), more speaking (always), more vocabular related to my work, my hobbies, the cruise I plan to take this weekend, etc. etc. etc.

But at the end of the day, they pay. Quite a bit more than your self-improvement-seeking, recent-uni-grad who is determined to master every facet of every tense and sound like a native if it kills her.

Which type do you prefer to teach? Does the extra money make it worth it? Do you give discounts to loyal and motivated students or does everyone have to pay the same to play?

[scottie1113]

It depends on whether you're doing it to make a lot of money, or because you enjoy it. You know my views on the matter, as well as my rates.

[lundjstuart]

Do this: dedicate the first 15mins of the lesson for them to speak about themselves, after that, push the lesson topic on them and start asking them a few questions that you need them to answer. After a few lessons, they will get the hint that you dont want to talk about them 100% of the time! It works!

[dynow]

i do the same. let them blab for the first part of the lesson, and then try and transition.

and yes, it's worth the money. i typically have more problems with the young adults than the older, wealthier ones.

[sparks]

What are you complaining about? A class where you are well-paid to sit and listen to someone talk, offering some corrections along the way and perhaps some new vocab/grammar on a particular topic? I teach mostly kids but have a few adult 1-1s and the adults are a pleasure to teach after dealing with 6-11 year olds. I'd only teach 1-1s if they were more regular and I could have class throughout the day.

[Master Shake]

[dynow]

[simon_porter00]

Got to be careful what I say as I'm easy traceable through the interweb, so:

There's no such thing as a Polish student snob, simply a financially advantaged and confident student who likes to discuss his/her interests in the attempt to further his/her English skills and ability.

Therefore in response to the initial OP - yes, always, absolutely and always.

There, that should help the mortgage get paid faster....

[Mike_2007]

They also own companies, work for large companies, and have lots of friends who own companies. Although teaching this kind of learner can be a pain (cancelled lessons, long holidays, away on business, forgotten lesson times, etc.) they often put you in touch in with people from whom you can get on-contract work teaching their employees with multiple classes in one location.

[Insubordination]

Yeah, it's worth it. Just find out what you have in common. If they're with companies and you 'have' to teach them something, then do so. Otherwise, let them have the kind of lesson they want. They're paying.

[lundjstuart]

[hrvatski]

We are conversation whores.

[Master Shake]

[dynow]

we all kiss butt at work. every job, full of kissing butt.

customer is always right, your boss gets the last word, etc., so why not make more money doing the same thing.

[wojbrian]

This is a rough one.

I think it depends on how bad you need the money. No one likes to sell their soul but a business is a business and the customer is always right.