Tiina E. Half price first lesson

I have worked as a practicing teacher for over thirty years. Over the years, several of my students have become teachers themselves and turned to me with specific questions about teaching methods when they began working in the classroom. I have also helped friends’ children learn to write essays, understand and analyze texts, and catch up on gaps caused by absences in other subjects—reportedly with good results. I have also supported people writing research papers and theses. Over the past ten years, I have grown from a needs-based personal consultant, mentor, and trainer into a trainer delivering commissioned programs, while continuing to teach Estonian language and literature and study skills. At the same time, I still enjoy working one-on-one with learners.

Higher education: master's degree

My main areas are: 1. Estonian language skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing—including functional literacy, different text types, formal correspondence, creative writing, presentation skills, and more) 2. Study skills: understanding myself as a learner (learning styles, multiple intelligences); goals and motivation; the roles of learner and teacher; learning strategies (mnemonic techniques, reading, mind maps, process writing, note-taking, and more); learning self-sabotage; choices and priorities; feelings and thinking in the learning process; learning activities and environment; relationships and attitudes within a group; effective listening; clear self-expression; presenting oneself; influencing techniques; comments and feedback; coping with stress and setbacks; collaboration skills; the role of creativity, and more 3. Active learning methods and a constructivist approach to learning: course design and methodology; facilitators’ communication and listening skills; skills for leading brainstorming, group work, and other engaging activities; group dynamics in learning settings and how to guide them How do I teach? – I focus on the learner, not just the subject, using active learning methods and experiential learning. I involve learners in setting goals and reflecting on their progress. – I am creative and innovative. I can design and develop learning methods suited to a particular audience or individual, based on the learning outcomes and curriculum, and gather feedback to adapt my work as a trainer. – I value learners’ time and offer a variety of learning formats, including parallel formats (for example, creating online materials or a course to support in-person learning). – I plan my teaching methods to develop key competencies and social skills as well.