Simon Ugochukwu Awaogu

My Approach to Tutoring & How I Teach

A. My Techniques and Teaching Methodology

My teaching philosophy is centred on "Structured Flexibility." I believe in having a clear, systematic roadmap for progress (using the official HSK Standard Course as our core framework) while infinitely adapting the journey to each student's unique goals, interests, and learning style.

My methodology is built on three pillars:

i. Personalised & Goal-Oriented: There is no "one-size-fits-all" in language learning. Before we begin, I will discuss your objectives - whether it's passing an HSK exam, preparing for a business trip, or simply holding a conversation with family. I then tailor the content and pace to ensure every lesson is directly relevant to you. A business learner, for example, will focus on different vocabulary and scenarios than a university student.
ii. Communicative & Practical: Language is for communication. My lessons are interactive and practice-heavy. Instead of just learning theory, you will spend a significant amount of time using the language through role-plays, discussions about real-life topics, and describing pictures or stories. I create a supportive environment where mistakes are seen as valuable steps in the learning process, encouraging you to speak confidently from day one.
iii. Building Blocks for Success: For beginners, I place a strong emphasis on mastering Pinyin and pronunciation to build a solid foundation. As we advance, we systematically expand vocabulary and grammar, always connecting new knowledge to what you've already learned. I provide clear, contextual examples and customised exercises to make complex grammar points easy to understand and use.

B. Typical Length of a Lesson

I find that a 60-minute lesson is the ideal balance. It provides sufficient time to:
- Review previous material.
- Introduce and practice new topics in depth.
- Engage in meaningful conversational practice.
- Address any questions thoroughly, without feeling rushed.

However, I am flexible and also offer 90-minute sessions for more intensive practice or for students preparing for specific exams.

C. My Qualifications/Experience as a Tutor

I am a qualified Mandarin tutor with a dedicated academic background and practical teaching experience:

i. Qualification: I hold a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL), which provided me with expert-level training in pedagogy, linguistics, and second language acquisition.
ii. Experience: My teaching journey began in 2020, and I have since accumulated extensive experience in both one-on-one and group settings, online and in-person. A key early experience was successfully guiding a class of international students from absolute beginner to HSK intermediate level within a tight 4-month deadline. This honed my ability to deliver efficient, results-driven lessons under pressure.

D. Who the Lessons Are For (Level, Age, etc.)

My lessons are designed for a wide range of learners:

i. Level: I welcome students of all levels from complete beginners with zero prior knowledge to advanced learners looking to refine their fluency and tackle complex topics.
ii. Age: My primary students are teenagers (13+) and adults. My teaching style is adapted to be engaging and relevant for these age groups.
iii. Specialisations:
- Exam Preparation: Expert coaching for all HSK levels.
- Conversational Chinese: For those who want to learn practical Chinese for travel, work, or socialising.
- Business Chinese: Focus on professional communication, presentations, and industry-specific vocabulary.

I am passionate about sharing my language and culture and am committed to helping you achieve your personal Mandarin goals in an efficient and enjoyable way. I look forward to working with you