Spring Xing volunteers for English Language Partners because he has a passion for contributing to his community.
He’s a migrant and loves the opportunity to help others new to Aotearoa.
“I have great empathy for them and understand the importance of English for a life fully lived here in New Zealand!”
An English teacher by trade, Spring’s also interested in meeting people and learning their stories and culture.
He has a strong linguistic and educational background, with a bachelor’s degree in English and Chinese language and literature and a master’s degree in translation. “Back in China, I was a high school English teacher for over 10 years and taught general and academic English.”
Spring’s learners really benefit from all the skills he brings to teaching English here in New Zealand. To top it off, he’s also a Chinese teacher and teaches Mandarin!
“English learning is very different from native language acquisition,” Spring says. “An experienced teacher can design lessons to accommodate the learner’s needs and hit the mark in their learning.”
“I have great empathy for them and understand the importance of English for a life fully lived here in New Zealand!”
Spring’s been helping learner Jack Zeng, also from China, improve notetaking skills to help him in his work. Amazingly enough, they both work for Hohepa, a disability service provider, so Spring has a great handle on the documentation Jack needs to fill out and the type of spoken English he needs to use at work.
“I select scenarios to help him get familiar with the vocabulary and expressions used, like in the morning briefings, requests from his boss, and in team meetings.”
Spring’s also using real life material – the company’s phone list has been helpful for a focus on pronunciation.
Spring says Jack has a few ‘settled’ ways of using English – presenting some inevitable, mother tongue ‘Chinglish’ teaching challenges!
His top tips to other ESOL home tutor are to “get to know your learner’s learning style so you can design suitable, interesting material.” He also thinks it’s important to make sure activities increase learners’ participation in lessons. “That way you can reduce your speaking time.”
Spring says he’s happy teaching and Jack enjoys the sessions very much. “He’s always on time and never cancels classes – even on public holidays!”
“But the thing I enjoy most is that I can see the progress Jack is making.”
English Language Partners runs regular Volunteer Tutor Training workshops nationwide.
