Skills and competencies
In addition to my teaching, I am also an experienced bridge engineer with 11 years in consulting engineering and research. Whilst in Canada I worked as a consultant for an engineering company in the UK.
My experience in teaching, research and engineering has given me strong analytical, time management, organisational, communication and teamwork skills. My interpersonal and communication skills have been developed by my teaching experience.
Experience record, Teacher and Tutor
2006-2007 Teacher, Korean International School, Hong Kong
I was the English speaking teacher in the Korean Section of the Korean International School, responsible for co-ordinating and teaching English for the Grade 6 classes. The lessons were conducted following the British National Curriculum.
In addition, I was the science teacher for Grades 6, 10 and 11.
2003 - Present Private tutor, Hong Kong
I teach English, mathematics and sciences to students of different ages, from kindergarten to adult. I am experienced in teaching phonics, I hold conversation classes, and I also teach business English to adults. I coach for school and university entrance exams and interviews and I copyedit and proofread technical, academic and commercial documents.
I encourage students to take more proactive approach to English learning, with an emphasis on building confidence in spoken English. This is achieved through role-playing, group or individual discussion on current affairs or topics of general interest, and, where necessary for particularly reticent pupils, individual reading sessions. Other subjects are all taught in English to provide maximum exposure to the language.
I have been successful in providing a more analytical approach to learning for advanced pupils, with more weight on problem solving and individual thinking than traditional rote learning.
2002-2003 TEFL/TOEFL teacher, Victoria, BC, Canada
Taught TEFL and TOEFL part-time at Royal Victoria College to students from Korea, Taiwan and Japan. Also tutored Grade 11 mathematics.
1999-2000 English medium teacher, Hong Kong
Taught English, mathematics, physics, history, geography and music as required to a wide range of ages and English language abilities. Also responsible for coaching for visa application and school entrance interviews.
Experience record, Engineer 1998-1999, 2001 - 2003 Babtie Group, Bedford, England
Multi-national multi-disciplinary consulting engineer with 3000 staff worldwide.
1998-date Consultant
Responsible for inspection and assessment of structures for a number of bridge owning organisations. Schemes included inspection and assessment of a variety of bridges and structures, many over 100 years old. Assessments to calculate bridge weight limit restrictions.
1991-1998 Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), Crowthorne, England
Internationally recognised research organisation working in all fields of road transport.
1994-1998 Project Manager, Civil Engineering Resource Centre
1991-1994 Researcher, Bridges
Responsible for planning, supervising, analysing and reporting of research programmes within the Bridge Engineering Resource Centre. Health and Safety Officer.
Technical training of graduate recruits.
Proofreading of technical documents and reports.
Interests and additional information
I have no criminal convictions in the UK or abroad.
I am a car owner in the UK, Canada and Hong Kong and have possessed a clean driving licence since 1987.
I play the violin to a good standard, and have been a member of local orchestras in the UK.
I have travelled extensively in Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa.
I play cricket and football (soccer) and have been a member of a number of local and work teams in both sports.
I enjoy golf, skiing and snowboarding to a modest standard, and take pleasure in outdoor pursuits generally.
Education/professional achievements:
2013 Certificate in Copyediting, University of California, San Diego
2002 TEFL qualification, UK
1988-1991 BEng with 2:1 Honours in Civil and Structural Engineering, University of Sheffield, UK
1982-1988 4 ‘A’ levels and 13 ‘O’ levels, Lord Grey School, UK
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