Meet Vanamali: English Tutor Extraordinaire
July 14, 2008 – 4:44 pm by KellyS.Vanamali, a member of Classof1, received his Bachelors degree in Commerce (with Honors) from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. In 2001, he passed the National English Language Testing Service (NELTS) exam, conducted by the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (CIEFL). Vanamali feels that his core strength lies in his language skills and he has been tutoring students in English for the past 7 years. On GlobalScholar, Vanamali offers SAT Prep tutoring and English courses for Kindergarten through College level students.
Here is what Vanamali had to say about himself and his tutoring experiences:
What was your favorite subject when you were a student? Why?
Vanamali: When I was a student, English was my favorite subject. I liked to read lots of stories and my English textbooks had stories that were very expressive and vivid. Also, my English teachers encouraged reading through the ‘Literary Circle’ and individual attention.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Vanamali: I like to hear soft instrumental music, devotional songs, play chess and computer games in my spare time. I also read stories, novels, and update my knowledge in my spare time.
What motivated you to begin teaching/tutoring?
Vanamali: I think this quote explains it: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”. My teachers have had a tremendous impact on my psyche and thinking. I, in turn, want to pass on the legacy to future generations through teaching and touching the future in the process.
Was there any particular teacher or class that really influenced you?
Vanamali: My English teachers at school and college were very encouraging and supportive. The study circle meetings and awareness classes in my college were very helpful and influenced me in a big way to become the individual that I have become today.
What do you think are the challenges of teaching/tutoring?
Vanamali: The main challenge is to match the mental frequency of the student and make the student ‘want’ to learn, instead of feeling that they ‘have’ to learn. It is the teacher’s responsibility to motivate the student and equip them with the relevant skills. In today’s world of ‘infotainment’, education has to be re-invented in order to sustain the student’s interest and involvement.
What do you like best about tutoring online?
Vanamali: The best thing I like about tutoring online is meeting students from diverse backgrounds. I tend to learn new things, as much as I teach students. The need to equip oneself with the latest in education keeps one ready and motivated to learn more and re-invent oneself.
What do you think makes you a successful tutor? What are some important qualities of an online tutor?
Vanamali: Personally, I feel that a passion for mining and sharing knowledge, coupled with the patience and motivation to share it with others makes me successful in my endeavors. An online tutor should first be patient with themselves, to overcome any personal limitations and with the students, to motivate and empower them. A person who is tutoring online should be able to learn on a daily basis and add to his/her skills. Students should be ready to patiently stick to one thing until it is finished and also able to integrate the various things into their working life.
Thank you, Vanamali!
