In this page, Things tutors keep in mind are explained.
Our School Concepts
We call you not teachers but tutors.
Tutor: a person charged with the instruction and guidance of another
[Merriam Webster online]
Value English is not a school but an English Learning Community.
Idealy, Value English should become the largest english learning community. Here, the community is the place where people get together to help each other to learn english.
Consider students studying English for business are your business partners
In our school, our main targets are not kids but business man. Therefore, altough you teach english to students, teachers should also learn from students.
Not To DOs
Refrain from asking personal questions
It is not good to ask personal questions to someone whom you met for the first time. Americans are very sensitive with this. Some Japaneses are also sensitive these days.
Bad examples) -should refrain from asking
How old are you? (Especially don't ask age to female students)
Are you married?
Do you have a boyfriend?
Good examples)
Instead, it is OK to ask
Asking questions related to family
Asking questions related to work
Refrain from asking English Names
Almost all Japaneses don't have english name. The reason many Koreans have english name is that they are christian. So, in this point, Japaneses and Koreans are different.
Instead, you can ask them their nickname. If they say they don't have. They could be just shy. So, you can suggest nickname to them. Also, you can give advice it is better to have nicknames since some japanese names are difficult to pronounciate. This can be a nice ice breaker.
Don't use "Sir" too much
I found tutors prefer to use "Sir".. But this sounds like english in an army.. I think it is better call each other their name or nicknames, since students and tutors are partners.
Please be cautious to prevent one way communication;
Always encourage students to speak up (but don't give stress to students too much!)
Be cautious not to speak too much