Ricardo Lado

I speak fluent Spanish and English, and in my capacity as a Spanish Tutor and Researcher I am a Hispanicist - or Specialist on Spanish Language, History and Civilisation.

I hold a B.A, Degree with Honours and Distinctions in Spanish. I also hold an MA Master's Degree in Translation with Distinctions for my Spanish specialism, and I have published work on the question of the Spanish Black Legend - a literary genre or propaganda system that has sometimes been falsely presented as History. As a Specialist on Spanish Language, History and Civilisation, I have at least 5 years working experience as a Language Teacher in Spain and the UK, teaching young children, preparing students for exams at 16 and 18, and teaching university students and professional adults.

I also hold a Degree and Master's Degree in Law and I have consequently also used my Spanish specialism, and wider linguistic and analytical skills to practical effect in the modern work place. It follows that where required I can also tailor Spanish Tuition classes and courses towards vocational or business language training.

Having worked as a Language Teacher in Spain and in the UK for more than 5 years I am aware of the need to provide rationally structured tuition to my students whilst also aiming to introduce interesting content and dynamic and fun development of knowledge and practice. Therefore, my Spanish classes aim to cover the following aspects:
1.) A rational, well-prepared lesson plan;
2.) Good interaction and inter-personal skills with the individual student, or class of students;
3.) Clear models and explanations of those grammar points that are necessary for accurate and proper communication, especially for advanced students;
4.) The use of inter-active exercises by students to allow students to practise grammatical topics in order to develop vocabulary, and to be involved in role play scenarios;
5.) Techniques aimed at eliciting responses and thoughts from students in order to facilitate pro-active learning in the Tuition sessions and at home;
8.) The incorporation of music, audio and video materials, which generate an entertaining approach to learning and which are excellent tools for the development of vocabulary, aural skills and oral skills.
9.) Inter alia, and wherever possible, the selection of engaging topics and interesting reading and listening materials when delivering Tuition.

Finally, for more advanced students, and as a Specialist on Spanish Language, History and Civilisation, I can also offer tuition on Spanish language and History by referencing the literary or theatrical works of Cervantes, Calderon, Lope de Vega or Quevedo. And by studying the global contributions of Philosophers of the renowned Salamanca School, such as Francisco Vitoria, Juan de Mariana, or Francisco Suarez. I can also direct students towards contemporary currents in Spanish thought and civilisation, by approaching Essayists like Pedro Banos or Elvira Roca Barea.

My aim is to be flexible, entertaining and instructive, With a tailored approach made to measure for each individual Student.