As a graduate from Magdalen College, Oxford ( BA Hons Spanish, 2.1), the Open University (BA Hons Literature, 1st class) and the University of Roehampton (MA Children's Literature, Merit) I understand the ups and downs of studying! But it is possible for it to be enjoyable as well as successful.

Before we begin our lessons properly, I like to get to know you and find out how you prefer to learn. We all learn differently so it makes sense that teaching takes this into consideration, especially in one-to-one lessons! I like my classes to be relaxed, and for there to be an open dialogue between student and teacher. I have worked with students from all ages and abilities and this approach works very well. It is also flexible; if a certain approach doesn't work for a student, we can alter it easily and immediately.

When I teach literature and language, I think it is important not only for students to learn how to answer a question (technique) but also understand the text and why they are studying it, and why it is important (context and relevance). So often nowadays, students only ever learn how to pass an exam rather than the richness behind the content and this is a shame - it removes the enjoyment too! With creative writing, I encourage my students to feel from the pressure of 'rules' when initially coming up with ideas - grammar and punctuation can become more honed later on.

I have worked in Oxford and online with students in tutorial colleges and schools and have taught individuals as well as small groups and pairs. I plan my lessons to have as much of a dynamic approach as possible - through discussion and worked examples, material is often understood much better and information retained. As an Oxford graduate, I really appreciated the tutorial system, where work is set, learned and then discussed in an open and relaxed manner. This helps the learner not just passively take on information but understand and 'own' it as well.