STEVE O'LOUGHLIN
Areas of Instruction
Literary Studies
English for Academic Purposes
Vocabulary Development
Academic and Creative Writing
Cross-cultural competence
ACT/SAT/PSAT
TOEFL/IELTS
Education
University of Connecticut - B.A. in Art History (1995)
University of Liverpool - M.A. in TESOL (2017)
Background
Sixteen years’ experience in China teaching English as a Foreign Language, American and British Literature, academic and creative writing, research skills
Taught for three years in a literature studies program for primary and secondary school students coming from prestigious international high school programs in Shanghai
Served for six years as the Director of Academics and Curriculum at an American language school preparing students for acceptance into American colleges and universities
Taught for seven years as an ESL instructor teaching English for Academic Purposes curriculum to college faculty and students preparing to study abroad
Teaching Approach
Task-based learning - Language is most effectively taught in the context of completing tasks and assignments using compelling and authentic materials. This includes tasks that require the student to use all four language skills and that focus on the use of higher-order critical thinking skills, such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
Student-centered - Students should find the course of studies relevant to their individual needs and reasonably within their current abilities. Considering each student’s language proficiency, background knowledge, motivation, and prior academic achievement is an important facet of creating a successful tutoring program custom built for each student.
Goal-oriented - Beginning with the initial assessment, clear goals must be communicated to the student. Ongoing assessment and feedback are keys to enabling the student to see their development and maintain a high level of motivation. It also provides a platform by which students can be enabled to develop the independent study skills required for advanced academic pursuits.