We have had a lively discussion about tutoring at LingQ on another thread. I though it worthwhile to create a special place to discuss this.
We want lots of tutors, and we want lots of people to use tutors. We have tried various methods with great success. I must say that I have had great luck in finding tutors for Russian, and somewhat less luck in Portuguese. I have, in general, greatly enjoyed and benefited from participating in discussions with them. I also tutor English, and occasionally French.
We though the Getting Started shelf in the Library tied to a free lesson would generate more activity. This has not proven to be the case, and seems be an irritant with some.
Mark and I are looking at the whole tutor issue at LingQ. We are inclined to pay for the controversial “free lessons” but we want to limit this to tutors whom we know are good. This has us thinking about creating a category which we would call “LingQ Certified Tutors”. We are thinking of what would constitute the qualifications but we need to keep it simple. Do you have any advice?
We are thinking of demanding the following.
Must be a paying member. ( We may, or may not, grandfather or grandmother some of our existing long serving tutors)
Must have created a minimum of ??? LingQs.
Must have an oral interview with me via Skype.
Possible additional conditions which we are inclined not to demand
Must have submitted writing for correction.
Must have joined one discussion as a learner
Minimum Activity Index
What I would be looking for in a tutor in my interview would be:
Good skype connection and sound quality
Ability to converse and keep conversation going
Pleasant and encouraging manner
Ability to handle technical aspects of Skype and discussion report
Maturity
High standard of language skills in native language, and in another language if the intent is to help beginner learners of that language.
I would be interest in your ideas about what else should be considered.
Bear in mind that anyone would still be able to tutor, but only those who qualify would become Certified.
Any other ideas? We could, for example set up a LingQ Tutor course with a certificate, call it the CertTLOL (Certified Teacher of Langauges on LingQ) Certificate and charge 1000 Italian Lire for it, and another advanced DipTLOL for 5000 Greek Drachmas.
Any thoughts?