Maria Garrigo

Country of birth –

Argentina

Other countries I have lived –

I was born, grew up and lived in Argentina until 1991. I then moved to Australia.

My qualifications –

1995 – RSA/Certificate in TEFLA – Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Adults (Australian College of English – Sydney)

1992 – Obtained accreditation as a professional translator; English-Spanish (NAATI – Australia’s National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters)

1984 – Degree in English-Spanish translation (Catholic University of Buenos Aires – Argentina)

1989 – Italian Language (Dante Alighieri Institute – Argentina)

1978 – Certificate of Advanced Studies in the English Language (Argentinean-American Cultural Exchange Institute – Argentina)

1978 – Certificate of Advanced Studies in the French Language (Alliance Française – Argentina)

My teaching style –

I have been working as a Spanish tutor in Australia since 1996 – I enjoy teaching and I find it rewarding. Working in the area of adult education has offered me the opportunity to meet a variety of very interesting people over the years.

My classes are usually split into the theory component and the practical part to consolidate the theory. But the structure can sometimes be different, for example more practical exercises for revision, or a class with focus on reading and comprehension, or other class structure to suit the pace or needs of a particular group.

I encourage the development of the four language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Although I use some of the more contemporary approaches, visual cues, audio material, interactive exercises, role plays and the like, I also incorporate elements of traditional methods since I have found they work very well with many students and they enable the development of a more solid language basis.

I have been developing a range of materials and teaching aids and I try to use a variety of elements to suit everybody’s preferences and needs as much as that is possible. I am constantly developing material to supplement the textbook currently used at Sydney Community College and I have prepared teaching plans and programs for different groups.