‘Coach’ is a word often used in Germany for someone who gives private tuition in any subject. It’s a better description of what I do but ‘language coach’ and ‘photography coach’ are not so well established in English.
This aidan.co.uk site presents my portfolio of articles and other media as well information on the the tuition I offer. I publish articles and blog posts on this site as it helps to boost visibility in the search engines. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience. From 2020 onwards, I publish articles in German and other languages, checked and corrected by proofreaders.
As a teacher of languages I am interested in a very wide range of subjects. We learn by reading, listening and watching to interesting subject matter.
I produce that subject matter, both in English and German. I also illustrate my articles with photographs – my own whenever possible – and occasionally illustrations. I sometimes adapt the article into a podcast or video.
My subject matter reflects my background. I was born in North West England of Irish parents, studied Modern Languages at Trinity College Dublin and I’ve lived in and visited Germany many times. I now hold an Irish passport.
I’ve worked in the Middle East and Far East and I’ve travelled extensively in Europe, North America and Asia.
I am at home in three countries and I have a keen interest in the language, culture, history of all of them. My perspective is uniquely tri-national and pan-European. I’m also very interested in local history and identity, especially in the cities where I’ve lived and spent time: Manchester, Liverpool, Dublin, Berlin, New York and others.
I’m equally at home teaching German to English speakers from the UK and all over the world, as well as English to speakers of different languages, but especially German. My knowledge of languages is very helpful to learners.
I have pursued a parallel interest in photography, which I use to illustrate my articles and and videos. I also produce illustrations.
I completed a course in radio production and presented a radio show on the community station ALL fm.
I have pursued the ideal of the freelance creator and coach, operating independently of mainstream education. This freedom has led me to develop some innovative approaches both to language teaching and photography.
For instance I have developed a unique and ingenious approach to teaching aperture, shutter speed and ISO. Many students have given very positive feedback.
Philip Lawton
In languages I have thrown out the traditional method of teaching German grammar and instead, I use a easy to follow, jargon-busting step by step method that has enabled students to make sense of German grammar in a way they were never able to do before.
So what can I offer?
As a tutor I offer creativity, dedication, enthusiasm, energy, patience and humour. I aim to take an individual interest in every student.
Please get in contact and let’s see how I can help.