Teacher Profile: Marvin Dent
Focus on… Marvin Dent
Welcome to the first in our Teacher Profile series! In these posts we will be profiling our teachers so that you can get to know them a bit better. Comments and additional questions are very welcome!
What is your name?
Marvin Dent
What is your role at Focus on Learning?
I am one of the FoL teachers and a proud part of the teaching team!
Where have you taught?
I have been teaching for over five years now. In that time, I’ve taught in the UK in addition to Mexico and France. Technically, I’ve taught all around the world due to my online nature of my teaching experience.
What qualifications do you hold?
I have quite a few qualifications. I hold the following certificates: BA (Hons) Music, CELTA, MA TESOL, FA Football Coaching, and Life Coaching. This makes me a highly qualified teacher and helps me deliver high quality lessons for FoL.
Which subjects do you teach?
I teach a range of subjects including English Language, both IELTS exams (Academic and General English) as well as Cambridge exams, Sport & Physical Well-being, and Music.
How and why did you get into teaching?
I went into teaching to help people and to change lives in a positive way. More than that though, it was a calling. There was something inside of me that really felt like it was something I needed to do. I really wanted to influence the paths of students everywhere, helping people ignite their passion to pursue their dreams!
What do you find most fulfilling about teaching?
Helping people achieve their personal goals. I teach to help people achieve their goals and dreams – to give students 100% care, empathy and my absolute best! There’s nothing like that synergy you create with your students, channelling that and using it to manifest success.
What is your personal teaching philosophy?
My personal teaching philosophy is not just to be a teacher but also to be an inspiring leader, teammate, friend and helper. Aside from this, I believe in aiming high and equipping students with the power to reach the unimaginable.
What is your top teaching tip?
I believe teachers should lead by example and give everything to help their students.
How do you find online teaching?
I have found great success teaching online. Not only has it made me a more well rounded teacher, it has allowed me to work with different styles of teaching and learning, leading to new ideas and directions. This level of success is huge for me having achieved a five-star rating with over 4,000 online classes completed.
WHAT is the best way to motivate learners?
There is no best way to motivate learners because everyone is different, but showing care, empathy and helping students discover their talents is the way to go.
In the classroom, What should learners focus on?
I suggest learners should try and enjoy the learning process and trying things as much as they can.
What is the most common mistake learners make?
In my experience, lack of confidence is the biggest issue for learners. The problem is that they do not believe in their own abilities. Fortunately, this is an area a good teacher can really help with!
What couldn't you live without in the classroom?
The students... they always come first for me and in all of my lessons.
What do you think is the best thing about Focus on learning?
I love that FoL put teachers first! Most teaching companies, organisations and schools are run for profit – not their teachers who are often treated pretty badly. FoL is nothing like this! I would highly recommend FoL to everyone!
