Do you need English lessons to learn more English, or do you actually need help to use the English you already know? This simple question will help you discover if you need an English teacher or an English coach.
A coach for English?
Recently you might have seen more and more teachers calling themselves coaches – is that just a fancy name for teacher? Are they really different? Let’s explore what these terms mean.
Generally speaking when you think of English teacher it’ll be the kind of job you know from school. A teacher is giving learners new information – new words, grammar explanations, pronunciation tips. They’re helping you use the language for the first time, or reviewing things you’ve recently learnt. Teachers fill the gaps in your knowledge, focusing on what you haven’t learnt yet. If you’re a beginner, a teacher will help you most.
A coach, on the other hand, won’t necessarily give you lots of new information. They’ll be helping you process and use what you know in order to communicate more effectively. Like a sports coach, they’re improving your technique, encouraging you, helping you overcome mental blocks around the language, and to visualise being a fluent communicator. When you’re at intermediate level or higher, a coach can help you use what you know, make space for you and help you feel like you can achieve great things.
You might like this post from member Ruth, what does language coaching feel like?
How to choose
So how can you choose a teacher or a coach? Use the following questions to determine if you need a teacher or a coach right now:
Do you feel you know a lot of words, but can’t find the right words at the right time? If yes, you feel you know a lot but can’t speak fluently or find the right words in a timely manner, a coach might suit you.
Do you find different English tenses difficult to understand and use well? If yes, a teacher might be better for you.
Do you think you’d like to know more about how to structure sentences and how to get the basics right? If yes, a teacher can help you with this.
Do you feel you know the basics well but you want to express yourself more freely in English? If yes, a coach can help you.
Are you good at basics but overthink how to speak and which words to use? A coach can definitely help you.
Is your English high-level, but you want to know more about certain situations like business presentations? A coach might be able to help you.
Do you need pass English exams? A teacher might better. But if you’ve taken an exam many times and still are not getting the score you need – a coach can help you with the right mindset to pass.
Often learners find teachers do both jobs, as there’s a lot of English to learn, and a lot of challenges to overcome at the same time.
Check before you buy
Most teachers will offer a trial lesson, an assessment or an interview before you sign up for a course. This is important for you to check that they’re the right teacher or coach for you. As well as the teacher assessing your English level, you can ask the teacher questions about their teaching or coaching style, so you can find out if they will suit what you need now.
Some questions you can ask before you start lessons:
- What type of materials will we use?
- Can you help me with setting goals for my English?
- How can you help me specifically with my *pronunciation/ confidence/ grammar/ listening/ your biggest concern*?
If you’re looking for professional English coaches and teachers for your serious English goals, check out the teachers at WeAreEnglishTeachers.com
