Blog post #2
While I'm fairly well versed in how tutoring non-native speakers differs from tutoring native speakers, it's still an area I'm very interested in (and still have plenty to learn), so I'll answer that question for blog post #2.
One key difference is the background that the writers bring. While the perception is that native speakers are better writers, this is not always the case. Sometimes I believe native speakers assume that writing is simply an extension of speaking; they thus struggle with writing because there is plenty that does not necessarily transfer from speaking to writing (e.g. register, descriptive vs. prescriptive grammar). Non-native speakers, on the other hand, despite having studied English intensely for years, often lack confidence, due in large part to English not being their native tongue. However - and I mention this based on my tutoring experience - I have found that most of my best students/tutees are non-native speakers. The native speakers I've tutored at times come from marginalized backgrounds, which may play a role in their writing ability and development, but I think another element that accounts for non-native speakers' success stems from the self-criticism of "My writing isn't very good"; this, in turn, serves as the impetus for them to try harder. In short, non-native speakers are often amazing writers (but may not think so), while native-English speakers may have sub-par writing skills (and not be aware of it). I think this is one aspect of tutoring that often goes unnoticed/undiscussed.
One key difference is the background that the writers bring. While the perception is that native speakers are better writers, this is not always the case. Sometimes I believe native speakers assume that writing is simply an extension of speaking; they thus struggle with writing because there is plenty that does not necessarily transfer from speaking to writing (e.g. register, descriptive vs. prescriptive grammar). Non-native speakers, on the other hand, despite having studied English intensely for years, often lack confidence, due in large part to English not being their native tongue. However - and I mention this based on my tutoring experience - I have found that most of my best students/tutees are non-native speakers. The native speakers I've tutored at times come from marginalized backgrounds, which may play a role in their writing ability and development, but I think another element that accounts for non-native speakers' success stems from the self-criticism of "My writing isn't very good"; this, in turn, serves as the impetus for them to try harder. In short, non-native speakers are often amazing writers (but may not think so), while native-English speakers may have sub-par writing skills (and not be aware of it). I think this is one aspect of tutoring that often goes unnoticed/undiscussed.
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