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Online English Lessons
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Welcome! We probably already know each other, but I’ll introduce myself anyway. I’m Professor Merryman. In real life my name is Mike McKay. You can call me Professor or Mike. I’m from San Francisco, California. I live in Kobe, Japan now. I’ve been teaching English since 2000. I first started teaching at Berlitz. I worked there for six years. In 2006, I started teaching at the university level. Now, I’m a full time university English teacher. I teach around 10-15 classes each semester. I have around 300 students. In the spring and fall, I’m pretty busy at my universities, but in the summer and winter, I’m free. That’s why I have only 4-lesson and 8-lesson courses. I hope you’ll take my lessons. I love teaching, and I love English. Maybe you and I can learn together. See you in class! |  |
Earn a certificate!Receive a digitally signed, printable certificate of completion for achieving 100% attendance and a grade of 80% or higher in any 8-lesson course. |
| Conversation Classes | Private ￥2,000 (50 minutes) | |||
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We will discuss a topic, find new vocabulary, and practice speaking. I will correct your speaking and/or writing, offer advice, and help you practice. We can do role-plays, play games, do quizzes, travel around Second Life together, go shopping, help you with school homework or business emails. I’ll be your personal tutor. | Over 3,500 Lessons to choose from Sean Banville’s Lesson Plans |
Example |
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| Prices (4 Lessons) |
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Private: Semi-private: Group: |
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| Intensive Study Course | Private ￥3,000 (50 minutes) | |||
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We will use a textbook. Each lesson will have specific theme, vocabulary, and grammar structure. I will grade your homework and give you feedback and comments on your progress via our website. These courses are similar to attending a university English course. I can also help you prepare for a presentation or test like TOEIC or TOEFL.Textbook: English in Common (Pearson) |
Sample Textbook Pages |
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| Book 1 – PDF Book 2 – PDF Book 3 – PDF |
Book 4 – PDF Book 5 – PDF Book 6 – PDF |
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| Prices (8 Lessons) |
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Private: Semi-private: Group: |
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| All first time students receive a discount of one lesson when purchasing the first package.For example: Yuki is going to start taking conversation lessons. She pays ￥6,000 ($66USD) for her first package of four lessons. For her next four lessons she would then pay ￥8,000 ($88USD) and the same for every other package. She receives one free lesson.If you are not satisfied with your first lesson, I will refund your money within 30 days.
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| Comparison | ||
| Conversation | Intensive Study | |
| Class time | 50 minutes | 50 minutes |
| Lessons | 4 lessons | 8 lessons |
| Homework | Not required but I suggest it | Yes. About one hour per lesson |
| Textbook | No. You can bring your own material or we can use mine. | Yes. Required. |
| Will I improve? | Yes, if you are self-motivated. | Yes. If you do your homework. |
| Will it be fun? | Absolutely. | Yes. If you do your homework.  |
| Cost | ￥8,000 (￥2,000 x 4) | ￥24,000 (￥3,000 x 8) |
Professor, you teach for free in Second Life. Why should I take private lessons from you?
Because I can teach you what YOU need to know in order to improve. I can listen to your mistakes and guide you in the right direction. I can answer your questions and give you special attention.
How do I start?
Contact Mystie Slade or Professor Merryman inworld, on the website, through Facebook, or email. We will contact you very soon.
How do I order the textbook?
Here are a few places
- Amazon Cypris Chat Bookstore
- Use http://www.bookfinder.com
- Ask your local bookstore to order it for you (takes a long time)
How much does the textbook cost?
There are a few different types. The one I recommend costs around ￥3,000 ($33.00 USD). One book contains 48 lessons plus all of the audio as well as an electronic version of the book to put on your tablet PC, phone, or desktop PC.
What if I have to cancel a lesson?
No problem. Just let me know via email 24 hours prior. You can make up one lesson on another day. I’ll do my best to help you. It depends on my schedule. There are no make-up lessons if canceled less than 24 hours before the lesson starts.
What if my voice doesn’t work or my PC crashes?
I completely understand if you have PC trouble. I might have the same problem myself. We will just do our best. If we have any trouble with voice in Second Life, we will go quickly to Skype. You should have Skype installed and working before we start our course. Desktop PCs are better than laptops.
I live outside of Japan. Can I still take your lessons?
Yes, of course. I only prefer teaching Japanese because I can communicate with them if we have trouble. I don’t speak other languages as fluently.
Can I pay for my lessons with Linden dollars?
Sure. Of course I prefer real money, but I will accept Lindens.
I don’t have a PayPal account or a credit card. How can I pay for the lessons?
I can also accept Linden dollars, bank transfers, or even cash if you and I can meet in person. We can also barter. If you have a skill I can use then maybe we can trade. I’m always looking for scripters and programmers.
Can you do Skype lessons only?
Yes. But Second Life is so much more fun. I don’t think you want to stare at a boring TV, do you? For some pronunciation lessons I do prefer Skype. Otherwise I really hope you will join me in a virtual world.
I don’t want to buy the book. Can I take your lessons without buying the book?
I know it might seem expensive, but the textbook is really useful. It has the CD with all of the audio, audio scripts, references, a glossary, and much more. I really think you will get more out of my lessons if you have the textbook.
My textbook hasn’t arrived yet in the mail and my lessons start tomorrow. What should I do?
Don’t panic. The eLearning website for your Classroom Lesson has PDF copies of the pages for the lesson. You can print it out and use it until your book arrives.
Can I take two lesson in a row?
Absolutely. I think 100-minute lessons are better because we can study without feeling rushed to finish. 100-minute lessons allow us to discuss things and enjoy.
How many lessons can I take in a week?
That depends on our schedules. I can do intensive lessons in the winter and summer. In the past I have done 40-hour lessons with students in which we spend the entire week together 8 hours per day. It’s expensive, but wow! We talk a lot!
Can I call you or email during the week if I have any questions?
Call, no. Email, sure. Conversation lessons don’t include email support but I will try to answer questions on the website or by email if I have the time. Classroom Lessons receive more email support and website support.
