James G.

Summary - enjoyable, economical and excellent language learning. Maryam is both a first-rate teacher and a potential friend who combines flexible skills in pedagogy with a very personable character, finding a correct balance between teaching and socialising. Such a balance facilitates thoroughly enjoyable language learning, replete with rigorous examination of grammar, oral and conversational skills, and more informal recourse to Maryam's own lived culture, from Iran's contemporary period or its past, in the form of poetry, food, film, music, current affairs and society. I sought Maryam's tuition because I felt class-based learning with other students was more arduous and even at times distressing due to the different speeds at which students picked up the language, leaving some to stuttering at the bottom, whilst those more advanced were held back. The very affordable one-to-one lessons that Maryam provides ensures that the pace at which one learns is negotiated by the learner, with necessary guidance from the tutor. This level of control is also available in terms of lesson content. Dependent upon your level of understanding Maryam will respond to those areas where a learner requires redress. If your speaking is a weakness and you want to improve, she will focus on speaking etc. Conversely, if a learner is unsure of where they wish to go with their Persian language training, Maryam will take control and explore different ways of increasing understanding and enjoyment. Lessons are very intimate, based either at a location of your choosing or in Maryam's own home, a comfortable setting for learning where conversation can switch into English at any time if you feel uncomfortable. Further to that point, with postgraduate qualifications from a major British university Maryam's proficiency in English is exceptional. That being said, it was also a wonderful experience to discuss grammar, vocab, semantics and turns of phrase in both English and Persian, facilitating an enriching cross-cultural dialogue. Conversely, if a learner is unsure of where they wish to go with their Persian language training, Maryam will take control and explore different ways of increasing understanding and enjoyment.