James Monument

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ESL, European History, World History
Lesson Fees
$18.00 / 30 Minutes
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About

Hello! I'm James Monument, a tutor from the UK specializing in English and Theology.

My qualifications and experience:

  • First-Class Joint Honours Degree in Spanish and Latin American Studies and Theology and Religion from the University of Aberdeen.

  • Expert in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (24 ECTS) from Universitat Internacional de Catalunya.

  • 2 years of experience teaching English in-person with the British Council and Meddeas. I have worked with students of all ages, from nursery to adults, with an emphasis on building conversational skills.

My English lessons are tailored to your unique learning goals, from improving your fluency for travel and work to preparing for exams or simply gaining confidence in everyday conversation.

My theology classes explore the biblical text, Christian doctrine, and church history. All lessons are taught from an academic, historical, and objective perspective, focusing on the rigorous study of the material rather than religious instruction. We will delve into primary sources and scholarly analysis in an engaging, interactive way. Lessons are tailored to your level and interests.

I look forward to helping you on your language learning journey or your theological exploration!

Teaching Style

My Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is all about making learning an engaging and personalised adventure for everyone. I believe the most effective learning happens when it's fun and relevant to your life. I have two years of hands-on experience as an English Language Assistant with the British Council and Meddeas, and I've had the joy of working with students of all ages, from young children to adults. My expertise is in conversational English, where we focus on building the skills you need to communicate confidently in the real world—whether you're traveling, starting a new job, or just want to chat with friends. Every lesson is interactive and tailored to you, ensuring you gain not just knowledge, but practical skills you can use immediately.

My Approach to Theology

My theology classes are designed to be an exciting and accessible journey for learners of all ages. We'll approach these topics as a scholarly discipline, much like a history or literature course. The focus is on academic understanding—exploring what the texts say, why they were written, and their historical context—rather than on spiritual or religious instruction. For younger students, we can explore these topics through vivid storytelling and key historical figures, while for older students and adults, we'll engage in more in-depth critical analysis of complex ideas. We will delve into primary sources and scholarly analysis in an engaging, interactive way, and I will tailor every lesson to your level and interests.

Curriculum

My Teaching Methods

My teaching methods are designed to be dynamic, effective, and tailored to the unique demands of each subject. My goal is to move beyond passive learning and create an engaging, active environment for every student.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

For English, my method is centered on interactive, conversational lessons. I believe the best way to learn a language is by speaking it. My classes focus on real-world communication through guided discussions, practical scenarios, and engaging activities that build your confidence and fluency. We move beyond textbooks to explore practical vocabulary and pronunciation, allowing you to not only understand English but also use it naturally in everyday conversations.

Theology

My approach to theology is a structured but engaging exploration of historical and theological topics. To make these complex subjects accessible, I employ a variety of tools and resources:

  • Visual Aids: I use slides to provide a clear and organized overview of key concepts, timelines, and arguments.

  • Primary Sources: We'll go directly to the source by examining primary materials, allowing you to engage with foundational texts and historical documents firsthand.

  • Multimedia: To make the material more dynamic, I incorporate videos and other multimedia to bring historical periods and ideas to life.

  • Active Learning: Quizzes and interactive discussions are used to reinforce your understanding, ensuring you are an active participant in every lesson.

My method ensures that while the content is rigorous and academically sound, the learning process is always engaging and personally rewarding.

Recommended Student Texts

Primary Sources

  • On the Incarnation by Athanasius: A foundational text for understanding early Christian thought.

  • On Pascha by Melito of Sardis: A key patristic text on the theology of the atonement.

  • Institutes of the Christian Religion by John Calvin: A cornerstone of Protestant theology from the Reformation.

Secondary Sources

  • The Early Church by Henry Chadwick: A standard, scholarly survey of early Christian history.

  • Doctrine and Practice in the Early Church by Stuart Hall: A respected introduction to the relationship between early Christian belief and life.

  • The Art of Reading Scripture by Ellen F. Davis and Richard B. Hays: A guide to the academic practice of biblical interpretation.

  • Exploring the New Testament (Volumes 1 & 2) by David Wenham, Steve Walton, et al.: A comprehensive and highly-regarded introduction to the New Testament.

Credentials & Affiliations

Education

  • MA (Hons) Spanish and Latin American Studies and Theology and Religion

    • University of Aberdeen, 2019-2024

    • First-Class Joint Honours

Certifications

  • Expert in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (24 ECTS)

    • Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC)