Test Preparation
A Smarter, More Focused Way to Prepare.
Successful test preparation is not about spending endless hours studying everything.
It begins by identifying exactly where the student needs the most help and concentrating our efforts there.
My approach combines personal evaluation, specialized teaching and regular collaboration between teachers to create one coordinated strategy for each student.
The objective is simple:
Better preparation. Greater confidence. Faster progress.
We Prepare Students For:
Preparation for AP French Language and Culture, with focused work on communication, comprehension, writing, speaking and exam strategy.
Preparation for the DELF examinations, adapted to the student’s level and the specific competencies required by the examination.
Advanced preparation for students working toward DALF certification, with intensive attention to sophisticated written and oral communication.
Individual preparation for children seeking to strengthen their French for admission to, or successful transition into, a French-language academic environment such as the Lycée Français.
One Student. Two Perspectives. One Strategy.
We divide the work strategically, but we never divide the program.
Preparing for an important examination requires a different approach from general language instruction.
Over the years, I have found that the most efficient preparation does not always come from having one teacher work on every aspect of an examination.
Instead, I begin by personally evaluating the student and identifying the areas that require the most attention.
I then design a preparation strategy around that student’s specific needs.
Francois
Personal evaluation
Overall strategy
Focused area of preparation
Ongoing supervision
Co-Teacher
Different area of focus
Specialized reinforcement
Detailed feedback
Regular coordination
How the Program Works:
I personally meet with the student and carefully analyze the examination requirements, the student’s present level, strengths, weaknesses and the amount of time available for preparation.
I look at where the student is already performing well, where improvement is most important and which areas are likely to have the greatest impact on the final result.
Only then do I determine the priorities and establish the most effective direction for the preparation.
Rather than having one teacher attempt to cover everything, we divide the preparation strategically.
I may concentrate intensively on one area while a carefully selected co-teacher works with the student on another. Each of us can therefore devote greater attention to the areas for which we are responsible.
But there is one very important distinction:
These are not two separate programs.
We work as one team.
The co-teacher and I communicate regularly about the student’s progress.
We compare observations, discuss difficulties and brainstorm together about what should be changed, reinforced or approached differently.
If one of us identifies a weakness, the other knows about it.
If a particular technique is producing better results, we incorporate it into the overall strategy.
The student benefits from two perspectives but one coordinated plan.
Test preparation should never remain static. As the student progresses, we continually reassess the priorities.
Some areas may require less attention, while others may suddenly need more. We adjust the program accordingly so that the student’s time and effort remain concentrated where they can make the greatest difference.
More focus where it is needed. Less time where it isn’t.
Why Two Teachers?
The purpose is not to give the student more lessons.
It is to make every lesson more productive.
An important examination can test very different abilities. By allowing each teacher to concentrate intensely on particular areas while communicating regularly with the other, we can provide much more focused preparation.
The objective is to identify what the student needs most, concentrate our efforts where they will make the greatest difference and achieve results as efficiently as possible.
Areas We May Work On:
Speaking
Fluency
Pronunciation
Confidence
Oral expression
Listening
Comprehension
Speed
Detail
Writing
Organization
Accuracy
Grammar
Expression
Reading
Comprehension
Vocabulary
Analysis
Exam Strategy
Format
Timing
Priorities
Practice
Confidence
Experience & Recognition
François Thibaut
Also Featured In
Student Success Stories
What Students & Parents Say
“It was a real pleasure having Mr. Thibaut as my private teacher. He is so experienced in teaching French, and knows exactly how to design and structure his private classes based on the student’s needs. His explaining techniques were very clear and efficient. All materials presented were self explanatory and fun to learn with.” – Marina K, Student
“I think I have learned more French with Francois in just 10 weeks than what I did in 6 months of college 20 years ago! The supplemental materials are both fun, instructive and simple, especially with its visuals, yet challenging enough to learn and keep learning. The instructor is great, very patient, he enjoys what he does, and makes sure that everyone gets to practice and learn in each class.”” – Ramon ), Student
Your Preparation Begins with an Evaluation
Personal Means Personal.
Before recommending any program, I personally meet with the student.
I want to understand the examination or academic objective, the student’s present level, previous preparation, strengths, difficulties and the amount of time available.
Only then do I recommend how I believe we should proceed.
Let’s find the most efficient path to your goal.