Background
My parents were migrants to Australia from Europe in the late 1940’s. I grew up in Melbourne and attended Melbourne University as an undergraduate. I then completed teacher training and worked in the secondary system for a while. I then travelled extensively for a number of years, living and working for a long period in Israel and England. Since returning to Australia I have taught as a High School teacher, teacher educator, and then after completing further education, began work as an ESL teacher. For a number of years I taught in the TAFE system, initially in workplace training, then subsequently with migrants, adult literacy, and in later years, ELICOS. I have also acquired training as a counsellor through studies in psychology, and completed a number of practicums, including student counselling at Swinburne University. I joined the staff at Monash in 2000, and have taught in a wide range of courses in General English, IELTS preparation and English for Academic Purposes (EAP). At present I am living in Bentleigh with my wife, Kerin, and two gorgeous cats. I also have two brothers living in Australia.
Professional Interests
I am particularly interested in IELTS preparation and EAP. I am also interested in the differences in learning approaches in other countries from which our students are drawn, and developing better ways to help overseas students adjust to Australian University conditions. I would like to develop more expertise in teaching academic writing skills, adapted to the particular needs of different courses that students may be entering.
Other Interests
I enjoy keeping fit, through regular walking, swimming, Pilates and yoga. Travelling is also high on my list, both in Australia and overseas, particularly developing countries. I also have a lifelong interest in philosophical enquiry, mainly through exploring Eastern philosophies and meditation practice.
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