Robert Burton
I am motivated to share my love of language and literature with students, and am committed to the idea of making a high level of education more widely accessible. In tailoring my teaching approach to the needs and interests of each student, I hope to see their expression flourish.
Qualifications
- BA (English) University of Cambridge
- MSc (Social Science) University of Edinburgh
Articles
Creating Opportunities through Communication and Networking
During our school careers so much emphasis is placed on academic results and demonstrating our technical skills and subject knowledge under exam conditions. It is understandable that we tend to focus on these hard skills and performance metrics as the key to success in our careers and lives. However secondary school students can also start to think about building connections as an important foundation for… Read More
Why Language Is the Best Way to Learn about Culture, History and Human Experience
Learning a language will undoubtedly be an advantage in our careers and help us enjoy our travels, however language is far more than a tool for communication. One of my teachers at university described the study of language as the most finely-contoured map of the world available. When he said this, I think he meant that language can tell us so much about the culture,… Read More
Responding to Writing Feedback
Feedback can be a helpful way to understand what changes could improve our writing. For example, a teacher may offer advice that will help you get a better score on a test, exam or assignment. They do this so you can tailor your writing according to the specific requirements of that task and do as well as you possibly can. However, this doesn’t mean you… Read More
Things That Can Get in the Way of Your Learning and Tips for Success
There are plenty of things that can get in the way of our learning and stop us developing in the way we would like. Sometimes, it is a case of nerves, lack of motivation, or emotions that hold us back. Maybe we lack the confidence to truly believe we can learn more and progress or just don’t realise the possibilities we have to go forward… Read More
Being an Autodidact
What is an autodidact? Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Jimi Hendrix, Leonardo Da Vinci, Alan Turing, Caroline Herschel, Albert Einstein, Malcolm X, and Bill Gates are all famous examples of autodidacts, or people who learn without the guidance of masters. Generally, autodidacts choose the subjects they will study, identify their own materials, and choose the rhythm and time that they work. The individuals on this list were… Read More
How I Write: My Life as a Poet
My poems have been published online and in print for at least the past twelve years, but I started writing even further back. I will continue to write for a long time I hope, simply because I enjoy it. This is basically why I write, and of course, enjoying any activity makes it easier to keep going and to improve. With regards to inspiration, my… Read More
Studying a Poem as a European Language Learner at i-Learner
Studying a poem in a European language can be a great way to test and develop your linguistic skills. It also offers a chance to explore literature further and learn more about the history and culture of different places. Reading these poems may seem daunting at first, but don’t worry, here are some tips to get started on the road to success: Find a translation:… Read More
The Wider Benefits of Hobbies
With a demanding school or work schedule, it’s easy to fall into the habit of only doing things you have to. However, developing other interests helps you understand yourself and your values better. This can be important when making good decisions about your future, such as what subjects to study or what job suits you best. Often, people stick to their comfort zones, even when… Read More
Directed Reading for Your Personal Statement
Why it’s important: Your personal statement is a key part of university applications. It demonstrates your interest in, suitability for, and value to the course and university to which you’ve applied. A great way to show your enthusiasm is by discussing any relevant wider reading you’ve done. This not only shows your knowledge of an area you’re particularly interested in, but it proves you’ve taken… Read More
Shortcuts to Understand and Navigate a Text
Being asked to read a longer work of fiction independently can be an intimidating prospect and students can sometimes feel that they don’t know how to approach this task – that they will never finish the book, or worse, that they can’t begin. Here are some tips and shortcuts that will help you understand and navigate a text more easily. Break your reading into manageable… Read More