i‑Learner Education Centre

Teachers

Robert Burton

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.
Robert Burton graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in English. His studies focused on English literature and how a text creates an experience for its reader. Later, Robert went on to study for an MSc in Social Sciences at the University of Edinburgh. In his free time, he is interested in writing and European languages, which both give him a deep understanding of how to guide Hong Kong students with their own English language studies.

Qualifications

  • BA (English) University of Cambridge
  • MSc (Social Science) University of Edinburgh

Articles

The Arts, Empathy, and Their Relevance to Career

We often hear how studying arts subjects can help us develop empathy. Engaging with the arts, whether through literature, languages, history, visual arts or performance, can allow us to explore different perspectives and emotions and to connect with the feelings and viewpoints of others. In doing so, it can develop our emotional intelligence and improve our ability to recognise, understand, and express emotions. Read More

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

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