More/FAQs | Ascend English

MORE ABOUT ASCEND

WHO WE ARE

Robert Armstrong, Director
Ascend's director and lead tutor, Robert holds a CELTA TESOL certificate and a B.A. in history from the University of Massachusetts. Robert has been teaching ESL for the past eight years in the Boston area, working with group classes and private students. He focuses on helping clients edit papers, presentations, and business correspondence, as well as teaching idioms, developing vocabulary, and improving pronunciation. Robert's experience as a medical editor and his study of public health have enabled him to work effectively with medical professionals. Also a graphic designer and actor, Robert has a near-fluent command of French and working knowledge of Spanish and German.

Our Instructors

Ascend uses a number of highly experienced ESL instructors in the Boston area. We find the tutor with the teaching experience, skills, and professional background best suited to help you with what you are working on right now, whether that is a specific project or general improvement of your English. To help you choose your tutor, we make sure what you seek before you decide.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What sort of free consultations does Ascend offer?

Ascend offers you a free half-hour consultation so that you can decide how you want to work with us, and to give you a sample of how we can work with you. Consultations can be in-person or online. Contact us to find out more.

How long are Ascend's tutoring sessions?

Ascend's individual tutoring sessions are no shorter than a half-hour, and are usually at least an hour long. For most types of tutoring, we find that sessions between one and two hours work best, although these sessions can, after a break, be followed by one or more sessions, or even for a whole day. We will consult with you to see what works best.

How does Ascend's online tutoring work?

Ascend uses a number of ways to tutor and collaborate online. We most often use Zoom, but we also use Skype, Google Meet, and FaceTime. For writing projects we collaborate with you with Google docs, Microsoft Word, email, or other programs.

Does Ascend offer editing services without tutoring?

Yes. Although we are a tutoring service and usually work with you to improve your English, we can edit texts or spoken presentations for you, at competitive and negotiable rates. You can say how much you would like us to explain our editing. We can edit with no comments, or give you very thorough explanations and suggestions on how to improve your English.

Are tutoring sessions for more than one client at a time possible?

Yes. Ascend English welcomes small groups of clients, and we find that clients can sometimes learn best when working with others, especially their own colleagues. Rates for group sessions are negotiable.

What type of materials and media does Ascend use?
We use all sorts of printed material, electronic media, and other tools to improve your English. In addition to traditional materials, we also use cartoons, songs, videos, and our recordings of you to improve your English.

How can Ascend help me with my spoken English and my pronunciation?

In addition to helping you as you speak during a session, Ascend uses high-end recording equipment and editing software to record you to focus on what you need to improve, and to monitor your progress. We also give you recorded exercises designed specifically for you so you can practice on your own.

What if I have more questions for Ascend English?