About me
Hi.
My name’s Stephen McKenna, the founder of Understanding IELTS. I have a background in Modern Languages, and following university, moved to Santiago, Chile to begin teaching English to adolescents and adults. In 2013, I began working as a Cambridge Speaking examiner for the Cambridge Main Suite of exams, and have examined at KET, PET, FCE and CAE level.
My journey into IELTS began with group classes at a local institute in 2013 before moving onto private classes in 2014. I began working as an IELTS Speaking and Writing Examiner in 2015 and from that point on have been providing individual and group classes on IELTS Preparation.
I’ve worked and studied abroad since my early 20’s, and I’ve learned a number of languages so I know exactly how candidates feel. I’m there to help you achieve your goals and know just how important the IELTS is to you, and your future. If you take on the services at Understanding IELTS, you are certainly in good hands, as hundreds of other candidates can testify.
To date, I’ve helped thousands of students to study and work around the world, in countries such as England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, Spain, Holland, The United States, Canada, Australia, and even New Zealand.
Students
My experience
IELTS is one of the most popular English-language tests used worldwide for work, study and migration purposes.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know students of all ages and backgrounds, and not just in Chile. I’ve also prepared candidates based in Australia, Germany, France, Spain and even Ireland.
It’s true to say that every one of my students has their own personal IELTS story to tell, but I’ve found we always have at least two things in common, the desire to grow on both a personal and professional level, and the thirst for a new adventure.
Students typically (although not exclusively) are young professionals aiming to study or work abroad and seek a native IELTS teacher that has experience in both examining and teaching the IELTS. But they don’t want to just have an English class, they want to learn the in’s and out’s of the exam and they require a teacher that has the empathy, patience and knowledge to help them along the way. That’s where I come in.
As a teacher, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing students improve over the course of their studies and above all, knowing that our efforts will have an impact on their future, when they get their results.
Who are my students?
Let's meet them!
I’ve been fortunate enough to have students from all over the globe, but all of them have one thing in common, getting the scores they need in the IELTS to reach their goals, whether that might be working or studying abroad, or even certifying their English for professional purposes in their own country. Bárbara and Martin are just two examples, let’s get to know them.
Martín Reyes
Product Designer, currently working and living in Leeds, UK.
I studied with Stephen for a year and a half and he focused on improving my conversations on everyday things, as well as helping me with more technical vocabulary regarding my discipline. Today, I can get by hassle-free in my daily life, as well as in my work. Thanks
Bárbara Urrutia
PhD Student, University of Leeds, UK.
I came to Stephen with a basic level of English. From that level, Stephen helped me prepare for my IELTS, as well as guiding me through the long process of preparing and applying to university. Today, in my first year of my PhD, I’m grateful for the weekly sessions we had and the confidence he had in my process.
My methodology
The class
Each student is individual and has unique forms of learning, as well as different rhythms, I try my best to adapt to my students’ needs.
Before beginning classes, students will be asked to take an online exam which will help to determine their current English levels in terms of grammar and vocabulary.
Following this, students will be provided with access to an individual class folder, which focuses on providing strategies for the four components of the IELTS, in addition to complementary grammar and vocabulary materials.
The class folder consists of;
Speaking
Providing access to Sample Answers for the Speaking exam, Useful Language and variety of Strategies to improve in the Speaking exam.
Writing
Providing access to Sample Answers for each section of the Writing Exam, Useful Vocabulary for Tasks 1 & 2, in addition to the necessary Strategies required to succeed in the Writing exam.
Listening
Providing access to an array of Strategies for the Listening Test, in addition to Practice Materials.
Reading
Providing access to an array of Strategies for the Listening Test, in addition to Practice Materials.
Vocabulary
Providing access to a wide range of authentic vocabulary introduced through textbooks, Ted Talks, newspaper articles and writing samples.
Grammar
Providing access to a wide range of grammar materials introduced through textbooks and grammar guides, with a focus on IELTS.
Complementary Materials
Providing access to an array of Strategies for the Listening Test, in addition to Practice Materials.
Classes will initially focus on improving Speaking and Writing Skills in-class, while complementing this with self-study tasks based on grammar and vocabulary at home. Each class will guarantee a mock-speaking exam and feedback session and in doing so, students can work with me on how to improve their Speaking skills in follow-up sessions. Students will learn how to analyze and redact both reports and essays, in line with the rubric.
—Feedback will also be provided post-class and I will continue reviewing complementary writing tasks after class, and providing clarification on any doubts my students may have.
—Having studied the strategies behind the Speaking and Writing components of the exam, we will then begin moving on to the Listening and Reading Strategies, before finally taking on the Official IELTS Practice Tests in the last month of classes.