A: Where should I start?

It is important to start with the learner. Start at a point where the learner is comfortable. Start with what the learner knows before introducing new concepts or ideas.

Starting with your learner also means that everything you do will benefit the learner by contributing to her short and long-term goals.

In the third session, we were introduced to Hyun-Chu, a 24-year old from Korea. Hyun-Chu has several goals that she wants to accomplish. For example, she wants to improve her pronunciation, write a paper comparing Regina and her hometown, and learn how to purchase clothing in a store.

In order to accomplish these larger goals, we need to break these down into smaller goals (or steps) that will lead to her long-term goals. A mind map may be a useful tool to assist Hyun-Chu in defining these smaller goals or steps.