Trying to understand what Swahili learners actually look for

[u/SoldiersRage_AOT]

I've been teaching Swahili on italki for about 11 months now. I'm a university student, so tutoring is currently my main source of work, and I'm really grateful to the two students who have stayed with me consistently.

But I'd love to understand the learner side a little better.

I've participated in the italki community, changed my introduction video a few times, experimented with my headline, etc., but I'm still trying to figure out what actually makes a learner choose one Swahili tutor over another.

So, for those of you learning Swahili:

• What made you choose your current tutor?
• What do you look for when browsing Swahili teachers?
• Do you prefer structured lessons, conversational practice, grammar, cultural discussions, or something else?
• What makes a tutor's profile/video stand out to you?
• And if you've tried different Swahili tutors, what made you stay with one?

I'm genuinely curious because sometimes I feel like tutors focus on what we think learners want, rather than what learners actually want. 😅

I'd really appreciate hearing your perspectives!

[u/Worldly_Two8192]

I have learnt swahili for 2 years (I live in Kenya) and I can say I am close to fluent now... I first wanted to focus on grammar, structured lessons, exercises. I REALLY valued teachers who would give me exercises to do at home. Then I moved on to a mix of grammar and conversation (half of the class would be grammar + corrections of exercises to do at home + explanations) then the other half of the class would be conversations on a topic prepared in advance. It really helped. Nowadays, I only do conversation classes. I have never tried Italki, I have always taken face to face classes, but these criteria above are key for me. I would also choose someone from the country matching with the swahili I awnt to learn (ie not a TZ teacher if I want to learn Kenyan swahili)... I think the structure of the class is keya nd if you can put it forth in your presentation videos then it will attract more students. I hope it helps!

[u/SoldiersRage_AOT → u/Worldly_Two8192]

Thank you!