With the rising number of people switching to online teaching, many newbies are into the topics of how to become an English teacher. Teaching English online may sound a bit confusing and hard. Is it effective? How does that happen? How do I really become an effective English teacher online? If you have just started teaching or you’re still anxious about how everything works in an online class, check out these suggestions that may help you now or in the future.
1.Self-Conditioning
Self-conditioning may be considered professionalism as well. This is one of the often-forgotten characteristics that most teachers forget when teaching. Teachers must always remember that teaching is different from just talking in front of the computer. It is nearly impossible to conduct classes when you are under stress or going through something that may consume your mind and attention. One must have the proper heart and mind to instill knowledge to other people, especially with students from other countries with different cultural environments. Classes are ineffective if an educator engages in a class without having the right mind and heart to teach. Although some teachers want to be considered as a “friend” to break the “student-teacher formality” and achieve a more comfortable and less pressured class, being in the best condition while conducting a class is one of what makes a teacher an effective teacher. A class is like a successful connection, for instance, the learner is the student, and the educator is the internet connection, if there’s something wrong with the internet connection, a successful connection may not be achieved. Therefore, always remember to keep yourself conditioned.
2.Right Equipment
This right equipment listed is referring to the laptop with good specifications that can support multi-tasking during class. Some companies have their own software that teachers are required to use to conduct the class, while some use third-party platforms like Skype, Zoom, QQ or WeChat. Aside from the computer/laptop, teachers must also invest in a good quality noise-cancelling headset, background noises like cars, sirens, or chitchats may become a distraction to both the teacher and the student resulting to miscommunication and unproductive session.
Majority of the students prefer video classes over audio classes. Accordingly, most of the companies require teachers to have video classes. So, another thing that one must not be disregarded is the well-lit background, aside from the fact that students can see a perfectly smiling teacher imparting knowledge to them. Though some students prefer not to show themselves, this can contribute to fruitful learning as students are able to see the facial expressions and movements of the teachers. Additionally, computer users don’t forget to invest in a quality camera. Lastly, invest in a power back-up and pocket WIFI incase of power outage.
3.Speak Slowly
Right, you have the right mind and the right equipment in store. What’s next? You are teaching English; therefore, the student has a little to zero knowledge about it. Don’t forget to speak slowly. As much as possible, especially with kids and beginners, teachers must emphasize the sounds well, this is why good lighting is crucial. It assists students in learning quickly with a live demonstration, for instance, when a student is trying to pronounce a word correctly. A well-lit background will show the students your visage and can follow how the sound is produced through mouth and tongue positions. Whether it’s beginner, intermediate or advanced level, you should not forget to speak slowly, though the level of slowness can be adjusted according to the level.
4.Know the topic & Use Props and Aids
Now that you have the idea on how to communicate with your students, let’s get to one of the highlights. As mentioned, some companies provide lesson materials, modules for beginners or for advanced levels are already assigned to every student according to the company’s assessment program. It is vital that you, as a teacher, must study and prepare for the lesson, conduct research or prepare something that would relate to the day’s topic. Some students don’t like it when they see their teachers unprepared and always referring to textbooks. For instance, you can prepare actual crayons for their beginner students when learning about colours, or go a little beyond the topic when you are interacting with advanced English learners. Be the teacher that you had in the kindergarten, full of effort, energy and the will to impart knowledge to the students. Make use of your things at home, it can be a help.
Teachers who have a hard time in having classes with kids, you may try techniques like wearing a character headband that would catch their attention, or do something fun that would make them think that you are a fun person. Show the students something unique.
5.Get to know your students
In some schools, where class materials are not supplied, you may be tasked to find a good module that will suit the student’s level. This is where your skills in observation and assessment may come in handy, listen to your students and assess them. This is where you’ll find answers to questions like, will this book work on this student? Will these topics fit her/him? Is she/he the type that gets easily bored?
Out what class material will suit her and go with it. Aside from the materials, get to know your student as much as possible, including the things that she/he likes, hobbies, or interests. This will help you in discovering the best teaching style you can use to achieve advantageous learning. Additionally, this enables you to obtain a deeper understanding of the student and makes it easier for you to build a friendship with the student.
6.Give Praises and Rewards
We all want to know when we do something right, don’t we? Most of us want to be commended or praised, this lifts us up and gives us extra encouragement to do better in something. Just like us, the students are too. When they answer a question or extend ideas in the topics discussed, you must not forget to compliment them. Aside from acknowledging their potentials and efforts, don’t forget about motivating them even more by setting rewards. For instance, you will require a specific score during tests, and if they succeed, you will give them what you think that they want. This is one of the reasons why you must know your students well, it’ll help you decide what rewards to offer. By knowing their interests and hobbies, you’ll know what things or activities they’d like.
7.Be fun and Enthusiastic
Who wants a boring class? Wouldn’t it be a little upsetting to see your students yawn 50 times during the class? Always be aware that most of your students have other classes before yours, therefore they can be already tired when they enter your class. It’s your time to shine, be fun and enthusiastic, don’t stick with the typical class scenarios. Make it enjoyable, make it lively and make the student participate. Prepare activities that will call their attention or do something unusual like probably sing a song before you start your class, or share a trivia or fun facts from time to time. Find activities that will make the student participate, another reason why knowing your student is vital.
8.Give References
During your class, it’s important to give your students references. Sharing screen is a must, however, sending modules is often forgotten by some teachers. Always remember to send the modules in advance so they can prepare before the class or review after the course. It’s best to send newly learned vocabularies, sentences or important phrases during the class, include notes and pronunciation that will aid the students well. Be reminded to make your explanation easy and simple for easier understanding.
9.Give Feedback
At the end of your class, write feedback. Include notes such as the vocabularies, recommendations, and compliments. Write about what they need to improve, also write about what they can do to improve. You may recommend something like reading short stories, listen to English music or watch English movies to enhance comprehension and familiarization. Feedback is very important, aside from the benefits it provides to the students, this also give assurance and convenience to their parents. It will show how you are giving extra care and attention to the students.
10.Smile
Last but not least, SMILE! From the moment you start the class to the end, a bright smile and positive vibe must not be neglected. Some of your students are tired from school, or from work, therefore greet them with a smile. Ask them about their day, about the weather, or about something interesting to break the ice. Having students who have a hard time in understanding is unavoidable, at times, patience is tested. Despite the challenges, keep yourself composed with a happy face. Do not ever show to your students that you are losing patience or having a hard time, this may lead them to feel bad for not understanding what you are trying to explain.
Ready to teach now? Did you learn anything? There are many things you must consider when teaching online, but listing them all would end us writing a book. These are 10 of the essential things a teacher can depend on when teaching English online for a start, you can learn the rest as you continue the journey of your online English teaching career.