2019 updated
Ever thought of working from home as an online tutor/teacher? But are so in doubtful of yourself? Your abilities? Age? Nationality? Don’t be.
Let me help you how you can overcome those doubts and start working from home, increase your income and be in charge of your future.
Recently, I received a couple of emails regarding a certain topic, and at the same time, I noticed that most comments are from readers who got accepted from online schools already. (Which I’m very glad to know.)
They asked for some help at some very important points that I decided to share with everybody today. Most people want to start teaching English from home.
But not everyone has the confidence to start teaching or some even hesitate to even pass their CV’s. (Just like me years ago) Some of the reasons are having zero experience, no certificates,
college student, haven’t spoken to a foreign student, afraid to make mistakes and so much more. Let me give you some tips on online English teaching that I know will somehow help you overcome those doubtful stages and feelings.
But before we go deep with the tips and strategies, Have you found the best school to teach English from home? If not, Here’s our big list of Online English school you can check out to apply for.
And if you’re having a hard time getting hired with the companies you’re interested with. Here’s how to get hired fast with online teaching.
Now, let’s continue.
Why are these useful tips essential?
These tips will help you increase your confidence, how you see your students, your relationship with them thus increasing your booking stats. Meaning more money in your pocket.
Tips and Tricks Every Online English Teachers Must-Know
1. Asian students treat teachers with a high level of respect.
I can’t speak for every ESL tutors and teachers, but I can only speak for myself. So you don’t need to worry about students being submissive. Most of them are, by nature.
In general, Most students really listen to tutors/teachers not just because they want to learn, but they know how to appreciate their efforts.
Here comes my 3 F’s To remember.
2. First Timers
Is it your first time to apply online? I remember applying with the lowest pay rate English schools in the industry for the first time. With zero experience, no certificates and only have guts.
I knew I had to make sure to do my best to gain experience so I can move to high-paying schools or be a freelance teacher. So, being a first-time online teacher/ tutor is not a reason for taking that step to just simply pass your resume.
3. First Day Jitters –
I still clearly remember my first class online. I was so nervous my hands were shaking and you can obviously hear it when I talk. That’s normal,
Everyone who has ever worked has been to first day jitters. To make you feel better,remember that you applied for an online English teaching job.
It means that you are miles away from the person you’re talking to. be grateful that you can start working with your pj’s
4. First impressions last
On first meetings with young students (mostly children) make sure to be as friendly as possible.
Although they do respect teachers, some students ( a few very young ones ) are scared of teachers at school
or that teachers are boring and so they think online teachers are the same. If they think you are a fun teacher. They will love you forever.
5. Being On Time.
I’ve mentioned this from my other posts and again I have to emphasize how important this is.Not only to Japanese students but to everyone in general.
You have to establish a good rapport from the very first class. You don’t want to lose students, don’t you? Make sure to be 5 minutes ahead of your student. Always.
6. Correcting mistakes.
Correct their mistakes on the spot. Most parents like it when they hear you correcting them. On the other hand, Adults also like being corrected straight away but you have to remember that each student varies.
On first meetings with adult students, Make sure to ask them if they like being corrected on the spot. Although most of them would say yes like maybe 8 out of 10.
There still could be that two students who don’t like being interrupted when they talk. These students may want you to tell them their mistakes after class. So you should better take down notes whenever it’s needed.
7. Extra care for the young ones.
Sooner or later you’ll have really young students from 5 to 7. Most of the time they appear alone in the room talking to you. But they actually aren’t. They have their moms or dads hidden from the camera,
Most Asian parents do this so the teacher won’t get distracted, they can observe how their kids communicate with the teachers, and how teachers handle their little ones. So don’t get too relaxed.
Focus on teaching and be extra careful with them. If the student is zero English or a low beginner. Make sure to let them repeat simple words or phrases. Parents like it when they hear their kids speak in English.
Happier children mean happier parents equals more booked classes. Means more money in your pocket.
8. Don’t over-talk.
Remember that most of these online English teaching lessons last for just 20 to 30 minutes per session only. You have to make the most of it. Don’t just talk talk talk. Let the student do most of the talking unless the student is zero English.
Still, make it a point to balance everything. Students can speak more if you ask them follow-up questions, Icebreakers on things they’re interested in, etc.
9. Listen and listen well.
Like what I’ve mentioned many times before how important first meetings are. Here’s another one significant reason why. During first meetings with each new student, you have to listen very well, take note of their weak points and mistakes.
Learn how you can correct these mistakes on your next classes. You’ll soon realize that every nationality and age group seems to have common weaknesses and grammar mistakes. Making it a lot easier for you to handle future students.
10. Love what you do.
Last but not least. Love what you do. It’s not that hard,compare to other tiresome jobs out there. You are doing this at the comfort of your own home, on your PJ’s at your own convenient time.
And expect a lot of laughs with students.When your passionate about your job your students can feel it. They’ll love you and follow you.
These tips may seem pretty simple. But, they bring big results. In the online teaching world (not just English teaching) These tips matters for beginners and Seasoned teachers alike. It helps to create a good relationship with students right at the beginning
and good standings with companies. All of these, in the end, will help you get more students and more booked classes. Increasing your pay rate and even get bonuses and promotions. Don’t just take my word for it. Apply them and you’ll see the difference.
Related Articles that can help you more with teaching English online :
- 10 Best teaching apps you must download.
- How to get started teaching English online with or without a degree.
- Get paid to teach English online. 12 Ideal companies to work with.
