Teaching online for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when facing a new student with uncertain teaching material. However, with the right approach and preparation, you can have a successful first class. In this blog, I will provide valuable tips and a sample lesson to help you create an engaging and effective online teaching experience.
- Prepare engaging material: finding appropriate and engaging material can be challenging, but it’s essential for a successful class. Ensure your material includes components like listening, speaking and reading exercises, as this will help you gauge the student’s level and plan future lessons accordingly.
- Establish a connection: Start your class by building rapport with your student. Greet them warmly and ask introductory questions such as their name, location, and profession. For intermediate-level students and above, inquire about their reasons for learning English. If needed, provide prompts to help beginners answer these questions comfortably.
- Present a Sample Lesson: After the introductions, introduce your students to a sample lesson. Walk them through the various exercises and activities, encouraging active participation. This will give you valuable insights into their language skills and enable you to tailor future lessons to their needs.
- Seed Feedback: After completing the sample lesson, ask your student for feedback. Encourage them to share their thoughts on the lesson’s difficulty, their confidence in completing tasks, and any improvement they suggest. Constructive feedback is invaluable for refining your teaching approach.
- Build Trust: Create a comfortable learning environment by encouraging students to ask questions about you or the learning process. Building trust will help your student feel more confident and open to the learning experience.
Here are some warm-up questions you can use during the first class to get to know your student better:
Sample Warm-up Questions
- What is your name?
- Where are you from?
- What do you do for a living?
- How old are you?
- Where did you learn English?
- How long have you been studying English?
- What has been the most challenging aspect of learning English?
- What motivates you to study English?
Teaching your first class may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and a well-structured lesson, it can be a rewarding experience. By establishing a connection with your student, using engaging material and seeking feedback, you’ll set the foundation for future successful lessons. Remember, continuous improvements is key to becoming an effective online English Teacher.
Note: For an intermediate-level sample lesson, refer to the student’s version worksheet, the teacher’s version and the Google Meet presentation provided.