Before You Start Teaching TEFL Online: Important Things to Think About
You’re sick and tired of wasting time and money on your work commute. You’ve had enough of looking at life pass you by right in front of your nose, just outside your office window. You’re planning your way out, and you might be considering Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) online as a way to escape the traditional workplace.
And you might be right. But, as with all life-changing decisions, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration. Let’s find out what to know about TEFL before teaching online.
1) Understanding learners
Teaching English as a Foreign Language involves instructing students whose first language is not English. It can occur in both English-speaking countries and abroad, typically in state or private language schools, though lessons may also be conducted in students’ homes or workplaces.
The distinction between “language learning” and “language acquisition” lies in the method. “Learning” involves conscious effort, studying, and attending classes, whereas “acquisition” refers to incidental, natural learning, similar to how children learn their first language.
Reflecting on personal experiences with language learning can reveal that it isn’t always enjoyable, which may hinder progress. People often learn languages out of necessity, for social or financial reasons. Many recall formal language education focused on memorising grammar rules with little spoken practice, an approach to avoid in TEFL teaching.
2) Building rapport
Building a classroom environment based on trust and respect is essential for creating a safe and comfortable learning space. For new teachers, managing a group of students from diverse cultural backgrounds can be challenging, but some simple strategies can help foster positive relationships with students.
- Treat each student as an individual, acknowledging their unique learning goals and interests. While it’s impossible to satisfy everyone, incorporating their interests into lessons—like games for children or using TV shows and music for teenagers—can boost engagement.
- Learning students’ names is crucial for rapport, and using name tags can help with unfamiliar names. Some students may even adopt Western names to make it easier.
- Classroom dynamics vary across cultures, and some students may not be used to interacting much. To encourage communication, include group or pair activities in your lessons.
- Personalised praise is more effective than generic compliments. Offering specific feedback, such as recognising a student’s effort on a challenging task, makes praise feel meaningful.
- If you make a mistake, admit it and correct it promptly. Apologising shows humility and builds trust, encouraging students to feel comfortable making mistakes as well.
- Learn to adapt to new situations, new students, and to their challenges. Adaptability is a soft skill that turns a good teacher into an excellent one.
3) Certification requirements
In the past, teaching English abroad was more relaxed, and formal qualifications weren’t always necessary. Luckily, things have changed, and most schools now require certified English teachers to ensure quality education. A TEFL certification is essential for securing teaching jobs, but choosing the right course can be challenging. Most employers expect a 120-hour course, which meets international standards and boosts your eligibility for jobs worldwide.
When selecting a TEFL course, it’s important to ensure the provider is reputable. Look for accreditation, as the TEFL industry isn’t officially regulated. External organisation review accredited courses and ensure high-quality training, making you more competitive in the job market.
To evaluate the credibility of a course, research the provider, read reviews, and check the credentials of its trainers. Trust your intuition and choose a course that offers the support of experienced tutors. In a competitive teaching market, an accredited TEFL course will significantly enhance your chances of finding teaching opportunities and advancing your career as a qualified English teacher.
4) Equipment and set up
As an online TEFL teacher, your equipment is crucial for your work—no tech, no lessons, no income. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune. Start with basic, reliable gear, and upgrade later if necessary. Ensure your PC or laptop is up-to-date with the latest free software upgrades, and your built-in camera and microphone should be sufficient for lessons.
A strong internet connection is vital. If your home Wi-Fi is unstable, consider upgrading or switching providers. When travelling, check internet quality before booking accommodations. Use free online tools to check your speed and ensure it meets the demands of online teaching.
Whether at home or in a hotel, choose a quiet, well-lit spot to teach. This will help you stay focused and professional. If travelling, hostels may be inexpensive but lack privacy and quiet. Opt for an Airbnb or other private accommodation for teaching days.
A plain, neutral background is a good start, but adding educational props—like posters or a dry-erase board—can make your setup more engaging and professional. Tailor props to your lessons; for instance, a phonemic chart is ideal for pronunciation classes.
5) Modus operandi: with or without platforms?
Being a great teacher goes beyond just delivering effective and engaging lessons. As an independent online teacher, you also have to manage the business side of freelancing, much like any entrepreneur. This includes handling marketing, administrative tasks, and other behind-the-scenes work.
Finding your own students is essential but it involves more than just teaching. You’ll need to build a strong social media presence and create a user-friendly, up-to-date website. A website acts as a modern-day business card, showcasing who you are, what services you offer, and what you don’t. Transparency is crucial to attract and retain students. Clearly state your fees, avoid negotiations, but consider offering promotions for loyal clients or new students.
You’ll also need to manage your business’s legal and financial aspects, such as drafting contracts, handling payments, and dealing with cancellations. These tasks can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with them.
For these reasons, starting a freelance online teaching business from scratch may not suit everyone.
Alternatively, online teaching platforms can be a great option. Many established schools offer remote teaching opportunities where they handle all the business aspects, allowing you to focus solely on teaching.
The bottom line
Online teaching can be an exciting career that allows you to be your own boss, but it comes with its own unique challenges. Research the pros and cons of this choice to be fully aware of what this path entails. Happy online teaching!
