Tips From TOPs

Tutor: GraceField

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Keys:
Trials: BOND, CHECK, FEEDBACK, (BCF)
Keep The Classes Nonstop!!

Trials

When you first meet a student, you must definitely take the following into account:

1. (BOND) Introduce yourself (be concise) and start off on a good foot. Ask them how you can help them and what their needs are. Small talk about their family and friends.

Expand your cultural awareness so you can interchange opinions. If possible, do not show political nor religious tendency.  Deep conversation about topics you are not knowledgeable about is not convenient.
Always be very cautious and respectful.

2. (CHECK) Pay close attention to the following details while they talk about themselves.

  • Pronunciation,
  • structures,
  • fluency,
  • vocabulary and whatever you think is important to examine during this first meeting.
    List their Strengths and weaknesses.

3. (FEEDBACK) 10 minutes before the trial is over, give them your feedback. Never discourage them, even if their English is at a beginner level. Be truthful in a friendly way.

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E.g., Teacher: “I see that you need to improve, don’t worry, we will find a way to work things out!”

If the student shows a really good level, there is always something to brush up on, so check the detail list above and jot down their mistakes.

✅ During this whole process, you must show passion and personal interest in them.

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E.g., Never lose eye contact, don’t distract yourself. Show them you are writing down mistakes and taking down important notes about them.

✅ Constantly show the student that you care about their learning process.

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E.g., By explaining what methods you are going to use in order to help them improve.

Keep The Classes Nonstop!!

✏️ Stimulate curiosity during the class through questions from the student to the teacher, so the student can also get acquainted with you.

✏️ Encourage students to participate (some can be shy). Try to find out what their interests are. Choose a topic, then brainstorm related vocabulary. In this way, the class will be dynamic and fun.When the student has an intermediate and above level, be a good listener, never over-talk, let the students do the talking.

✏️ Make your classes come alive! Invite an advanced student to prepare work presentations. Maybe give a class on one of their hobbies.

✏️ Play games with children. Use The natural approach, which is learning through amusing activities, songs, and rhymes.

Use flashcards, ask them questions about the cards, they must answer in complete sentences. Then go through them again but this time, let them repeat their answers in a sort of speech.

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E.g.: Teacher: "What do you see in the picture?" "What are their names?" "Where do they live?" "Who do they live with?" "Why do they live there?"
Teacher says: "Good! Now try to tell me about this picture on your own. I will not ask you the questions. Try to remember your complete answers."
Tell them it’s a memory game.
Student: "I see 2 people in the picture. Their names are Pat and Tom, they live in the countryside with their family. They live there because they love nature."

This kind of exercise can be done at all levels.

✏️ Plan B. When your students are probably not feeling well or a bit de-motivated for some personal reason, always have a plan B. You should always adapt to circumstances. Change the activity several times, if necessary, until you feel they are catching on.

✏️ Pay attention to detail. Every once in a while, ask them about a personal situation they have mentioned.

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E.g., “How was your interview?” “How did your son do on his exam?” “Did you finally cook that recipe you told me about? “How is your dog, did he get over the illness?” etc.

This makes the student feel you are considerate, kind, receptive, and responsive. This is the key to nourish and sustain a good relationship but don’t overdo it, nor overload yourself with student problems. You can be nice and helpful but try not to get into the student’s personal issues as if you were their psychologist, remember, you are their teacher.

A tip for a healthy teacher:
"Remember, your boundaries are your limits!"

✏️ Manage time Wisely. It’s possible that the teacher can get carried away when teaching and can be delayed for the next class. Try to set a vibration alarm in order for this not to happen, and if it doesn’t work, offer to make up those few minutes when you obviously don’t have back-to-back classes or offer the student some of your free time to make this up. So, if you don’t want to use your free time, look at the clock!When teachers make mistakes, they should take on responsibility. Making up for mistakes shows empathy.

✏️ Problems out! Never talk about your personal problems, and never make the student feel pity for you, especially in your video presentation. You must show strength, energy, and happiness, leave your personal issues out, otherwise, it will be hard for the student to learn in such a despairing atmosphere. Reduce tension in class and boost positive mood, this is a must in the learning process.

In conclusion:
BE A FRIENDLY AND KNOWLEDGEABLE TEACHER. MAKE YOUR STUDENTS LOVE YOU!!! GOOD LUCK!