Tutors, how do you keep things interesting and engaging in online classrooms?
Include activities, your own methods, teaching techniques etc...
10 answers from our tutors
Best answer
I break up the lessons with general heart to heart conversation and I enjoy having a laugh with my student as it eases any tension
Include materials that interest the student.
I teach moslty for adult. Usually, I do the pre-activity to catch the class focus and attention. You may begin with recent and update news, giving them questions, or even share your experience dealing with the topic today. Stay in touch with them, how's their life, their activities, families and hobbies.
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- JennyCertified ESL Teacher who helps her student in Conversational English.
I focus more in asking about my students. About their life. I think, students feel imporatant and it will be easier for them to express and speak English if they are talking about their life.
I first create a bond with a student. When i'm in a classroom with kids I first play a song and we sing together, smile and dance then I tell the student what we will be learning that day and use flashcards and props. I also ask questions to see if the kid is really listening. I use pdf files and videos mostly when i'm in a classroom with older students as they understand better. But above all, it's all fun in my classroom.
We have a dialog or ask them to describe an image.
I use some apps to play and practice language in a fun way.
I focus on the need of my student. I ensure my lesson is divided into 4parts. listening ,speaking, vocabulary and grammar
I focus on their learning methods, for example; Visual, audio, etc. So I create my lesson materials around their learning methods to make sure that my students understand and have fun.
- Robert PickacardRobert Pickacard Certified English Teacher / Professional Magician
My answer is easy. I perform magic tricks which demonstrate particular grammatical functions. English Through Magic!
Other student questions
- What is your favorite way of introducing new words to English Learners?
English is such a complex Language yet simplifies as one advances. Introduction to new words help people differentiate words that may have the same meaning however is situation and noun dependent. How are some ways you as a Tutor, introduce new words to your students?
Best answer
I mostly use lesson topic-related sources, such as TED talk videos, Podcasts, or songs. I try to teach them in context and use visuals if needed. I use the MFP ( meaning, form, pronunciation) method for teaching and encourage the students to make sentences using the words. This way, students will have a clear understanding of how to use the word in the context and the correct preposition, if needed.
- What are your unique ways of Teaching English online?
Everyone has their own teaching method, It would be nice if we could all share how each of us goes about teaching - other than the obvious. For example; I do Key Cards and we do role play. If when during the dialogue there are discrepancies, we will then work on the structure, word, or tense that needs attention.
Best answer
I like to have conversations based on the student's interests. I have a wide range of hobbies and experiences, so we're bound to connect on a few topics we have in common.
Best answer
Introduce yourself, ask questions about student interest, what goal they want to reach, what they struggle with, maybe do a level test first, then give feedback. Lesson after the Trial lesson, do a free talk conversation about student hobbies to see how the grammar, pronunciation, and sentence structure are. In this way, you will start to know your student. This is only my opinion.
