In the modern world, a lot of things are now digital. Online shopping, virtual banking, even health and wellness apps have become standards in the internet age.
As a result, it makes total sense to think about working online too. Luckily, one great position for digital work is to become a TEFL (or Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher.
Being a TEFL teacher can be financially rewarding, as well as a fantastic way of helping other people. Below is a guide to some of the most essential need to know information about TEFL, as well as some key advice to get started.
What is TEFL?
In short, TEFL is the main way for students who grew up with a language other than English to learn English for their work or study purposes. The subject is taught to either groups or individual learners, with TEFL teachers focusing on a specific aspect of the English language, such as grammar, vocabulary, or idioms.
Typically, in most fields an individual would require some experience before entering the field, but TEFL is a little bit different in that it is possible to learn many of the skills needed to be a good TEFL tutor on the job. However, the teach English online with no experience method only really works if the new TEFL instructor takes the time and effort to get a reliable certification.
In fact, a reputable TEFL qualification is the ideal way to refresh the memory of key English language concepts, as well as reconnect with the main elements of classroom learning. The facets taught on these courses will be equally applicable for in person and online settings, so the rookie TEFL instructor will have a greater range to choose from when making their decision.
On top of that, working online means that the TEFL teacher can teach from pretty much anywhere. This allows them to be able to carve out a career around their kids or other life responsibilities, as well as avoiding the hassle of the dreaded work commute each day.
After getting a TEFL certification, what is next?
The next step for a new TEFL educator is to search for an online method that works well for them. For many, this will mean getting in touch with an online learning platform and finding out some of the major selling points of each of these.
These might vary from things like flexible working hours, to smaller class sizes, to better rates of pay. Each platform has their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is well worth the effort to investigate the pros and cons of each before leaping into a choice.
On the one hand, having the freedom to choose to work at any time of day could be optimal for some parents, who have to work around the schedules of their children. By contrast, some freelancers may wish to consider targeting the better paying sites, as they might have less pressure on them to fulfil other obligations.
What makes a good online TEFL lesson?
For one thing, students always appreciate a TEFL teacher who arrives on time, and is ready to teach from the very first moment of class. While a friend might not mind waiting a few minutes to catch up over a coffee, these learners are often paying money out of their own pocket for this learning experience, so do not wish for their time to be wasted.
What’s more, an effective TEFL lesson ought to be fun and engaging, with a variety of engaging components to make sure that students do not get bored or tired easily. This could be in the form of an exciting project, or even a discussion around cultural customs and habits.
Right now, one great topic for group debate could be the FIFA World Cup, being held in Qatar. Aside from the football itself, there might be chats about the clothes the fans are wearing, the music being sung from the stands, or even the way the star players celebrate the goals they score.
For adult learners who are interested in more global topics, these discussions could go even further. For instance, one class may wish to chat about the requirements of a country to host a major sporting event, while others could dive more deeply into the benefits and downsides of spending so much of a country’s money on bringing the event to life.
Why is online TEFL education a good career choice?
Of course, one reason most people choose to work is for money, and as mentioned above, becoming a TEFL tutor can certainly have a positive economic impact. Beyond that, there are so many other reasons why working online as a TEFL teacher is such a sensible career move.
First of all, there is the chance to experiment with different ways of working, from making a lesson about how to write the perfect essay, all the way through to techniques secret agents might use in the field. This sheer variety of lessons ought to keep the TEFL tutor fresh and sharp, and allow them to hone their skills day by day.
Additionally, TEFL is a malleable vocation. The English language is always evolving, and more and more students are learning the language all the time. This means that the opportunity to keep growing and developing as a TEFL teacher is always there.
Last but by no means least, TEFL could be a lifelong career decision. There are several TEFL professionals who have worked in the field for decades, and have branched out from TEFL teaching into other areas of the sphere, such as examining, course creation, workbook production, as well as teacher training.
This potential longevity in the TEFL sector is yet another main reason why a pathway as a TEFL teacher can be such an effective one. Not to mention, it is just a great feeling to help others achieve the goals they have in their life, and seeing that magic moment when a student learns something new is simply irreplaceable.
References:
- https://redkitedays.co.uk/10-innovative-back-to-school-printables-your-kids-will-have-fun-with/
- https://redkitedays.co.uk/secret-agent-invisible-ink/
- https://www.tefl.org/teach-english-online/requirements/experience/
- https://www.theguardian.com/education/2003/jun/27/tefl.elearning
- https://www.cnbc.com/2022/07/11/single-mom-earns-10000/month-on-outschool-i-would-have-never-been-able-to-make-as-much-money-as-a-regular-teacher.html