A few weeks ago, I began teaching English via Skype with italki.com. It's a nice setup really and free to join. After waiting a few days after getting accepted to teach there, I had a few students, mostly Russian, and I was off to a great start and getting back into the swing of things. I was fortunate to have been contacted by some really great, and eager students. But after a few lessons it occurred to me that I don't enjoy teaching online. Though an easy way to earn a few bucks, I feel the online medium caters to visual or "traditional" students and really isn't as great for students, like me, who are more tactile and kinesthetic learners. Besides all of that, it's not as lucrative as it might seem. If your prices are too high, you won't get any students; if they're too low, you'll have more students but not be working for the price that you know you should be earning. So needless to say, I cut my ties with the online language company and don't regret it one bit; although I will miss my students. I already grew attached to their smiling eager faces. I have never had any Russians students before but I sure want some more! Though I could have 'sucked it up,' I felt as if I'd be a sell out to myself, my principles, and my students whom I felt weren't getting all that they deserved. Perhaps after I settle into a routine in the coming months I will return. Who knows. :)
As a new teacher myself, I am certainly no expert in class management and have struggled with it in the year that has passed since my teaching certification. I have learned some techniques and will list them below but first I'd like to share this video about it from another new teacher in NYC. I've also added my notes from it and how a game she created might be adapted to an ESL/EFL classroom. What do you think about these techniques? Do you have any to add to the list? |
AboutThis blog will be used as a central location for all things relevant to me and TESOL. ArchivesCategories |