Enrique Kates: DOs and DON'Ts Tips of a Successful Online Language Teacher

by Enrique Kates

The following points are simple common sense, but so overlooked

  Be reachable....Make yourself  easily reached.

  Make yourself easily reachable through all possible means available to you: Skype. e-mail, Facebook, phone, twitter, Linkedin, etc. etc.

  Reply...Reply...Reply....ALWAYS reply to your messages immediately.

  A piece of advice. When you’re online, leave your skype ONLINE. NEVER put it as invisible. Let your prospects know that you’re there. If you’re busy, and you receive a message, reply immediately and tell them you’re busy, and indicate when you’ll be available. If you receive a call,.decline the call.and reply in a text message as indicated before.

  You have no idea how many students I’ve got because of other teachers not being available or not replying.

  Never, Never, Never say "I'm too busy"

  This point is clear. If you constantly say "I'm too busy" You’re sending a message that you don’t have time for them. Or, you will not give them their due attention. Its good to be busy, and say it. Just, don’t over do it. It sends a confusing signal. Again, I’ve got students because of this.

  Be reliable....people know you will be on time.  This applies to you as a person, and also to the internet, connection, etc.

  Reliability, punctuality, formality, cannot be stressed enough. Simply put. If you agree to something, offer something.....DO IT....No excuses.

  If you don’t have good internet connection. If you don’t have a good working place. DON’T commit to anything until you are READY.  Giving a bad impression can be disastrous.

  Trustworthy...you can be trusted

  Honesty is Best Policy....ALWAYS.

  Keep complete records. And keep your students informed.

  Comfortable atmosphere.

  Be comfortable where you work.And make it comfortable for your students. Eliminate distractions and outside noise.

  Have well established teaching techniques,

  There is much good material in the market out there. But, you must know how to use it. Teaching techniques are a must. This is something that is not learned overnight. Just because you speak a language, does not mean you can teach it.

  I’ve heard throughout my life people say “If I don’t find a job soon, I’ll teach English”. Teaching a new language takes skill, patience, knowledge, You MUST know HOW to teach it, Not only speak it.

  A few days ago a friend’s husband called me. He wants to teach English as a Second Language. So, he asked me for some advice.

  -- He has skype, and some experience using it. He has ONE contact on his list. I’m the second.

  .. He doesn’t have headsets. On his side, his kid is running all over, even hanging from his neck.

  .. He said he has experience. A few years ago, he helped somebody ONE day.

  .. He asked me where to find material so he could draw up a syllabus.

  I was speechless, and didn’t know where to start. So, I just gave him my blessing, and wished him good luck.

  Always USE a webcam. It makes a world of difference in credibility. Also, use your real name

  I’ve known teachers that lose students simply because they refuse to use a cam.

  Body language, facial expressions, use of hands. All of these are a tremendous aid for a student. A student MUST see them.

  The internet has brought a wealth of new ways to do things.

  A person can learn a new language from the comfort of his own home, while he speaks with another person thousands of miles away.

  It is said that modern technology has eliminated the “Human Touch” of face to face learning. This “human touch” is very important. Nothing takes the place of a teacher/student sitting at the same table. Fortunately, the use of a mic and a webcam make it as real as possible….with excellent results.

  If a student does not want to use a cam, you can’t force him. But, just make sure you clearly spell out the benefits of a using a cam. Unfortunately, I don’t have any evidence except my several thousand online lessons, to prove that using a cam brings a positive difference in a student’s progress. If you’re truly concerned about your reputation, mainly the speed in which a student will learn, I would suggest you insist on it,

  But, as I said before, If a student does not want to use a cam, you can’t force him. as a teacher, USE a cam.