In a world where most daily functions are online, from chatting with friends to buying goods and services, it makes sense to consider working digitally too. In fact, one wonderful way to do this in this globalised era is to become a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teacher.
There are a range of benefits to this varied and exciting vocation, many of which will be listed below. Additionally, some of the key aspects of taking on this profession shall be considered, alongside some useful advice to get any new online TEFL teacher started.
Where can an online TEFL teacher work?
Theoretically, an online TEFL teacher can teach from pretty much anywhere. A reliable internet connection in a space that does not have a lot of noise is perfect . However, there are certainly some factors that make a few places more appealing than others.
For one thing, the cost of living ought to be a prime consideration for any new online TEFL teacher. For example, the high prices of staple items in high tax nations such as Norway or Monaco makes it more difficult to get by, when compared with other nations with a lower cost of living, like China.
Indeed, this handy teach English in China guide should make it a breeze for any new TEFL teacher to find out the advantages of teaching TEFL both online or in person out in the Far East. Thankfully, this guide also breaks down many of the essential components necessary to teach there, from the qualifications necessary for working in China itself, all the way through to how to prepare effectively for a journey east.
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What does an online TEFL teacher need to start teaching?
As with almost any career path, the expertise needed to get started does vary by company and location, but almost every contemporary recruiter will probably prefer a candidate to have a reliable and trustworthy TEFL certification. While these courses may well have been extremely pricey in the past, recent times have seen them become more affordable to anybody, without compromising on the level of quality on offer.
These courses are run by friendly and experienced TEFL educators, who have been there and done that. They have all of the facets of knowledge needed to hit the ground running in the virtual TEFL classroom, as well as heaps of sound advice to ensure that the tough times progress just as smoothly as the easier ones.
Additionally, the chance to connect with other new TEFL teachers is one not to be missed, as going through a challenging yet exciting experience is often much better when done with peers. In this way, the learning growth can be shared, with ideas exchanged and a real opportunity to learn from others following the same job choice.
What does a typical online TEFL lesson look like?
Naturally, with so many different types of learners from all across the planet, no online TEFL lesson will be the same as another. This is a big part of why the field of teaching TEFL online is so interesting.
Some lessons can be themed, such as talking about a nation’s culture or heritage of a geographic region. By contrast, other classes may deviate towards topics such as sustainability, and how the globe adapts to the issues of rising populations and increased pollution emissions.
In any case, most TEFL students online are looking for a chance to practice their skills in an authentic yet pressure-free context. They could be coming to the class for an opportunity to learn the latest idioms or phrasal verbs, or to brush up on their grammar for an important essay at their school or university.
In any case, providing content that is fun and engaging will help every TEFL learner to thrive online. This is why the role of an online TEFL teacher can not be underestimated.
What resources can an online TEFL teacher use?
For the most part, a good online TEFL lesson will be all about giving the TEFL teacher a platform to provide a clear and simple teaching point that is easily understood and implementable in real life. In the traditional classroom, this may involve elements such as a whiteboard, slideshow presentation, practice activities and then some role plays or other associated tasks for students to demonstrate their comprehension.
Luckily, whether the lesson is about tourism or the weather, many of these tools are also available online. Some platforms have editing and typing tools embedded into them, or can point the TEFL teacher and students in the right direction to find them.
In other situations, the TEFL students themselves are in the know about a particular website or app, and are happy to show off their knowledge about them. Many language learners also enjoy the competition aspect provided by free services such as Quizlet or Sporcle, while others prefer a more conventional attitude towards their online learning.
No matter who the student is, the TEFL teacher can take advantage of online resources in the lesson and beyond. For instance, finding a link to a grammar exercise can be a great homework option, or even asking the students to watch a short video to be discussed in the following class is another possibility too.
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How can an online TEFL teacher organise their day?
This is something that is completely dependent on the individual TEFL teacher. For some, starting early is the best way to go, with some morning classes followed by a more sedentary afternoon.
Alternatively, those who would much rather have a lie in can opt for some afternoon and evening work, and this is made possible by the fact that different students live in wildly varying time zones.
So, a student living in China might need a TEFL teacher to be available at a hugely different hour of the day than a learner in Croatia, and this creates the possibility for the online TEFL teacher to make the timetable that works best for them.
References:
https://www.tefl.org/teach-english-abroad/teach-english-in-china/