Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is not just about imparting language skills; it's about fostering confidence, enabling cultural integration, and opening doors to a world of opportunities. At Allright.com, where excellence in ESL education thrives, being a good ESL teacher involves a blend of skill, empathy, and adaptability. Let's find the ways how to start your teaching career at All Right.

10 online teaching tips for making you a good teacher

Understanding the best practices for online instruction as well as the tools required for it is the key to becoming a competent online English teacher.

1. Invest in the right technology equipment.

This does not mean you need to run out and invest in expensive light boxes and a new MacBook (though if you do, you can usually write it off on your taxes). Instead, start small with a selfie camera light ring and an Ethernet cable. You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a headset and a webcam. Just find something within your budget to start with. You will need a good computer, a strong internet connection, a webcam, good lighting, and a good headset with a microphone. And no, those AirPods will not cut it for most companies.

Teachers are required to have a modern laptop or desktop computer (Mac or PC is fine) with a minimum of 4 GB RAM. You should also have a 10mbps upload and download speed, and a working webcam and microphone. You can test your download speed at www.speedtest.net.

2. To make your lessons more relatable, use props

Using props is one of the best ways to enhance your online teaching lessons. While some online teachers turn their hobby into a full-time job, you can make do with whatever you have on hand. 

For example, you can use your closet or refrigerator to teach a lesson on clothing, or you can make a sock puppet and buy a cheap small whiteboard from the dollar store. 

Manycam is another excellent tool that allows you to incorporate digital props and pictures; if you are serious about online teaching, you might want to consider purchasing the paid version. One advantage of using digital props is that you will not have to haul around props that would take up valuable luggage space.

3. Use the best communication strategies: STT and  TTT

Productive TTT consists of:

👍Giving instructions (Let’s read, Say, etc)

👍Correcting

👍Modelling (pronouncing new words or sentences for a student to repeat; showing an example with a puppet)

👍Giving feedback (Well done! You have got a star!)

Unproductive TTT might look like this:

👎Filler words (well, and now, okay then, I mean)

👎Comments on your actions, e.g. “Well, let’s move to another slide", “let me read what we should do here”. Please, remain silent instead

👎Repeating the same instruction. Instead, paraphrase, simplify, or support it with TPR

👎Sharing your stories and opinions using level-inappropriate vocabulary. Instead, please grade your language.

To give your students enough speaking opportunities, follow 2 principles:

1) Decrease your TTT

• Use only productive TTT.
• Grade your language to make your TTT level appropriate.
• Use TPR (your body language may substitute some prompts or vocal instructions).

2) Engage your learners to speak more

• Use vocabulary/grammar drilling – have them repeat new words or phrases with different speeds/intonations/volumes.
• Make your student speak in full sentences (use the finger method to emphasize the necessity of saying a full sentence).
• Avoid closed-ended questions that can be answered with yes/no, use open-ended questions instead.
• Use shadowing: pause the audio and make them repeat after it.
• Start with pre-tasks: before reading/listening activities, make a student describe a picture first (“What can you see?” – “I can see a chair, I can see Charlie, I can see a cake on the table”).
• Use post-listening: ask for an opinion (Do you like princesses?), personal experience (Have you got a toy sword?), and analyze heroes (Is the Dragon good or bad?)
• Turn each clicking/matching/writing exercise into a speaking opportunity.
• Role-play: use different toys to do the same role-play multiple times.
• Give your student enough time to think – don’t be afraid of silence.
• Use TPR, props, and flashcards to help your student to speak more.

4. Pay attention to students needs

In the pursuit of ESL teaching excellence at Allright.com, a fundamental aspect is paying meticulous attention to the unique needs of each student. Recognizing and addressing individual learning styles, language proficiency levels, and cultural backgrounds are integral to creating a personalized and effective learning experience. 

A keen awareness of students' needs allows ESL teachers to tailor their approach, adapting lessons to cater to diverse requirements. Whether it involves providing additional resources, offering targeted support, or adjusting the pace of instruction, a teacher's attentiveness to student needs is a cornerstone in fostering an environment where every learner can thrive. This commitment to individualized attention ensures that each student feels valued and supported on their language learning journey.

5. Increase student talking time

One of the best practices for online teaching is to encourage your students to speak in complete sentences — and do not interrupt when students speak, even if they make mistakes. 

Instead, circle back and practice the words and phrases that posed difficulties after. It may be easy and natural for you to do the majority of the talking, especially when your student is quiet. However, this lesson is for your student to practice their English skills, not you.

6. Join an online community

You'll find a multitude of Facebook groups dedicated to various companies and online teaching in general. Visit our group for teachers. This group serves as valuable hubs offering job openings, insightful tips for online teaching (including advice for teaching abroad), and a strong sense of community. Joining our group can provide invaluable support, a platform to ask questions, and a wealth of knowledge on mastering the art of teaching English online from the comfort of your home.