Thinking of teaching English online as a freelancer? You're in for a challenge. While it's true that you can earn more than enough (e.g., at least $10 per hour), it can take you a while before you reach this goal.
Here's what you need to know about teaching online freelance before you jump in.
1. Students
The lifeline of your business is your students. The goal is to get as many as you can but it may take weeks (or even months) before you get one to enroll in your class.
But if you know where to look or how to promote your services, you can start teaching online in no time.
Some sly online teachers sign up for companies offering tutorial or teaching services just to build up their credibility, widen their experience, and eventually poach students. Poaching students is unethical, but some teachers argue that it's sometimes the students who suggest this.
5 Recommended Books and Materials for Online English Teachers
In my previous post, How to Teach English Without Using a Textbook, I discussed the possibility of NOT using a textbook in class.
Though I strongly encourage you to do this as it’s one way of “customizing” your lessons to suit your students’ specific needs, I wouldn’t recommend this to a beginner. I still think that there should be a balance between textbook usage and independently creating your lessons. Besides, some of your students would want to use a textbook written by authors they trust.
On that note, I’d like to recommend 5 books / materials that will surely help you hone your English skills and your students’ as well. I’ve used a lot of ESL and English books, and these 5 are my favorites.
Though I strongly encourage you to do this as it’s one way of “customizing” your lessons to suit your students’ specific needs, I wouldn’t recommend this to a beginner. I still think that there should be a balance between textbook usage and independently creating your lessons. Besides, some of your students would want to use a textbook written by authors they trust.
On that note, I’d like to recommend 5 books / materials that will surely help you hone your English skills and your students’ as well. I’ve used a lot of ESL and English books, and these 5 are my favorites.
How to Teach English Without Using a Textbook
Introduction to Language Functions
Is it possible to teach English without using a textbook? Yes, it is. As a matter of fact, you can create lessons from scratch. All you need to do is to figure out your student’s needs and focus on language functions.
Language functions?
A “language function,” or simply “function,” is the purpose why you’re communicating or talking to someone. For instance, if you’re lost somewhere and want to get back to the right path, you talk to a person to “ask directions.” If you’re interested in knowing more about your new girlfriend’s interests, you “ask her likes and dislikes.” Asking directions and asking for likes and dislikes are examples of language functions.
Is it possible to teach English without using a textbook? Yes, it is. As a matter of fact, you can create lessons from scratch. All you need to do is to figure out your student’s needs and focus on language functions.
Language functions?
A “language function,” or simply “function,” is the purpose why you’re communicating or talking to someone. For instance, if you’re lost somewhere and want to get back to the right path, you talk to a person to “ask directions.” If you’re interested in knowing more about your new girlfriend’s interests, you “ask her likes and dislikes.” Asking directions and asking for likes and dislikes are examples of language functions.
Understanding Korean Students
To better teach your students, you must understand the factors that affect their learning patterns. These factors can be any of the following: environment, culture, mood, age, English level, interest, and many more. Each student has a unique set of needs, each has his own learning style, and so each deserves customized lessons that fit their needs.
If you’re planning on teaching Korean students, the first thing you need to understand (and accept) is their culture. To be honest, in my more than 5 years of experience both as an online English teacher and as a trainer, I still have difficulty adapting to the cultural differences. The good news is, this is not only my issue. It happens in different countries all the time. What’s important is how you respond to these differences.
Here are some things to bear in mind when teaching Koreans.
If you’re planning on teaching Korean students, the first thing you need to understand (and accept) is their culture. To be honest, in my more than 5 years of experience both as an online English teacher and as a trainer, I still have difficulty adapting to the cultural differences. The good news is, this is not only my issue. It happens in different countries all the time. What’s important is how you respond to these differences.
Here are some things to bear in mind when teaching Koreans.
Top Teaching Mistakes of Online English Teachers
In the company where I used to work, we get client complaints periodically. While some of these complaints are baseless, the rest are valid, and they stem from a teacher’s questionable teaching skills.
In all fairness to our teachers, clients are not informed about our teaching standards and protocols. Meaning, clients complain based on their personal preference, interpretation, and feelings. Therefore, a conflict in opinions and claims are likely. To solve this disparity, we invalidate complaints that are not covered by our policies and standards, but reprimand teachers who do not abide by these standards.
So if your company tries to reprimand you for a customer complaint that is not covered by any existing standards at the time when the violation is made, be happy because the complaint has no basis.
But anyway, as I said, some of these complaints are brought about by a teacher’s teaching skills. The complaints listed below are the most common.
In all fairness to our teachers, clients are not informed about our teaching standards and protocols. Meaning, clients complain based on their personal preference, interpretation, and feelings. Therefore, a conflict in opinions and claims are likely. To solve this disparity, we invalidate complaints that are not covered by our policies and standards, but reprimand teachers who do not abide by these standards.
So if your company tries to reprimand you for a customer complaint that is not covered by any existing standards at the time when the violation is made, be happy because the complaint has no basis.
But anyway, as I said, some of these complaints are brought about by a teacher’s teaching skills. The complaints listed below are the most common.
Is the Flipped Classroom the Answer to Our Changing Education Landscape?
Last year, Education Week reported that the nation's high school graduation rate is in its highest in 40 years. Although this feat definitely calls for a celebration, the problem is far from solved.
In fact, ever since the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test started in 2000, 15-year-old students in the United States have been lagging in math, science, and reading. They are behind other students in at least twenty countries such as Singapore and China. Test results of the PISA indicate that American students are "average" in reading and science and "below average" in math. The PISA test is a trienial exam measuring students' proficiency in the above-stated subjects.
Recently, there have been calls for education reform to address such issue. Alongside these demands are a wide range of solutions, and one novel idea that is gaining momentum is the flipped classroom approach.
In fact, ever since the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) test started in 2000, 15-year-old students in the United States have been lagging in math, science, and reading. They are behind other students in at least twenty countries such as Singapore and China. Test results of the PISA indicate that American students are "average" in reading and science and "below average" in math. The PISA test is a trienial exam measuring students' proficiency in the above-stated subjects.
Recently, there have been calls for education reform to address such issue. Alongside these demands are a wide range of solutions, and one novel idea that is gaining momentum is the flipped classroom approach.
Quality Control in Online English Teaching
A few years ago, back when I was still an employee in a Korean-based e-teaching company, I was tasked to create a QC system meant to do two things -- maintain the quality of our teaching services, and rectify any type of non-compliance.
It wasn't an easy task. After all, the online English teaching industry is fairly new, and the only quality control system that I knew of at the time was that of the food industry.
Nevertheless, I took the challenge -- and I'm so glad I did. Otherwise, I wouldn't have something to share in this hub. Use this as a crude resource. Educators are always welcome to share their thoughts and suggestions.
It wasn't an easy task. After all, the online English teaching industry is fairly new, and the only quality control system that I knew of at the time was that of the food industry.
Nevertheless, I took the challenge -- and I'm so glad I did. Otherwise, I wouldn't have something to share in this hub. Use this as a crude resource. Educators are always welcome to share their thoughts and suggestions.
Turn Your Internet Cafe into an Online English School
Do you own an Internet cafe? Whether you'd like to find a way to diversify or to hedge your losses, you must consider online English teaching.
In a nutshell, online English teaching involves teaching foreign students how to speak English correctly. The best part is, you can do this right at the confines of your cafe.
So how do you turn your cafe into an online school?
In a nutshell, online English teaching involves teaching foreign students how to speak English correctly. The best part is, you can do this right at the confines of your cafe.
So how do you turn your cafe into an online school?
The Robot Teacher
How does a robot English teacher work?
Think of a real machine inside a classroom. It has the anatomy of a robot -- mechanical hands, feet, and head. The only thing that's "a bit" human about his teacher is its head. The head is actually a screen similar to a desktop monitor, and it shows the image of a human teacher.
If you think about it, the robot is just an online English teacher.
As a robot teacher, this machine has the ability to move. The teacher (shown on the screen) has access to a program that allows the robot to move vertically or horizontally. The only limitation is that the pacing is very slow and that the movements are confined to only sideways, backward, and front.
Think of a real machine inside a classroom. It has the anatomy of a robot -- mechanical hands, feet, and head. The only thing that's "a bit" human about his teacher is its head. The head is actually a screen similar to a desktop monitor, and it shows the image of a human teacher.
If you think about it, the robot is just an online English teacher.
As a robot teacher, this machine has the ability to move. The teacher (shown on the screen) has access to a program that allows the robot to move vertically or horizontally. The only limitation is that the pacing is very slow and that the movements are confined to only sideways, backward, and front.
Can Non-Native Speakers Teach English Online? (Part 2)
In the ESL community, there is an age-long debate whether or not non-native speakers be allowed to teach English. Should they?
In countries that spend thousands of dollars in English classes such as South Korea, only native speakers are given a work permit to teach their citizens. But although these governments have strict regulations on English teachers, the reality is, many of their citizens don't care whether their teacher is from the US, the UK, New Zealand, or Australia.
In fact, the Philippines -- a country whose first language is not English -- is a favorite destination of many South Koreans to learn the English language. Some students even live in the country for several years.
In countries that spend thousands of dollars in English classes such as South Korea, only native speakers are given a work permit to teach their citizens. But although these governments have strict regulations on English teachers, the reality is, many of their citizens don't care whether their teacher is from the US, the UK, New Zealand, or Australia.
In fact, the Philippines -- a country whose first language is not English -- is a favorite destination of many South Koreans to learn the English language. Some students even live in the country for several years.
How to Teach English Online If You Don't Have Internet at Home
A year after my friend quit his job, he hit a rough patch. Financially, he struggled. To survive, he had to sell his laptop and a few other things.
How did he manage to teach English online without the necessary tools (i.e., Internet and laptop)? By renting a unit at an Internet cafe.
Everyday, he went to his "workplace" at the same time following his schedule. He was with other people at the cafe, but he didn't mind. For many months, this was his set-up. When he had his laptop and Internet connection back, he revealed his experience to his students, much to their surprise.
If you don't have Internet connection at home, don't fret. You still can teach English online without spending a fortune on rental just by following these tips.
How did he manage to teach English online without the necessary tools (i.e., Internet and laptop)? By renting a unit at an Internet cafe.
Everyday, he went to his "workplace" at the same time following his schedule. He was with other people at the cafe, but he didn't mind. For many months, this was his set-up. When he had his laptop and Internet connection back, he revealed his experience to his students, much to their surprise.
If you don't have Internet connection at home, don't fret. You still can teach English online without spending a fortune on rental just by following these tips.
How Teachers Can Make Extra Money Online
Are you a teacher and don't feel like you're compensated enough? But you love your job so much you're not thinking of changing careers anytime soon?
How about making side money online? Thanks to the Internet, you can turn those extra hours into something profitable. All you need is your skills -- and time and the Internet, of course!
Consider the following money-making activities online.
How about making side money online? Thanks to the Internet, you can turn those extra hours into something profitable. All you need is your skills -- and time and the Internet, of course!
Consider the following money-making activities online.
Online English Teaching Etiquette
The Basics
We all know the basics. But still, many online English teachers don't apply them in class. So just a reminder, here are some basic manners in case you need them. If you don't, go ahead and skip to number 1.
- Be prepared. This applies even to seasoned teachers.
- Show up on time.
- Dress appropriately.
Can You Teach English Online Even If You are a Non-Native Speaker? (Part 1)
Here's the quick answer: Sure you can!
BUT...
Check your English skills. Is your pronunciation intact? Do you have a lot of grammar slips? Is your English non-standard?
These are just three of the questions you need to consider if you want to be an online English teacher. After all, you cannot teach what you don't have.
Here's a situation.
BUT...
Check your English skills. Is your pronunciation intact? Do you have a lot of grammar slips? Is your English non-standard?
These are just three of the questions you need to consider if you want to be an online English teacher. After all, you cannot teach what you don't have.
Here's a situation.
What I Miss About Teaching Online (As a Regular Employee)
For more than 3 years, I was a teacher -- an online English teacher. Everyday, I turn on my computer, check my schedule, and when it says I have to call, I click on the "call" button and start teaching.
Before I decided to do freelance work, I started in the industry working for a Korean-owned company. It is the biggest online teaching company in Korea, I remember the trainer said. It was good enough for me to stay.
I taught at least 20 students per day, mostly 10-minute classes each. These are Korean students who came from all walks of life. Some are office workers who I constantly rang during their break, others are homemakers who took classes when their children are busy at school.
I also had lots of young learners. I hated those with zero knowledge of the language. It literally blew me away. How could you possibly teach someone who can't understand you, who can't see you, and who you can't see? I felt that our training wasn't enough. But over time, you'll develop your own strategies.
Before I decided to do freelance work, I started in the industry working for a Korean-owned company. It is the biggest online teaching company in Korea, I remember the trainer said. It was good enough for me to stay.
I taught at least 20 students per day, mostly 10-minute classes each. These are Korean students who came from all walks of life. Some are office workers who I constantly rang during their break, others are homemakers who took classes when their children are busy at school.
I also had lots of young learners. I hated those with zero knowledge of the language. It literally blew me away. How could you possibly teach someone who can't understand you, who can't see you, and who you can't see? I felt that our training wasn't enough. But over time, you'll develop your own strategies.
Review of Jeremy Harmer's "How to Teach English: New Edition"
Everything you need to know to get started, you'll learn from Jeremy Harmer's "How to Teach English: New Edition" someone told me.
Of course I believed him. So I purchased the book on paperback. The moment it arrived, I couldn't contain my excitement and started reading. Instantly, I noticed that the book is surprisingly easy to read.
Of course I believed him. So I purchased the book on paperback. The moment it arrived, I couldn't contain my excitement and started reading. Instantly, I noticed that the book is surprisingly easy to read.
How to Teach English Online as a Freelance Business - Ultimate Guide
This is the ultimate guide if you want to become a freelance online English teacher. Use our table of contents to navigate through the site easily.
I. The Basics
III. Required Skills for Online English Teachers
V. Marketing Your Services
I. The Basics
- What is an Online English Teacher?
- Why Teach English and Why Online
- Do You Need a Certificate to Teach English Online?
III. Required Skills for Online English Teachers
- Be Familiar with the Features of Skype
- Hone Your Multi-Tasking Skills
- Learn the Basics of Teaching English as a Second Language
V. Marketing Your Services
Be a Virtual Vounteer and Help Non-English Students Learn Your Language
Yesterday, I came across the concept of "virtual volunteering," or volunteering in remote places online. You don't have to leave your house to help. All you have to do is log in online and choose a task.
There are hundreds of tasks to be done. For instance, a person with epilepsy might post a Youtube video asking for help setting his website. If you're interested, you can help him virtually. Communicate with him over Skype and start helping.
If you're like me who has an experience in teaching English online, there are students waiting for your lessons. These are mostly kids from South Asia, South America, and even Africa.
Do you want to help these kids? Or perhaps you want to teach English online for money. If so, I've listed the steps so you can start teaching.
There are hundreds of tasks to be done. For instance, a person with epilepsy might post a Youtube video asking for help setting his website. If you're interested, you can help him virtually. Communicate with him over Skype and start helping.
If you're like me who has an experience in teaching English online, there are students waiting for your lessons. These are mostly kids from South Asia, South America, and even Africa.
Do you want to help these kids? Or perhaps you want to teach English online for money. If so, I've listed the steps so you can start teaching.