Learning a new language might seem like a daunting task and probably an impossible achievement to attain. However, teaching foreign languages might seem more intimidating.
Many tutors understand that fluency will not be enough to be a great and effective teacher. Basically, language tutors are unsung heroes, and like many great heroes, there are secrets to becoming a successful language tutor. These secrets include the following:
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1. Make Students Feel Confident
It is a great idea to start tuitions at an easier level than the learners suggested in an earlier communication. You may test whether to move ahead faster by challenging them in the process beforehand.
This will help them settle with private tuitions and discover their actual ability level. In addition, it will enable you to make sure they make some progress during the first lessons of learning.
2. Encourage Activities beyond Classroom
In order to learn new languages effectively, students should be engaged, even when they are outside the classroom. Provide your learners with the right tools to practice beyond homework by assigning exercises, which need interacting with the right individuals.
For instance, if you are teaching Italian, make sure you motivate your learners to visit local Italian cafés or restaurants to order food in Italian.
The primary idea is to expose your learners to how the language is applied in real-life situations while providing examples.
- Create a Positive and Safe LearningEnvironment
Making mistakes and having a chance to learn from them is the key to learning a new language. The way you structure your online language courses and how you give feedback impact the sense of security of your students.
Whatever your preferred methods are, if your learners are to improve their skills, they need space free from making mistakes and judgment.
4. Establish a Healthy Relationship
If you have a caring and healthy relationship with your learners, you may influence their life quality, attitude, and behavior. Showing interest and care in your learners’ lives serve as an important tool in your arsenal to wield tutoring power.
It is sensible to set a good and positive student-tutor relation to establishing a beneficial learning climate where learners are willing to perform, receive support, and are not shy.
5. Maximize Talking Time
Having learned several foreign languages yourself, you will basically know how vital it is to practice some speaking skills. This is the reason some tutors go overseas for several years as part of their degree.
However, most students don’t have these opportunities in class. Although listening exercises, reading, and writing might be done independently, quality talking practice is difficult to come by.
Therefore, try to use activities that will get your students talking. This can be something simple as asking questions or using stimulus cards, such as those in speaking exams.
Final Thoughts!
Online and private tutoring is becoming more popular these days. Most parents are eager to access better educational resources for their kids, adults have interests in learning new skills these days, and learners need a tutor to guide them academically.
Being a language tutor can be a great side-gig or a full-time job, especially if you know the ropes of doing it right.
