190: Tips for new teachers on iTalki

Miki asks: "How should I teach Japanese on iTalki?"

Episode Summary:

• Firstly, be honest about what you are offering and your experience level
• If you have no experience, you can still help Japanese learners a lot
• Begin as a "community tutor" and offer conversation lessons so you can get experience
• Have an honest talk with the student about what they're looking for an how you can help. Ask questions like:
  • What are you looking for?
  • How would you like me to help?
  • Do you want me to correct your mistakes, or let you talk?
• The most important skill you have to develop as a teacher is the ability to listen
• As the student is speaking, make notes of common mistakes, look for patterns - are they making the same mistake all the time?
• Let the student talk as much as possible, and try to encourage them to speak (that's what most people want), make them feel amazing!
• Every now and again, stop, and show the student what kind of mistakes they have been making (be selective), or opportunities to improve
• At the end of the lesson, ask the student what you could do to improve.
• "What would you like to work on next time" is a good question that allows the student to say what they want, without risking offending the teacher

Resources Mentioned In Today's Episode:

• 19 Quick Changes You Can Make Today That Will Make You A Better Language Teacher - a popular article I wrote about becoming a better teacher

Start Speaking Today:

I’d like to thank iTalki for supporting the show. To claim your free lesson and start speaking today, visit: http://iwillteachyoualanguage.com/italkishownotes

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