Working with children is not for everyone, so if you’re thinking about teaching English online, you might be wondering what your options are for teaching adults. Although many of the industry’s major players cater to teaching children, there is still plenty of work available teaching adults!
Teaching English to adults online is not the same as teaching English to children. They have different language learning needs, expectations, and approaches, which teachers must be aware of and accommodate.
If you want to teach English to adults online, there are three things you should know before you begin:
- Qualifications and experience required
- What types of lessons are in high demand?
- Where can I look for work?
So, let’s get started!
WHAT DO YOU REQUIRE?
Fluency in English is obviously required, but there are a few other requirements if you want to start teaching adults online.
TEFL Certification
A TEFL qualification is required if you want to teach English online or abroad. Because most employers require a 120-hour TEFL qualification, you should ensure that your training includes at least these hours. And that you obtain it from a TEFL course provider that is accredited.
Additional TEFL qualifications, such as those focused on Teaching English Online and Teaching Business English, can help to boost your CV. These credentials aren’t usually required, but they can help you get off to a good start and stand out to potential clients and employers.
Other Prerequisites
While most online employers require a TEFL qualification, some may have additional requirements. This can include a BA degree (usually in any discipline), specific experience (which is common for Business English jobs), nationality, and other factors. It is critical to review these requirements before applying for jobs.
Equipment
The advantage of teaching English online is that the initial costs are low. All you need is a computer, a webcam, a headset, and a good WiFi connection to get started!
Online Teaching Styles
Certain types of lessons are particularly popular when it comes to teaching adults. Developing expertise in these areas will allow you to attract more clients and earn more money.
English For Everyday Use
Many English language learners do not have the opportunity to converse extensively in English in class or in their daily lives, which is why this type of lesson is so popular. Conversational lessons help students gain confidence and practice speaking practical English.
English for Business
Because English is the language of international business, it’s no surprise that these classes are in high demand. Businesspeople may want to improve their English language skills in order to advance in their careers, or they may have upcoming meetings or trips that will require them to speak English that they want to prepare for. Business English can be a lucrative area of TEFL, but keep in mind that it usually requires a lot of preparation work because these lessons must be specifically tailored to the needs of a client.
Exam Preparation
An English language learner may need to prepare for a variety of tests. The most common is the IELTS and Cambridge Proficiency exams, which students take to obtain a certificate proving their language proficiency. They may be required to do so in order to live and work in an English-speaking country, either for a job or for educational purposes. To help their students prepare, teachers who specialize in this area must thoroughly understand the structure of the exams and how they are graded.
THE BENEFITS OF TEACHING ADULTS ENGLISH
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They Are Eager To Learn
The vast majority of adult learners attend because they want to. It takes a lot of effort to keep children engaged and motivated, but that isn’t (usually) an issue with adult learners.
The vast majority of adult learners attend because they want to. It takes a lot of effort to keep children engaged and motivated, but that isn’t (usually) an issue with adult learners.
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You Can Hold More Interesting Discussions
It’s not unusual to hear English teachers discuss what they’ve learned from their students. While teaching someone from another part of the world, you will learn about them, their culture, and any common interests you may have.
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More Interesting Teaching Materials
Many adult students will have a higher level of English than the children you would typically teach online. This means that the material will be more interesting to you, making the job more enjoyable. You also have a lot more leeway in terms of the materials and resources you can use with adults, especially if you aren’t bound by a curriculum.
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Increased Earning Potential
The majority of teaching opportunities for children are with online companies. This makes sense because online safety and security are so important when it comes to teaching children, but it does mean that the company receives a sizable cut of what parents pay. When teaching adults, you can go out on your own and find clients, which allows you to keep 100% of the fee charged.
