i-to-i’s Blog

TEFL Q&A round up!

If you missed our Question and answer session on our Facebook page earlier today-Where were you!?

We had our team of expert TEFL teachers and industry experts on hand to answer any burning questions...

Don't worry though, we'll let you off! If you missed out on the action, sit back, relax and let us fill you in on the highlights...

Our team share their top tips to beat first lesson nerves...

"Wear a clowns outfit. Only messing. Best tip is to remember that YOU are the expert in the room. They will be nervous too, trust me, when you get in front of the class and realise that you can help them then you'll relax. Just think that you've got a life's worth of experience speaking, writing, and listening to English, and you are their source of information. Take a dictionary though just in case."

Baz

"basically my advice would be have activities ready to go where students talk to students (mingling or in groups). That's good teaching. Don't for a minute think you should be up the front talking! Everyone will be speaking, having a great time, and you'll think - 'This is fun!'"

James

"My advice for the first lesson: don't take it too seriously :D Relax, have fun and play some icebreaker games. I'm always nervous for the first class, but then I remind myself that every one else is getting into the flow too and things will fall into place as the term moves forward. I know that seems like a really vague tip, but its advice I still follow to this day! Cheers!"

Jess

"It depends on where you're teaching. A school/adult class might want to hear about you, so you're first lesson might just be a long self-introduction. It's fine to be nervous for your first few lessons. Make sure you create a detailed lesson plan as it will prepare you and give you confidence. A big tip in general: You don't need to talk the whole time! A good lesson is one where the students are talking (in relevant English!)"

Craig