Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) via Online Platforms

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) on an online platform typically involves conducting virtual lessons for learners seeking to improve their English proficiency. Here’s a breakdown of what it’s generally like:

1. Virtual Classroom Dynamics:

• Within the online platform’s virtual classroom, instructors often leverage advanced features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, and collaborative document editing to enhance the learning experience.
• Some platforms provide a structured curriculum, complete with multimedia resources, while others empower teachers to bring their own materials, fostering creativity and adaptability.

2. Diverse Student Interactions:

• TEFL instructors engage with students from a diverse array of cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives and language challenges. This diversity not only enriches the learning environment but also demands an inclusive and culturally sensitive teaching approach.

3. Flexibility in Scheduling:

• The flexibility of scheduling is a hallmark of online TEFL platforms, allowing educators to cater to students across different time zones. This adaptability attracts both part-time and full-time instructors, fostering a global teaching community.

4. Adherence to Platform Guidelines and Methodologies:

• Online TEFL platforms often have specific guidelines and methodologies that instructors are expected to follow. These could range from preferred teaching styles to platform-specific methodologies aimed at optimizing the learning outcomes for students.

5. Individualized Teaching Approaches:

• With students having varied learning styles and preferences, TEFL instructors need to adopt an individualized teaching approach. This could involve tailoring lessons to cater to different language proficiency levels, learning speeds, and interests.

6. Technological Proficiency and Innovation:

• Proficiency in utilizing technology is not only essential for delivering virtual classes but also for incorporating innovative teaching methods. Staying abreast of educational technology trends and incorporating them into lessons can greatly enhance the effectiveness of online TEFL instruction.

7. Comprehensive Assessment Strategies:

• Online TEFL instructors may employ a variety of assessment strategies, ranging from traditional quizzes and tests to interactive projects and oral presentations. The challenge lies in designing assessments that accurately gauge language proficiency in a virtual setting.

8. Cultural Competence and Sensitivity:

• Building cultural competence is paramount for TEFL instructors. Understanding and respecting cultural nuances contribute to a positive and inclusive online learning environment, fostering a sense of belonging for students from diverse backgrounds.

9. Continuous Professional Development Opportunities:

• Many online TEFL platforms offer opportunities for continuous professional development. Instructors can attend webinars, workshops, and training sessions to stay informed about the latest trends in language teaching and enhance their instructional skills.

10. Parental Involvement for Young Learners:

• In platforms catering to younger learners, maintaining open communication with parents or guardians is often part of the role. Regular updates on a student’s progress and addressing any concerns contribute to a collaborative and supportive learning environment. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of partnership between educators and parents but also ensures a holistic and well-rounded educational experience for the young language learners.

Teaching online can be a convenient and rewarding way to TEFL and reach different students from varied backgrounds across the world. If you are planning to teach online, we recommend our 140 Hour Master TEFL course which covers all the regular EFL cornerstones, as well as a Unit dedicated to teaching online.