Our September 2024 TEFL course just graduated, and before they departed for the last time, we asked them what advice they would give to the new course attendees.
Here’s some of what they said:
- Relax. It will not be as bad as you think it will be. The students want to learn and you probably won’t be the first new teacher they see.
- Treat yourself as well as you treat your students. Designing activities that you are excited for the students to do makes a huge difference in how your teaching will go. If you think your activities are boring and dull, chances are your students might think that as well.
- Remain calm and trust in yourself.
- Enjoy the course while you are in it, as it is a fun experience!
- The students will be nicer and more interested than you are anticipating, so don’t get too nervous about student interaction.
- Take it easy: when making a lesson plan there is no need to overcomplicate. We are here to learn and since you get comfortable and adept enough, you can always modify your lesson and try new activities, exercises, or anything.
- There are moments to learn from for everyone – not only for our students but for us as well.
- Take advantage of the opportunity and the time spent here as much as possible
- Be prepared, be confident, and breathe. Standing in front of a class can be intimidating, but remember—they are there to learn.
- Don’t over complicate things, as this can confuse both your students and yourself.
- Mistakes happen, and students are forgiving. For all they know, it wasn’t a mistake at all! So, smile, and continue with your lesson as if everything is going according to plan.
- Keep an open mind.
- While planning your lessons thoroughly is important, be ready to adapt on the spot. Sometimes activities take longer than expected, or students may need extra support.
- In your teaching practices, both you and your students will make mistakes, but that’s part of the process. Use your mistakes as learning opportunities, and encourage your students to do the same.
In just 4 weeks you can be teaching English abroad. TEFL Worldwide was awarded as the Top TEFL Certification Course of 2018 and 2019! Courses offered monthly.
