Expanish TEFL Blog
10 Qualities of a Successful Teacher
Teaching is one of societies most respectable occupations! It is expected that individuals considering a TEFL program may feel anxious and unprepared for the demands of teaching. But not to worry! Here are ten great ways to become a successful teacher abroad!
1. Patience: Teaching a foreign language abroad may at times feel overwhelming, but the key to being successful in the classroom is to remain calm and practice patience with students.
2. Energy: The easiest way to gain the attention and respect of your students is to approach each lesson with a lot of energy! If you are excited about what you are teaching, the students will immediately feed off of your positive energy.
3. Organization: Often an overlooked component of any job or career, organizational is essential. Arriving to class prepared will do help ease the flow of your class as well as create a strong rapport between you and your students.
4. Preparation: Arriving to class prepared symbolizes commitment, when creating great lesson plans and having activities ready for your students, they will respond positively to your effort and reciprocate with their own.
5. Knowledge: In teaching English as a foreign language, you probably have an extensive knowledge of the English language. However, be sure to brush up on grammar and execution in order to give students the information they need to speak English correctly.
6. Feedback: It is human nature to require feedback, and this is especially necessary in an academic environment. Be sure to give each student ample feedback whether it be positive reinforcement or constructive criticism!
7. Encouragement: Learning a foreign language can be difficult and often frustrating at times, but be sure to encourage students when they are struggling or finding something hard to understand.
8. Time Management: Language courses often vary in length depending on a student-to-student basis. It is essential to focus on specific areas you most like to convey to the students and prioritize when creating lesson plans.
9. Knowing your students: Teaching can be approached in many different ways and be equally influential. The key in execution is to get a feel for your students and adapt to them individually and as a group. Try and gage where the class is at academically, how they learn, and then follow accordingly. It will only be a few days or so before you get to know everyone!
10. Having fun: Learning is not always exciting, but good teachers know how to balance academia and fun. Interact on a more personal level with the students. Creating a light-hearted but focused environment is the easiest way for students to learn. When comfortable, students are not as guarded and are more likely to interact by asking questions and suggesting ideas.
