Job Discussion Forums

[sarahg]

I'm currently working in the French teaching assistant program as an elementary English teacher, in one of the DOMs (overseas departments). Since I only have to work 12 classroom hours a week, I am looking into potential side jobs, including giving private English lessons. I'm wondering if this is difficult, or is it something that I could start doing with a bit of research, even being inexperienced as a teacher? Any resources you recommend to get an idea of how to go about teaching adults, lesson plans for adults, etc? I have volunteered as an English tutor, but with adults who were nearly fluent, and it mostly involved having conversations and correcting grammar or word use or explaining what things meant. I have no experience teaching grammar, and obviously the lessons I'm making up for kids wouldn't be appropriate for adults (worksheets and songs and whatnot). I would potentially be giving lessons from the absolute beginner level (many people here know absolutely no english, not even hello/goodbye) to more conversational students. I'm really interested in doing this as a side job, but I don't want to take people's money if I need more "real" teaching experience to be a decent tutor, of course.

[Glenski]

DOM = ?

Where are you exactly? France? San Diego?

[sarahg]

[Glenski]

If you're in La Reunion, not San Diego, I would suggest changing your avatar location info.

I'm sorry to disagree with you, but wanting to teach absolute beginners and having no experience teaching grammar are contradictory. Beginners need grammar to get started (after alphabet, of course).

As for needing specialized training just for private lessons, I would have to say it is up to you. You can't afford a TEFL certificate anyway, so doing anything online for certification is probably equally out.

It depends on whether you feel comfortable teaching such low level students what they need to get off the ground. There are lots of sites with info and lesson plans.

You asked if it is difficult. Did you mean difficult teaching absolute beginners, or difficult doing it in your location, or difficult as in teaching without much experience and no certification?

* Beginners can be tough or easy, depending on the culture and needs.
* Can't say about your location. With such a small population, I'd say it might be hard, but that's just a guess.
* Little experience and no cert could be a biggie or nothing at all; some people are born teachers.

[Phil_K]

[naturegirl321]

YOu're off of Madagascar then?

Yep, you could do it. Best way to learn would be to get student and teacher's books. Student books have simplied grammar.