How To Prepare A Perfect Demo Class
When applying for an online ESL position in one of the ESL companies, the application process goes this way – send your resume, then shoot a perfect self-introduction video, and if HR is pleased with your resume and video, you will be invited to an interview.
Here comes the main thing – a DEMO CLASS.
What is a demo class?
In most online ESL companies, the demo class is actually an interview, and in some of them, it’s a part of it.
The demo class/demo lesson is set up to look exactly like how your classes will be when you begin teaching. The purpose of a demo class is to check whether you have the potential and professionalism to become an online ESL tutor.
Simple as that.
It’s like a dress rehearsal before the gig.
During the demo class, on the “other side” of your webcam, there will be someone from the company acting like a kid to whom you will teach. Sometimes, there won’t be any child-acting adults, instead, the company will ask one of their 6-year old students to take part in your demo class.
This class will be evaluated by the HR Dept.
Therefore, act as you would with real students in an online class.
Do your best to express your enthusiasm, smile all the time (but don’t overdo it), and don’t forget the ENERGY! Students (especially kids) will sense the lack of energy the same way a great white shark senses blood.
Oh, and more thing, since there are different types of ESL companies, if you’re about to tutor adults only, keep in mind that demo classes with adults are significantly different from the ones with kids.
A demo class with adult students
If you’re applying for an online ESL teaching position in a company where you’ll tutor adults, act the same way you would in a self-introduction video for adult students.
Try to be relaxed and professional at the same time. As I mentioned before, jump into the shoes of a person whom you’re about to tutor. You probably wouldn’t like to see a grumpy or bored person who is tired of living.
You would like to see a pleasant, cheerful, and above all, professional online ESL tutor.
Why?
Because you’re not a kid anymore. You’re paying someone to teach you how to speak a foreign language and you have dedicated a precious time to do that (we all know how precious that one hour can be).
You don’t want to hear lousy jokes during that one hour.
How to prepare for a demo class?
Speaking of demo class preparation, most companies will send you the material you need to prepare for the demo class. Also, there are companies such AmazingTalker where you’ll communicate with a student and mutually agree on the material you will present in the demo class.
The material you receive, please spend time preparing it. It’s anything but child’s play! You will need to pay a lot of attention to something called TIME MANAGEMENT.
What is time management in a demo class?
Time management is the ability to organize the lesson to last until the very last minute. In other words, the lesson you’re teaching must not end 10 minutes before the end of the class, or your class must not finish while you’re still stuck on the 3rd slide.
It may sound easy. It’s not.
A demo class with kids
It’s showtime!
A demo class with kids is sooo different compared to the one with adults.
Back in the days when I entered the online teaching world, I applied for a well-known company – iTutor.
I had no idea how to start teaching online, BUT, hey I can speak English, my accent is native-like (or at least I thought so) …
What can possibly go wrong?
…
„Dear Nem… After careful review of your application, we have elected to pursue other candidates at this time whose qualifications more closely match our needs for this position.”
Yeah, that email put me loooow down. To make a long story short, I was disappointed, therefore I decided to do something else to make the world a better place.
After a year and a half, I stumbled upon a job post. An ESL company was looking for an online teacher. Since I learned a lesson, this time, I decided to book a prep class. The person I contacted, worked as an online tutor for several years.
Now, you probably wonder…
Why should an online tutor/trainer prepare you for tutoring online…
…instead of highly experienced high school/university professors? Nobody can match these guys, right?
So, I was at the prep class with an experienced online tutor, and after a quick evaluation of my skills, in 3 seconds, he demonstrated how I should start the demo class.
My reaction was, literally…
Now that’s something you’re going to learn in this article and that’s EXACTLY how you will stick out in a crowd.
This is exactly why you shouldn’t go for a prep class with a school teacher. And it doesn’t matter if the teacher is a young lad full of enthusiasm or a step from retirement.
Teaching online and classroom teaching are soooo different.
“Classroom” preparation
You’re not a school teacher, you don’t have a real classroom, but this doesn’t mean you can’t make one in your room… or in a basement.
As I already mentioned, there’s a huge difference between teaching kids online and adults. Speaking of online classes with adults, all you need to do is to make sure your background is neat. The best thing would be if you could sit your back facing the monochromatic (one color) wall. You may add a nice indoor plant as well.
BUT, when teaching kids online, you’ve got to spend some time… and a few bucks to decorate your classroom.
Luckily, everything you need for decorating your classroom can be found in China shops.
Remember, there’s no guideline on how to decorate your classroom. Put yourself into kids’ shoes. What would they like to see? You can decorate the wall with some cartoon characters, you can make your name out of colorful letters, you can stick numbers, cars, dolls, etc.
Here’s a lovely example of a well-decorated classroom by Teacher Amber from QKids.
When tutoring kids online, you are half a tutor – half an entertainer.
Deal with it.
There are hundreds of thousands of online tutors and teachers and parents have a wide selection when picking the perfect one for their child. They want the class to be educative and entertaining at the same time.
Having that in mind, you have to be ready to shift from one person to another as soon as your interviewer says “Okay, now I’m going to act like a 6-year old kid.”
The person who is interviewing you has to feel the energy boost.
You should start your demo class with a BIG, enthusiastic “HEEEELLLLOOO THEEEEREEE!”
With this kind of “opening”, you’re halfway through. The interviewer realizes you understand the core of teaching online, she/he can feel the energy boost, and every single child would love this greeting (when I say “a child” I don’t mean teenagers… they are… well, let’s say quite unique audience).
Uhm, yeah, but don’t worry, teenagers will like you… eventually.
Okay, I’ve mastered the demo class greeting.
What’s the next step?
After this fabulous greeting, you’ve won the battle, but not the war.
Now, you’re about to introduce yourself to the student and the student should do the same thing.
Keep in mind one thing, at all times – if you’ve taught in school before, everything you would usually do in a classroom, in the online world things don’t work that way.
First of all, your mother tongue and the mother tongue of your students aren’t the same. Your mutual way of communication is the language they are still learning, moreover, they are still beginners.
That’s why TPR is crucial!
What is TPR?
TPR (Total Physical Response) is a method of teaching language by using hand gestures and mimics to make connections to words, phrases, and sentences.
Let’s go back to the introduction part.
When you’re introducing yourself to a student, try to speak slowly (no, not the slow-motion speed) while using TPR (e.g. point at yourself or your name tag).
After that, ask the student to introduce himself/herself.
Wooohooo!
First part – check!
When working with kids, besides TPR, you’ve got to use props (various stuffed toys, flashcards, toys, etc.)
I know, I know, some teachers aren’t fans of these things, but when teaching online, props can be such a lifesaver!
Kids (and adults) loooove rewards. They like to be praised when they do something well.
Do it!
For each correct answer, reward them with enormous applause, a trophy prop, or you can simply give them a high-five!
This way, kids will stay focused throughout the class and they will be so impatient for the next question.
That’s the point – keep children focused during the class, and allow them to talk as much as possible.
While doing all this, do not forget, not for a second, the time management I was talking about.
Teaching online is easy, huh?
Another fantastic way to make students more relaxed, at the beginning of the class, is to play some fun action song. These are so-called – warm-up songs (“Head, shoulders, knees and toes”, “Baby Shark”).
Not a dancing fan? You’re about to become…
These were some tips and tricks for all of you who have just started your online teaching career (or for those who are about to do so).
However, if you want to make online teaching your full-time job and earn over $20/hr, I don’t want to sound like I’m about to sell you some crap and get money, BUT you should really take Nem’s Teaching Online course.
Trust me.
Happy Teaching Online!
Nem
Owner at Teaching Online and a passionate online ESL teacher