What do I do????????

You have just received a message that a potential student has viewed your profile and is interested in booking lessons with you based on the details on your profile. To the student, he/she has made the “right” choice. You are, but choose your path wisely!

Engage student in conversation, the student may have had someone type out his message to you or assisted with the needs analysis, therefore in having a conversation will be the best evidence of what the student’s true level is and what your way forward should be.

Put your student at ease, this is not the Spanish Inquisition. Ask questions that are easy, using as much TPR, followed swiftly by CCQ’s. Always remember that you can do it, this is just different.

Every nationality has a different culture, so first up, do some research on your potential student’s culture. In some countries, a teacher is highly regarded and treated as such, in others, it is less formal more casual, the important aspect for you, is remember that you are the teacher and will need to decide on what level of formality and “position of authority” you and your student will feel comfortable with.

Plan lessons in bite size portions, this gives the student some breathing space and less pressure. After every lesson review the work done, make notes of pronunciations, meanings, flow of grammar and at the beginning of next lesson, revise again.

Finally, homework, always giving homework, it keeps them focused, makes them eager to prove self-worth and praise them even for the tiniest of progress.

It is not always about making money, some part of what we do should be, about taking pride in what we do, when we say we can do it, then be sure that we do so!