Best Practices for Virtual Training and Instruction

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With a lot of training and learning moving online, as an instructor, who was used to in-person sessions, you may be wondering how to improve your virtual training sessions. If you feel like your virtual learning is simply not working or could be improved upon, here are a few tips:

• Ensure you are using the right platform. Ideally, you want a platform that will allow for polling, group break-out, screen-sharing, hand raising etc.

• Use the features mentioned above to increase interaction and engagement

• Decrease session length to no longer than 45 minutes and increase session frequency

• Ensure your audio and visual devices are optimal, so everyone can hear and see you well

• Have clear session procedures laid out

• Break info-heavy slides into smaller chunks for easier mental digestion

If you are finding your virtual training sessions need improvement, here are a few best practices tips to help you increase engagement, session optimisation and focus for your students.

What Are Your Options with a TEFL and No Degree?

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Even without having a university degree, currently, you still have a few teaching options available to you if you have a good quality TEFL Certification:

1. You will first need to gain as much experience as you can before applying for many teaching jobs, such as ones available abroad. One great way is to volunteer teach so that you have proof of your experience with real students and gain great references which are very important.

2. Teaching online can be a great option for teachers who may need more freedom. You can do this by teaching for an online school to gain experience first then set up as a Freelance teacher later, if you prefer.

3. If you like children, it is a lot easier to get a job teaching kids English without a degree. Au paring is one fantastic way to do this. You could even do this in an after-school care or tutoring capacity.

4. Copy Editing is another great angle to take if you have a passion for reading and writing. This offers a lot of flexibility as you can do this from anywhere.

Become a Teaching Assistant

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Teaching assistants (usually referred to as TA’s) work in the classroom in a subordinate role to the class teacher. Your primary role is to help pupils in their learning, either as groups or individually, and sometimes supervising the class when the teacher is out of the classroom.

In secondary schools, you may primarily work in learning support, helping those pupils with special needs. Primary school TA’s will work mostly in the classroom and will also work making resources and putting up displays.

While there are no set qualifications, there can be strong competition for TA roles. A good route can be to volunteer at a local school and then train up. There is the potential to become a Higher Level Teaching Assistant with more responsibilities. TA jobs are often suitable for part time workers.

Being a teaching assistant is a rewarding job. If you are well organised and enjoy working with children it may be the job for you.

Why You May Consider Supply Teaching in Grantham

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If you are thinking of becoming a supply teacher, you may want to know why other teachers have chosen that career route. There are many reasons why some teachers in Grantham have chosen to work as supply teachers.

Among the major reasons for choosing this career path is flexibility. Most teachers are only able to plan holidays during times set out in the school calendar. However, supply teachers do not face such constraints. This allows supply teachers flexibility which enables them to avoid crowded travel destination. They also benefit from cheap travel prices during off peak seasons. Additionally, this teaching allows you to take off days for personal purposes such as birthday of a loved one.

Autonomy is another reason why many teachers choose this career path. The daily routine of a teacher involves assessments, meetings, target-setting and planning. However, supply teachers do not have to endure all these tiring tasks. When in supply teaching, you avoid all the tiring and time wasting paperwork, planning and meetings. You are also relieved from sniping and nagging colleagues as well as competitive environments. This teaching also keeps you protected from harassment by parents and other staff members.  Continue reading

Classroom techniques for teachers

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All teachers have their own way of teaching students. As a teacher you will need to be flexible and be able to adjust to the age group, ability and subject you are teaching. One of the most important skills a teacher needs to learn regardless of the above, is classroom control. Having a classroom that is unruly or has lost concentration can not only hinder learning but also have a long lasting effect on how much respect you gain from the pupils.

Most senior teachers advise that you need to lay down the ground rules from day one, you are there to teach and they are there to learn. You can of course make lessons fun and interactive, whilst still keeping a certain level of control. If you are a teacher and feel like you may be struggling with this a bit then talk to your colleagues. You will probably find that the majority of them have experienced the same thing at some point in their career and are more than happy to share ideas with you.