1) Always Prepare and Plan
Preparation not only boosts your confidence, but it also improves the quality of your work. The first online teaching tip we recommend is ample preparation. This allows you to master a certain topic, making you feel composed and positive. Students can not only spot a lack of confidence, but they can also be affected by it. Based on research by Dr. James Mbuva from National University in California, teachers also act as a model of self-esteem for students, as well as models of knowledge. To put it simply, your students will take cues from you. Planning helps ensure that you achieve and stick to the objectives of your lesson material Maybe your lack of confidence as an online English teacher teaching ESL or EFL comes from the lack of familiarity with what the topic you're about to cover. If you think this is the root of your problem, the practical solution is to go through the material in advance and take time to understand its purpose and learning objectives. This also gives you plenty of time to think of creative ways to teach the lesson and keep the learner engaged. Finally, once you’re done reviewing your material and still have time left on your hands, you can also rehearse before you conduct your next lesson!2) Be Conscious of Your Body Language
Body language, such as your stance, gestures, and facial expressions, is vital in communication. Psychologists claim that 55 percent of information is gained through a speaker’s expression. Aside from your confidence, body language also impacts the overall atmosphere in your lesson. Positive body language helps your learners understand the topic better, become more engaged throughout the session, and build a connection with you. Even when you don’t feel confident, the simple acts of holding your head high, smiling, sitting straight, and establishing eye contact with your student can significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence. However, avoid going overboard with these gestures as this can signal nervousness instead of confidence. Remember to speak in a firm, clear, and audible tone; look ahead confidently and don’t slouch. Being conscious and intentional in your actions will help you develop poise and composure naturally.
3) Remember and Acknowledge How Far You’ve Come
This online teaching tip is so important because we all focus on our weaknesses more than we should! We all have flaws and weaknesses, but we have strengths too. Don’t beat yourself up about the things you couldn't do; instead, focus on what you’re good at and what you’ve achieved so far. Remind yourself of both the small and big wins, and shift your focus to opportunities rather than problems. After celebrating how far you’ve come and giving yourself a pat on the back, the next thing to do is to face your weaknesses and work on them one by one. As the famous quote by Confucius goes, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Your progress, no matter how slow or small, counts! Keep persevering and you will eventually be surprised by how far you have come just by taking little steps! List down the things you couldn’t do before, and then compare them with the things you’re now good at. Such progress, isn’t it?4) Teach as Much as You Can
Experience is the best teacher and this couldn’t be truer for online English teachers! Teaching as much as you can exposes you to different kinds of students and situations, honing your ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly. The good times will give you your much-needed encouragement, while the bad times will shape your character and mold you into a dynamic, resilient, and confident teacher. For example, 51Talk’s online English teaching system requires its teachers to conduct a certain number of lessons before they can advance to the next teaching level. This ensures that they are fully prepared before teaching more learners. As you advance in your career as an educator, you will gain experience and meet people who will help you learn and improve your teaching. You will find this experience useful in tweaking your teaching style as you continue to refine your craft. Remember that the more you teach, the more you learn! Continue teaching so that you can continue learning.
