Here are a few tips and tricks to get you started...
1) Computer connectivity
Before meeting with an interviewer or recording your demo, make sure you have good lighting and a strong internet connection. It is also preferable to use a headset and try to minimize the amount of any background noises.
Equipment and Computer Requirements
-
Desktop, Laptop, MAC, Surface (No tablets).
-
Use a headset with a microphone, stable output, and input – your lessons will be much more clear with a dedicated headset (read: not just headphones with a mic) – we wrote an entire post about the best headset options here but you can also go straight to our favorite, the Logitech H390.
-
HD External camera or HD integrated camera – if you have a modern computer you likely have a webcam – if not, check out our recs here.
System and Internet Requirements
-
Windows7, Windows8, Windows10, MAC OS 10.8x
-
4GB RAM
-
Wired DSL Internet Connection – at least 20 Mbps – you can use Speedtest to check your internet speed.
2) Smile a lot
Honestly, this is the hardest part! If your cheeks don’t hurt from the constant smiling, you’re not smiling enough! Most likely you will be teaching small children, so a big smile and a friendly face go a long way!
3) Speak slowly and cut out incidental language
Okay, may this is one of the hardest things to do, lol. Remember, you are teaching children living in China, the majority of them have no experience speaking English so be mindful of this. Speak slowly and clearly. Americans naturally speak fast, so you’ll need to make a conscious effort to pace yourself. Try to cut out incidental language.
The less words, the better. Instead of saying, “ok, can you circle the dog?” simply say “circle dog” while motioning the action of circling something on screen.
4) Proper and correct pronunciation
During your mock interview, be aware that you will need to correct every mistake that is made during your mock interview, in a timely way. Including grammar and pronunciation errors.
Example: If the sentence is “The dog goes out to play” and the child says “ The dog plays” be sure to promptly interject and prompt the child to repeat the sentence after you, word for word. It is best to do so immediately or you can wait till the end of the sentence. However, do not leave a slide without correcting the mistake in a positive manner.
Example: “ Good job! Let’s try again.”
5) Be prepared
VIPKid’s colors are orange and white, iTutorGroup is strict about wearing the required red polo and GoGo kid is more relaxed. Wearing the appropriate colors for the correct platform shows that you’ve done your homework if you show up to the interview wearing an orange shirt. Take some time to check out a few YouTube videos to give you a couple of tips. Also, be sure to review the slides before your mock interview. Have any props ready, and work on your presentation.
6) Time management
A lessons is 25 minutes and there are typically 27 slides to run through in 25 minutes. Try to limit your time to 1 minute per slide. There is a clock counter in the upper corner of the classroom so it’s easy to notice how much time you have left. Either speed it up or slow it down based on your time.
7) Total Physical Response (TPR)
This is one of the most important aspects of teaching! Use your hands to motion when you want a child to speak, to listen or when you are explaining or demonstrating an action.
8) Utilize rewards
Rewards are so important to the child. There is a 5 star rating system in the top right corner of your screen. Be sure to give your child a star for a job well done. Additionally, you can create your own rewards system and use it in conjunction with the stars. Be sure your rewards are age appropriate! Tip: Try to reward your child every 2-3 slides.
9) Listen
Keep in mind your child is in China so there may be a delay or lag in the audio. Give your child time to answer a question or read the text. Try not to interrupt. Your role is to facilitate the child to read, to answer questions when prompted, to match and identify objects that are pictured on screen. When you are in the interview, the interviewer will want to see that you give the appropriate amount of time to let the child answer. Tip: count to 3-5 before speaking again and be sure to encourage your child to speak in full sentences, as much as possible.
10) Have fun!
It's that simple! Just have fun with it! I know this seems like a lot but you can make your virtual classroom fun!
So, that’s all I got for you at this time! Follow these tips and I’m sure you will do great!
