How to Teach English to Non-Native Speakers Online

Teaching English to non-native speakers online can be a rewarding experience. Whether you’re new to online teaching or have been teaching for years, there are key strategies and best practices that can make your lessons more effective and enjoyable for both you and your students.

In this post, I’ll share some of the best practices for teaching English online to non-native speakers.

1. Know Your Audience

One of the most important things you can do as an online English teacher is to understand your students. Everyone has different needs and learning styles. Some students may be beginners, while others might be advanced learners. To tailor your lessons to your students, start by getting to know their goals, interests, and learning backgrounds.

Ask questions like:

• Why do they want to learn English?
• What skills do they want to improve (speaking, writing, listening, reading)?
• Do they have any specific challenges they’re facing?

Once you know this information, you can create lessons that are more relevant and engaging for them. It’s also important to keep in mind cultural differences, as students from different countries may approach learning in different ways.

2. Use Simple, Clear Language

When teaching English to non-native speakers, clarity is key. Avoid using complex vocabulary or complicated sentence structures that might confuse your students. Instead, use simple language that is easy to understand. Break down new vocabulary and concepts into smaller, manageable chunks.

For example, if you’re teaching the word “wonderful,” explain its meaning with simple words: “It means something that makes you happy or amazed.” You can also give a simple example like: “The sunset is wonderful because it looks beautiful.”

3. Use Visuals and Multimedia

Visuals can be a powerful tool when teaching English online. Many students find it easier to understand new words and concepts when they can see pictures or videos that explain them. Use images, flashcards, or short videos to illustrate new vocabulary or grammar points.

For example, if you’re teaching food-related vocabulary, show pictures of fruits, vegetables, or meals to help students connect words with real-life items. You can also use videos for listening practice, where students can listen to conversations or stories to improve their comprehension.

4. Create Interactive Lessons

Interactive lessons keep students engaged and help them retain information better. Instead of just lecturing, encourage students to actively participate in the lesson.

Here are a few ways to make your online lessons interactive:

• Use quizzes and polls: These can be used to test knowledge or check understanding.
• Ask questions: Encourage your students to ask questions, and ask them questions in return. This promotes conversation and deeper learning.
• Practice exercises: Have students practice speaking, writing, or listening by completing exercises that involve real-life situations.

For example, if you’re teaching how to order food in a restaurant, you could set up a role-play where the student is the customer and you act as the waiter.

5. Provide Feedback Regularly

Feedback is crucial for helping students improve their English skills. Be sure to give constructive feedback after every lesson. Point out what they did well and where they can improve. If you’re working on speaking skills, let them know if their pronunciation was clear or if they need to practice certain sounds.

When providing feedback, focus on positivity. For example, instead of saying, “You made a mistake,” say, “That was almost perfect, but here’s how you can say it better…”

Additionally, feedback doesn’t only have to be verbal. If students have written exercises, mark them with comments and suggestions for improvement. Offering regular feedback helps students feel supported and motivated to continue learning.

6. Pace the Lessons According to the Student’s Level

Not all students learn at the same speed. It’s essential to adjust the pace of your lessons to match the student’s level. If you’re teaching beginners, it’s important to take your time and introduce concepts step-by-step. On the other hand, for advanced learners, you can move faster and dive deeper into more complex topics.

For example, beginners might need extra time to understand verb tenses, while advanced learners might want to practice using them in more advanced ways, like in storytelling or debates.

7. Encourage Speaking Practice

One of the biggest challenges for non-native English learners is speaking. Many students are shy or nervous about speaking English, especially online. To help students become more confident speakers, encourage them to speak as much as possible during lessons.

Here are a few tips to promote speaking practice:

• Use conversation starters: Ask your students simple, open-ended questions to get them talking.
• Create a comfortable environment: Let students know that it’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of learning!
• Use conversation games: Try activities like “20 Questions” or “Would You Rather?” to keep the conversation flowing.

When teaching speaking skills, be patient. Encourage your students to take their time and offer gentle corrections if needed.

8. Be Flexible with Lesson Plans

Online teaching offers flexibility, but it also means that things can change quickly. Your student might have trouble connecting to the internet, or they might feel more tired than usual. Be ready to adapt to these changes. For example, if a lesson isn’t going as planned, switch to a different activity that might be more engaging for the student at that moment.

If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to adjust your approach. Some students might need more speaking practice, while others may need a stronger focus on grammar or writing. Flexibility helps maintain a positive learning experience for your students.

9. Set Realistic Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals helps students stay motivated and track their progress. Work with your students to set goals at the beginning of your lessons. These goals should be specific, such as “learn 20 new vocabulary words” or “improve pronunciation of certain sounds.”

At the end of each lesson, check in on their progress. This helps them feel proud of their achievements and motivated to keep learning.

10. Keep Lessons Fun and Engaging

Learning English doesn’t have to be boring! Make your lessons fun and engaging by incorporating games, challenges, and creative activities. The more engaged your students are, the more likely they are to remember what they’ve learned.

For example, you could use:

• Flashcards for vocabulary practice
• Storytelling for grammar practice
• Role-playing for real-life conversations

Adding variety to your lessons can keep students interested and excited to continue learning.

Conclusion

Teaching English online to non-native speakers is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. By knowing your students, using simple language, incorporating visuals and multimedia, encouraging speaking practice, and being flexible with your lesson plans, you can create a supportive and effective learning environment.

Remember to stay patient, provide regular feedback, and most importantly, keep the lessons fun and interactive. With these best practices, you’ll help your students achieve their English learning goals while building their confidence in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.

Happy teaching!