Teaching English one-to-one
First, assess your student's English proficiency level, usually through a level test. This test typically starts with a verbal conversation to gauge the student's general competency. English proficiency is often categorized on a five-level scale:
- Starter
- Elementary
- Pre-Intermediate
- Intermediate
- Upper Intermediate
A basic level test involves asking progressively challenging questions to determine where the student begins to struggle.
After the level test, conduct a needs analysis to understand why the student is learning English. Students' needs can vary significantly: younger students might want to improve overall proficiency, older students could be preparing for exams like IELTS, and adults may need English for professional reasons.
The insights from the needs analysis will guide your teaching content and methods. Additionally, it's crucial to understand your student's background, including their experiences, hobbies, and interests. This information will help you tailor your lesson plans to their specific needs.
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Teaching EFL One-to-One
Teaching on a one-to-one basis differs significantly from group instruction for both the teacher and the learner. Without peer interaction, the student is the sole focus of the session. Unlike group settings where the teacher's participation in activities is minimal, in one-on-one lessons, it often becomes necessary.
Structure
The lesson structure for a one-on-one session is quite different from a traditional group class. Instead of drawing responses from multiple students, you must adapt your strategies to engage a single learner effectively.
In pair work activities, you become the student's partner. It's important not to dominate the conversation, allowing ample opportunity for the student to speak.
Activities designed for group interactions, like mill drills and surveys, aren't practical in a one-to-one setting. These activities need to be restructured to meet the needs of an individual learner.
To ensure a productive learning experience and minimize your speaking time, make lessons as visual as possible. Use diagrams, charts, and illustrations to explain concepts and grammatical rules more efficiently than with lengthy verbal descriptions.
Personalizing lessons using information about your student helps maintain their motivation throughout individual sessions and over a series of lessons. Aligning lesson content with their needs and interests makes the learning process more engaging and rewarding for them.
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