Good teaching gives learners a clear task, useful practice and feedback they can use.
1. Make the lesson aim concrete
Choose something the learner should be able to do by the end, such as ask for clarification or explain a comparison. Share it in language they understand.
2. Plan for this learner
Review the previous lesson and choose a task at a suitable level. Keep a simpler version and an extension ready. Reusing a reliable activity is useful when you adapt its examples and difficulty to the learner.
3. Explain, then check understanding
Give a short instruction and show an example. Ask the learner to begin the first step rather than only asking “Do you understand?” Their attempt will show whether the task needs another explanation.
4. Leave room for the learner
Give them time to think, speak, read or write. If a question is too difficult, offer a choice or a model instead of filling every silence yourself. Adjust the support as they become more independent.
5. Choose feedback deliberately
Sometimes an immediate correction helps practise a target form; sometimes it interrupts a useful conversation. Agree what you will focus on and choose a few points the learner can act on.
6. Use materials for a reason
A supplied worksheet, textbook exercise or real-world text can all be useful. Choose material that supports the task and that you are allowed to use. Keep shared text readable and check answers and audio beforehand.
7. Show what changed
Return to a short task or question from the start. Ask the learner what feels clearer now and what still needs practice. A specific observation, such as using a new phrase independently, is more informative than an unsupported promise of rapid progress.
8. Keep useful notes
Record the lesson aim, a relevant example and a next step using the service’s permitted tools. Keep notes factual and limited to what you need for teaching. You do not need a collection of personal details to make a lesson feel attentive.
9. Communicate clear arrangements
Confirm the schedule and the booking rules. Explain when you answer messages and what support is included between lessons. Choose a routine you can maintain rather than promising replies throughout the day.
10. Review your workload
Count preparation, feedback and administration alongside lesson time. Notice where you repeat work or regularly run over.
Try one change this week
Keep what helps, adjust what does not and seek specific feedback from a colleague who is available.