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Indian online tutors play a vital role in students’ online learning success. Online learning offers benefits for both tutors and students. However, it requires skills different from those of in-person teaching. Aspiring online tutors in India should understand the skills needed for effective online teaching jobs, which is key to joining online institutions.
Below, we outline essential skills for online tutors. We also provide simple methods to improve and apply these skills.
- Communication: You need to boost your speaking and body language skills for online tutoring. Teachers must aim to create a safe and supportive space. This can be done through good communication, understanding, and trust. Improving your use of audio, video, and graphics in online settings is essential.
- Patience: Remember, each child learns in their own way. It is part of your job to explain things multiple times. If patience is your strength, online tutoring jobs are the way forward in your career.
- Encouraging: Top online tutors must be able to make sessions enjoyable and productive despite distance. Students are more likely to ask questions and seek help from teachers they find supportive.
- Technical Expertise: You need to have specific skills and knowledge for online tutoring jobs. Here are the five key areas to master:
- Follow online etiquette and guidelines.
- Solve minor technical issues.
- Understand the technology for online learning.
- Use internet resources effectively.
- Plan and conduct lessons for online students.
- Easy Accessibility: An online tutor’s key role is being available for questions or urgent support. It is helpful to offer contact options, like your phone number and email, since classes are not face-to-face. Also, reply quickly to requests for one-on-one help.
- Time Management: Feeling overwhelmed is normal when you have much to do, especially with time limits. Planning lessons, assigning homework, grading, creating presentations, and teaching can often be stressful. Start by making a prioritised weekly schedule. Ensure classes start and end on time. Quick grading is key for this. Do not keep students waiting for their results.
- Subject Knowledge: Being skilled in a subject is crucial before you teach it. Moreover, a strong grasp of the material makes it easier to adjust teaching methods. This ensures every student understands the basics well.
- Interactive: Every day, teachers guide and assist students with many questions. Yet, some students struggle to remember what they learn online. An engaging online environment is always valued. These not only strengthen the bond between student and tutor but also improve material retention.
- Adaptability: Adaptability is key for online tutors. They must think quickly and handle surprises in virtual classrooms. For example, during technical issues, tutors should switch strategies and adjust teaching methods or materials.
- Understanding: Stay calm during difficult behaviour and avoid retaliation. Address concerns by clearly presenting your case and creatively outlining assignment expectations. Teachers must excel patiently and empathetically in guiding students through tough concepts.
Remember, technology will not replace the need for professional skill development. So, while you focus on teaching online regularly and effectively, also work on improving existing skills and developing new ones.