As a LiveXP tutor, your students come from various backgrounds, and understanding their diverse needs, goals, and preferences is key to helping them have a positive language learning experience. Here are essential aspects you should consider to better connect with and support your students.
1. Diversity of Students
Your students are global, spanning across continents, genders, religions, and cultures. You will encounter students who are men, women, and children, ranging from school students to professionals, travelers, or retirees. Each student brings a unique perspective shaped by their cultural and social backgrounds.
Considerations:
Cultural Sensitivity: Respect your students' customs, religious beliefs, and values. For instance, some students may observe specific holidays or have dress codes due to their faith.
Gender and Identity: Be mindful of how different students may view gender roles or feminism. In mixed-gender classes, maintain a balanced approach to student participation.
2. Language Levels
You will teach students with varying language proficiency—from complete beginners to advanced speakers refining their fluency.
Considerations:
Adjust Lesson Pace: Beginners may need extra support, whereas advanced students often appreciate more challenging lessons.
Clarify Instructions: For lower-level students, keep your instructions simple and avoid using complex language that could confuse them.
3. Learning Goals
Students may have different objectives when learning a language. Some are focused on professional development, while others seek conversational skills for travel or personal growth.
Considerations:
Tailored Lessons: Understand your student’s end goals. A student preparing for business communication might need a more formal and structured approach than someone learning for casual conversation.
Goal Setting: Set short- and long-term goals with your students to keep them motivated and focused.
4. Preferences in Teaching Style
Not all students learn the same way. Some prefer a traditional, structured approach with homework, while others prefer a more interactive or conversational style.
Considerations:
Adaptability: Be ready to adjust your teaching style. Some students thrive on homework, while others may find it overwhelming due to their busy schedules. Discuss and negotiate assignments to match their needs.
Active vs. Passive Participation: Some students want to actively engage in the lesson, while others might prefer a more passive, listening approach. Create opportunities for both.
5. Scheduling and Availability
Students' availability can vary significantly. Businesspeople may struggle with consistent schedules, while unemployed students might be more flexible.
Considerations:
Flexible Scheduling: Be patient with students who reschedule often due to work commitments. Regular communication can help manage expectations.
Consistency: Encourage a routine for students who prefer regular lessons, as this can foster better learning retention.
6. Feedback and Comfort Levels
Many students, especially those from more reserved cultures, may be hesitant to provide direct feedback, even if something is bothering them during the lessons. They might not feel confident in expressing dissatisfaction.
Considerations:
Creating a Safe Space: Foster an open environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Regularly check in with them to see if they’re satisfied with the teaching pace, materials, or style.
Non-verbal Cues: Be attentive to non-verbal cues, as some students may not voice their concerns but may show discomfort through body language.
7. Building Rapport and Avoiding Conflicts
Maintaining a positive relationship with your students is crucial. While it’s important to be professional, being approachable can go a long way in ensuring your students feel valued and understood.
Considerations:
Clear Boundaries: Set clear yet friendly boundaries regarding lesson content and teaching methods to avoid misunderstandings.
Professional Communication: If a conflict arises, address it calmly and professionally. Discuss issues like cancellations or feedback privately and directly with students rather than during a lesson.
8. Respecting Your Students
Despite the differences among students, one universal truth remains: every student appreciates being respected. Even when something goes wrong, ensure that they feel heard and valued.
Considerations:
Open to Criticism: Encourage constructive feedback to refine your teaching methods. Let your students know that you are open to suggestions and willing to adapt to their needs, as long as it leads to a better learning experience.
Respect and Professionalism: Always maintain a professional and respectful tone in your interactions. This helps build trust and makes students feel comfortable learning with you.
9. Professional Code of Conduct
As a tutor, it’s important to keep your relationships with students within the boundaries of professionalism. LiveXP does not allow tutors to exchange contact information or establish relationships beyond the platform. Doing so may damage the company’s image, especially if any issues arise outside the platform.
Considerations:
No Personal Relationships: Keep all interactions strictly professional. Avoid any situation where the boundaries between professional and personal could blur.
Protecting the Company’s Image: Any breach of this conduct could result in negative consequences for both the tutor and the platform, as well as undermine student trust.
10. Payment and Lesson Structure
Students pay directly to LiveXP, not to you. Once they make their payment, they receive a package of lessons credited to their balance, which they can use to schedule lessons with you.
Considerations:
No Additional Payments: Never ask students to pay you directly or request additional fees outside the platform. Tutors are paid by LiveXP after lessons are completed, ensuring that all financial transactions are handled securely and professionally.
Avoiding Tip Requests: Do not demand or expect tips from your students. Instead, focus on delivering exceptional lessons that inspire students to voluntarily offer tips if they feel inclined to do so.
FAQ
Who are the students on LiveXP?
Who are the students on LiveXP?
They are people from all around the world and of different ages, all bound by a passion for language learning.
Their goals are varied: from desiring to learn basics to striving for proficiency in a language, and even seeking language skills for doing business.
Students browse through tutors and go through their tutor cards and profiles. Therefore, kindly make sure to keep your profile full and up to date. Include as much relevant information as possible.