Teaching English Online vs. In-Person
Teaching English can take place in a physical classroom or a virtual environment, each presenting unique challenges and advantages. This module compares online vs. in-person teaching, covering aspects such as classroom management, student engagement, lesson planning, and technology use.
You’ll learn how to adapt your teaching style to different environments, overcome common challenges, and utilize best practices for both modes of instruction.
Key Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
✔ Identify the key differences between online and in-person teaching.
✔ Adapt classroom management techniques for both environments.
✔ Utilize effective engagement strategies for virtual and physical settings.
✔ Overcome technical challenges in online teaching.
✔ Apply best practices for lesson planning and student interaction.
Core Elements
1. Key Differences Between Online and In-Person Teaching
Below are some of the major differences between these two teaching contexts:
Classroom Setup
• In-Person: A physical classroom with desks, whiteboards, and real-time student interaction.
• Online: A virtual classroom using video conferencing platforms such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Classroom Management
• In-Person: Teachers rely on body language, proximity control, and direct discipline to maintain order.
• Online: Requires structured participation rules, chat functions, and digital engagement tools to keep students focused.
Student Interaction
• In-Person: Students engage in group work, peer collaboration, and hands-on activities.
• Online: Interaction is structured through breakout rooms, chat discussions, and digital collaboration tools.
Technology Use
• In-Person: Minimal technology required (whiteboards, projectors, printed worksheets).
• Online: Technology is essential for communication, material sharing, and interaction (screen sharing, digital whiteboards, and online quizzes).
Assessment & Feedback
• In-Person: Assessments are often paper-based or involve face-to-face feedback.
• Online: Teachers use digital assessments, typed feedback, and screen-sharing explanations.
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2. Managing Student Engagement in Both Contexts
A. In-Person Engagement Techniques
• Use pair and group work to encourage discussion.
• Include movement-based activities to maintain focus.
• Incorporate props and realia for context and comprehension.
B. Online Engagement Techniques
• Use breakout rooms to replicate group work.
• Integrate interactive digital tools like Kahoot, Quizlet, or Jamboard.
• Encourage webcam use to create a stronger classroom presence.
✔ Teachers must adapt their techniques to fit the strengths and limitations of each environment.
Scenario-Based Reflection Task
You have a class of 12 adult students learning English. In the morning, you teach them in person, and in the evening, you teach the same group online.
Task:
1. How would you modify your lesson plan to fit both formats?
2. What are two main challenges in each environment, and how would you overcome them?
Scenario-Based Reflection Answers
1. Modifying the lesson plan:
• In-person: Use real-life materials, small group discussions, and board-based activities.
• Online: Use screen-sharing, digital worksheets, and breakout room discussions.
2. Challenges & Solutions:
• In-person: Managing group work → Assign clear roles and monitor discussions.
• Online: Encouraging participation → Use polls, interactive tools, and direct questioning.
Lesson Planning Task
Design a 30-minute speaking lesson on giving opinions for both online and in-person formats.
Lesson Planning Model Answer
Objective: Develop students’ ability to express opinions fluently.
In-Person Format:
1. Warm-up: Display controversial topics on the board and have students choose one.
2. Discussion in small groups: Each student states their opinion and responds to others.
3. Class feedback: Groups summarize their discussions.
Online Format:
1. Warm-up: Display controversial topics on a PowerPoint slide.
2. Breakout rooms: Students discuss opinions in small groups.
3. Class feedback via chat or microphone: Students summarize their discussions.
✔ The structure remains similar, but tools and delivery methods differ.
Case Study Task
Alex is a new TEFL teacher in China. He notices his students are shy and hesitant to speak English. Some never participate.
Task:
1. What challenges might Alex be facing?
2. Suggest two techniques to increase student engagement.
Case Study Analysis
Challenges:
• Low engagement → Students feel disconnected.
• Camera-off culture → Less interaction and accountability.
Solutions:
• Use participation points → Reward students for speaking and contributing.
• Ask direct questions → Call on students to ensure engagement.
• Use interactive tools → Polls, quizzes, and collaborative documents make lessons more engaging.
Self-Evaluation Test
1. What does TEFL stand for?
• (A) Teaching English to Fluent Learners
• (B) Teaching English as a Foreign Language
• (C) Teaching English with Fun and Learning
2. Which environment best suits large classes of teenagers?
• (A) Private Tutoring
• (B) Public Schools
• (C) Business English Classes
Self-Evaluation Test Answers
1. (C) Lack of real-time discipline issues (Online classes still require discipline strategies).
2. (B) Using digital tools, student-led discussions, and breakout rooms.
Final Reflection Task
Think about a language learning experience you’ve had. Reflect on:
1. What made it effective or ineffective?
2. How can you apply this insight as a TEFL teacher?
Key Takeaways
✔ TEFL is teaching English to non-native speakers abroad.
✔ TEFL teachers must adapt to different learner types and environments.
✔ Effective teaching requires clear communication, structured lessons, and student engagement.
✔ Lesson planning should incorporate practice activities to reinforce learning.
✔ Classroom challenges require flexibility and creative problem-solving.