Professionalism in the 51Talk Platform.pdf
- 1. The Highly Effective and Compliant 51Talk Teacher Chinese parents, like most parents, are looking for experienced, committed, and engaging teachers to educate their children. Yet, not all Chinese parents are fluent in English, or can understand the challenges or pedagogy associated with second language acquisition. Therefore, parents also assess teachers on qualities outside of an educational context. While academic standards, demonstrable learning outcomes, and increasing English proficiency are essential facets of English language lessons, so too are the feelings or perceptions of a teacher. Let’s discuss how you can meet the standards.
- 2. The Highly Effective and Compliant 51Talk Teacher Compliance Requirements: 1. A clear copy of proof of college degree (diploma or graduation certificate) 2. Full TESOL Certificate 3. Valid NBI Clearance 4. Valid ID
- 3. Facial Recognition Audit Facial Recognition Standards: 1 2 3 5 4 1. Direct your camera so that your face is centered in the video window. 2. Wear appropriate clothing. 3. Make sure you’re in a well-lit space. 4. Have the 51Talk tarp as your background.
- 4. Setting-up your classroom How your teaching location and equipment impact your student’s learning 1. Lighting Here are a few tips on how you can achieve good lighting in your online classroom: 1. Use multiple lights (at least 2) placed in front of you (near your webcam). 2. Avoid having windows and other light sources behind you. 3. Webcam should be placed at eye level or slightly higher.
- 5. Classroom Setup – Teaching Environment Teachers should teach within a clean and tidy background and quiet environments to avoid distractions such as, but not limited to, live TV, mirrors and a messy bed. Having classes in public places such as, but not limited to, restaurants, bars and cafes where people appear in the camera frame is strictly prohibited. Class environment should be a quiet corner of your room or a small home office.
- 6. Setting-up your classroom How your teaching location and equipment impact your student’s learning 51Talk online teachers should set up their classrooms in locations appropriate for teaching.
- 7. Tips: 1. Check your camera before teaching 2. Check your headset before teaching (there should be no static noise). 3. Turn off unnecessary programs and software before teaching. 4. Check that your internet connection is stable and at optimum speed. Technical Requirements
- 8. You’re a teacher. DRESS like one! Teachers are well-respected and admired in China and there is an expectation that teachers “look the part” whether they are teaching online or in a school. Parents notice your appearance and can form negative opinions regardless of actual teaching abilities. Your attire, posture, and attentiveness have a definite impact on the impression you give students and their parents. A neat personal appearance, good posture, and your undivided attention set the tone for a successful lesson. Keep in mind that Chinese parents frown on bare shoulders, low necklines, faces hidden behind hair, hats, and excessive jewelry.
- 9. You’re a teacher. LOOK like one! Your hair must be hair neatly brushed or tied back away from your face. For FEMALE TEACHERS, put some powder and some color to your lips. This will prevent you from looking washed out and pale. For MALE TEACHERS, you should be clean shaven.
- 10. You’re a teacher. SOUND like one! Speak slowly and clearly No baby talk Keep your sentences simple and direct Do not exaggerate your intonation Do not use rude/offensive language to students
- 11. • I love you • You are my baby boy/girl • You are my little fool. • You should be spanked • Good job! • High five! • Let’s read this again.
- 12. You’re a teacher. ACT like one! Think about your body language, and the way you present yourself in a digital space.
- 13. As a professional teacher, you need to bind yourself to the ethical practices of teachers: 1. Be on time. When you’re late, you not only making the student who’s excited to learn wait, but you’re also sending the message to the parent that you are unprofessional and that you do not have respect for their time. Time that they paid good money with. 2. Finish your class at the 25th minute. Do not leave your student before the class is officially over. 3. There’s nothing worse than finishing your class before the 25 minutes are up than dismissing your student early and THEN STAYING in AC so you could be paid the full class fee. This is just plain cheating. You’re a teacher. Don’t be a CHEATER.
- 14. You’re a teacher… • not a charity case. Soliciting money from students or their parents must never be done. • of 51Talk. NOT a private tutor. Respect the platform by not offering private lessons to 51Talk students. • and all your lessons must be conducted by YOU. Not your sister. Not you friend. Not your cousin. YOU.