In a marketplace like Rubilan, as a teacher, a crucial aspect of your business involves attracting new students as previous ones accomplish their goals and move forward. The trial lesson serves as a pivotal tool for both drawing in and retaining new students.
Placing such significance on a mere 30-minute session can be daunting. While a significant portion of success depends on your teaching performance, effective communication and shared objectives can substantially contribute to a favorable beginning for the trial lesson.
The Essentials:
Keeping this in mind, we introduce the inaugural lesson agenda, designed to aid both teachers and students in comprehending the objectives of their initial encounter.
Teachers can customize and formulate an agenda that will be shared with students upon booking a trial class.
So, what should your agenda encompass? The specifics hinge on the nature of your teaching business. Are you primarily focused on test preparation, conversational skills, beginners, or business contexts? Each of these factors will influence the focal points of your trial lessons. Nonetheless, here are some general guidelines:
- Introduction: Naturally, you and your student must begin building a foundation by acquainting yourselves. Basic introductions are essential.
- Goals & Objectives: Both you and the student should understand the purpose behind their enrollment in the classes.
- Skill Assessment: Depending on the class type, it's likely you'll want to gauge the student's proficiency level.
- Introduction to Materials: Whether the student has preferred resources or you wish to present your teaching materials, this step is crucial.
- Demonstration: It's often expected by students and beneficial to provide a glimpse of what a regular class with you will entail, setting their expectations.
- Summary & Next Steps: Concluding the trial lesson with a concise recap and a clear outline of the student's subsequent language journey step can be advantageous.
These components constitute a solid trial class framework, subject to minor adjustments based on the classes you offer. The challenge lies in how you present them to your students. Many students experience first-time nervousness or anxiety about initiating classes and interacting with a new teacher. Your approach to presenting the agenda differentiates you as a teacher and reveals facets of your personality.
Helpful Pointers:
Rather than stating "Level Assessment," consider saying "Understanding Your Speaking Level" or "Gaining Insight into Your Current Proficiency." This phrasing can reassure students who are concerned about evaluation and demonstrate your focus on understanding and assisting them.
Similarly, instead of "Let Me Show You How I Teach," consider phrasing it as "Experience My Teaching Approach" or "Exploring My Methodology." This provides a glimpse of your personality and teaching style even before the first lesson.
With each of these agenda items, there's room for creative and subtle expressions of your perspectives, character, and teaching philosophy, enhancing the experience for your first-time students.
For additional insightful guidance on mastering your trial lessons, explore Expert Teacher James' article: Great Trial Lessons in Three Steps by Teacher James.