One of the most rewarding aspects of being a freelancing teacher on Rubilan is the ability to craft unique courses and lesson content tailored to individual needs. As teachers embark on developing course offerings, a pivotal decision emerges: whether to focus on "niche" content or adhere to standard ESL instruction. The question looms—will an emphasis on "niche" content impede student recruitment and retention? Fortunately, on Rubilan, one can navigate both options, offering an array of lessons from "general interest" to "niche," with versatile options in between.
Numerous teachers and students might share specific, specialized interests. Given Rubilan's expansive community, these like-minded individuals can connect—provided the interest isn't overly obscure. This dynamic enables teachers to design lessons that align with their intellectual passions, fostering mutual satisfaction and engagement in English learning.
However, teachers must bear in mind that such esoteric interests may not draw a substantial number of students, potentially affecting financial viability. For those relying on Rubilan for income, a balance emerges—crafting courses that are appealing to a diverse audience yet distinct enough to stand out. Consequently, lessons encompassing ESL fundamentals like grammar and speaking should also be incorporated.
The silver lining rests in Rubilan's flexibility, permitting teachers to create up to six distinct courses. This enables a spectrum of course offerings, ranging from comprehensive "general ESL" instruction to the most niche subjects, interspersed with intermediate options.
Imagine a new Rubilan teacher named Alex, holding a literature degree and an ESL teaching certification, and committed to Rubilan as a full-time pursuit. With an in-depth understanding of the "Lord of the Rings" novels, Alex aspires to transform this passion into fruitful teaching endeavors.
Alex's initial focus should likely center on generating courses that attract a substantial student base to populate their schedule. These form the standard ESL instruction offerings, encompassing lessons on general grammar and speaking. The course descriptions should be compelling, showcasing Alex's distinctive teaching approach in a sea of profiles.
Transitioning to a more specialized niche, Alex can introduce a couple of nuanced offerings. For instance, courses centered on cultural topics, leveraging them as a foundation for speaking and grammar instruction, can enrich the curriculum.
Subsequently, Alex delves into their forte: literature and creative writing. Armed with strong writing skills, Alex's expertise qualifies them to guide students in refining written English—a niche area of focus.
Finally, Alex introduces a course centering on their cherished subject: "The Lord of the Rings." This course utilizes the novels as a platform for ESL instruction, forging a personal connection between the material and the students, who share a deep fascination with the topic. While this offering might not generate substantial enrollment, the broad appeal of "The Lord of the Rings" ensures Alex's connection with a dedicated group of long-term students.
Numerous niche subjects boast the breadth to attract a significant number of returning students. Examples include test preparation, legal English, and medical English. These domains necessitate specialized expertise, warranting a premium that students seeking these skills are often willing to pay. Moreover, these niches foster long-term student engagement.
Ultimately, setting oneself apart by showcasing a diverse range of interests enriches the teaching experience. Crafting courses centered on personal passions might attract a select student base, offering the chance to explore these subjects frequently. Nonetheless, diversifying course offerings, especially during the initial Rubilan teaching journey, is advisable for establishing income stability.
—Teacher Rebecca