The majority of students on Rubilan have received traditional English language instruction. They've pursued English studies within educational institutions such as schools, universities, or local language academies. These entities commonly employ conventional methods of learning grammar structures and vocabulary through teacher-centered instruction, repetition, and memorization. While lessons may revolve around specific themes, they generally adopt a formal lesson structure with the primary aim of language instruction rather than broader content.

Within the realm of freelancing educators, there exists a diverse pool of professionals with backgrounds extending beyond language and teaching disciplines. Teachers hailing from diverse fields such as social sciences, sciences, arts, business, or law have the opportunity to shape lessons around distinctive subjects they are well-versed in. This approach resonates with students seeking educators who offer unique perspectives capable of transcending language boundaries.

This dynamic opens a wide avenue for freelancing ESL teachers to craft lessons that delve into novel and captivating topics, offering students the prospect of learning beyond linguistic skills. Lessons can be designed to explore culture, geopolitics, science, business, and law. Grammar, vocabulary, and other language components can be seamlessly integrated into the curriculum. This can be achieved transparently, making the lesson explicitly an ESL exercise, or more subtly, where language objectives are embedded within engaging discussions and the presentation of new knowledge.

A focus on human culture is bound to captivate students' interest. Activities could involve watching videos spotlighting diverse cultural traditions worldwide. Vocabulary could be drawn from anthropology, sociology, and history, while grammar structures present within articles and videos could be introduced contextually.

Culinary culture stands as a preeminent avenue to explore global diversity. Conversations may revolve around local foods, transcending their mere description to delve into their social significance—how they foster connections within families, communities, and celebrations. Throughout, the teacher can provide constructive feedback on the student's spoken expression.

Numerous students find lessons covering philosophy, history, music, literature, or film deeply engaging. Authors' lives and works can be delved into, utilizing historical context to reinforce past verb tenses. Students can partake in spirited group discussions regarding film qualities. Exploring the vocabulary of musical instruments across cultures and learning adjectives describing sound nuances broadens students' linguistic range.

Current world events presented in news can serve as rich educational content. Lessons can be extracted from news articles and broadcasts to hone reading and listening skills. News topics may launch into effective speaking activities like debates and role plays. It's paramount, however, to steer clear of sensitive or controversial topics.

Technology and science, prominent topics of interest, can equip students with new vocabulary. Materials on subjects like the metaverse and AI can be harnessed for teaching. Abundant resources on space exploration furnish content for listening, vocabulary building, and discussion activities. Along the journey, both students and educators enrich their understanding of space and physics.

In today's landscape, business English occupies a coveted space. Many students aspire to refine their language skills for professional contexts where advanced English proficiency proves advantageous. Simultaneously, they seek to enhance their broader business capabilities. Business English educators can sculpt lessons that encompass not just ESL skills, but essential business acumen—conducting business meetings, negotiations, presentations, and job interviews. Role-play and discussion exercises within a business context facilitate speaking practice. Interactive lessons covering email writing, business correspondence, CVs, and resumes further empower students.

Business lessons may also encompass contemporary business trends like NFTs, remote work dynamics, or the global business implications of conflict and pandemics. Not to be overlooked are lessons involving casual conversations and chit-chat, as business students aspire to assimilate culturally, transcending linguistic mastery.

For many students, these lessons may represent their initial interaction with native English speakers. Extensive international travel opportunities might be absent. Consequently, these lessons offer a cultural expedition as much as a language learning journey. By delivering this immersive experience, educators can create a memorable and cherished learning environment.

—Educator Lucas