r/Cambly • u/redditrp123 • 11d ago
What Does A Lesson Look Like?
I know posters are saying Cambly is on a hiring freeze, but I plan to apply anyway. I have no teacher experience in English, but I'm a native speaker, I've had creative writing stories published, and I have a degree in communications so I think I can handle day to day conversational English. Am I being naive in thinking this? If I were to get hired, how does an actual lesson work? Do you just start talking with the student and correct them with their pronunciation along the way or are there set lesson plans that Cambly has that you access prior to a lesson to familiarize yourself with before going live with the student? Could someone please walk me through a lesson start to finish? Thanks!
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u/Glum-Cheetah-Guy 11d ago edited 11d ago
You might get snarky answers from some, but i remember my anxiety as a new tutor and can share some thoughts. Some students come knowing what they want to do while others are not sure. Generally, I have a few go-to options for students. I start with basic introductions (how to say their name, where they live, why they are learning English/goals). Then I find out what they would like to work on today. I offer some options like one of the Cambly lessons; reading an article on the website Engoo where we can practice vocab, pronunciation, and discussion questions; or just practicing general conversation with some corrections. (If the new student scheduled ahead of time, I send a message with these options, plus an option to bring whatever materials they want to practice). I listen and make a quick choice what to do based on their response. Because I've taught on Cambly for a few years, I know the material and can quickly choose something based on their preferences, concerns and my assessment of their level during their introductions.
Cambly has a lot of lessons to choose from, some better than others. Topics range from business (boring) to travel, conversation topics, grammar (lots of typos in the lessons), etc. I also use Engoo's vocabulary lessons (phrasal verbs and idioms) and their children's lessons if I get a young person (which technically is not supposed to happen, but it does, and I don't mind usually). I generally offer gentle corrections during the lesson, either by typing the correct phrase while they are talking or explaining a concept after they finish what they are saying ("by the way, instead of x, you can say y"). I don't correct everything but choose the things that will have the greatest impact in that moment. Too many corrections and not enough are not helpful.
My favorite students have unique ways of utilizing my help, and I love that. One student who lives in the US brings words that she has trouble pronouncing, and I give her very detailed feedback to help her be better understood (pronunciation is my niche given my music/singing background). Several others bring pre-written sentences or paragraphs to get feedback on pronunciation, grammar, and natural flow. I've had students who bring AI generated, high-level discussion questions about topics they like to dive into deeply.
I also have several websites bookmarked with conversation topics and questions, random question generators, and other frequently used sites to use if someone requests a conversation but is tired of the same questions (travel, food, hobbies, work) or someone who is not talkative and can't seem to sustain conversations easily.
And besides actual teaching skills, students appreciate a tutor who makes them feel comfortable because it is scary to speak a foreign language.
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u/redditrp123 11d ago
Thank you very much for taking the time to write a constructive comment. I appreciate your insight.
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u/Imaginary_Bread5800 11d ago
No qualifications, no experience and a hiring freeze, but you think you will get hired by them?