Tutor
Each tutor has their own unique teaching style that sets them apart! As you begin tutoring on Cambly, you will get into the groove of your own tutoring style. There are a number of qualities and attributes that will help you become the best tutor you can:
- Be empathetic and patient
- Be calm and encouraging
- Keep a positive attitude and remain attentive
- Be professional and polite
- Be outgoing and able to engage students
- Smile!
Workstation
Cambly offers the luxury of working from the comfort of your home! As a result, we suggest making sure your classroom will incorporate a quiet and non-distracting environment for your Cambly students. Below we have listed some important attributes that we suggest to make your workstation the best it can be!
- Good lighting
- Quiet and without distractions in the background
- Tidy background (Some tutors like to show their creativity and decorate their "classroom" by adding posters, whiteboards, etc. to the wall behind them!)
- High-speed internet connection - upload and download speeds (the higher the better)
- High-quality router/modem
- Good computer for video chatting
- Good computer hardware – processor, memory, camera, etc.
Sessions with students
Sessions with students on Cambly is where the magic happens! It is important to be prepared before each Cambly session and give each student your best. There are a number of ways to manage your sessions successfully which will help build and maintain rapport with Cambly students. Below we have listed some tips and advice!
Getting started
It's helpful to be organized and prepared before you begin each lesson. If it is the student's first time on Cambly, they probably will not call you with a lesson prepared or with any idea of what they want to work on. It is helpful for both you and the student if you have a variety of materials available such as conversation topics, articles, grammar, etc. You may check out our list of resources here or feel free to bookmark and use your own materials to have easier access to them while tutoring.
Spend the first few minutes with small talk
When you first begin your session, greet your student with a smile and introduce yourself! You can spend the first few minutes of the session having some small talk before diving into a lesson. This allows time to get to know each other and helps the student feel more comfortable. However, it is important to note that many long-time students may want to skip the typical "get to know you" questions, as they have answered them many time with other tutors.
Structure the lesson around the student's needs
When meeting a new student, listen to their needs and goals and pay attention to their level. Each student will have different expectations for their sessions, so remember to ask them questions and get to know their objectives in learning English, as well as how they prefer to spend their session time (free talk, reading an article, working on a grammar-focused lesson, etc.)
Be flexible
Flexibility is a key strategy in becoming a successful tutor. Cambly is full of many students of different backgrounds, cultures, and English language levels so it's important to be ready for anything! Even if your profile states that you work with intermediate levels, it's very likely that beginner students may call you at times. Remember to remain open to giving each student a chance, especially if you are working on PH and receiving trial students. Many first-time students will be nervous or scared, so your flexibility, openness, and encouragement will help them overcome any fears!
Have a niche
It's important to be flexible above all, but also keep in mind that having a niche will help attract certain students! If you have experience in a specific area (exam prep, business English, kids, grammar, etc.), you can mention this on your Tutor Profile and even showcase your specialities by uploading a short demo video!
Correct and compliment
During the session, it is good to be extra positive and give the student compliments throughout the lesson, however you should also point our areas that could be improved or offer a plan on how to improve! There should be a balance of complimenting and correcting. Identifying mistakes and politely correcting the student will allow them to improve their English skills! We recommend asking students at the beginning of the session how often they'd like to be corrected (after every mistake, after serious mistakes only, after the session through a message).
Other
We know how difficult it can be to remember each individual student you work with, so we suggest taking notes during your session with students. This allows you to remember important details if they decide to book another session with you and helps build a student/tutor relationship.
Giving students a positive experience with Cambly will encourage them to book another session and continue their language learning journey! Don't be afraid to sell the company and yourself. We recommend following up with students after your session ends by sending them a short, personalized message and encouraging them to book another session!
Remember, Cambly's goal is: Tutor Talk Time < Student Talk Time
Don't forget to occasionally, and thoroughly, read through the Tutor Guide and supporting articles in the Help Center!