{"id":7876,"date":"2021-07-14T10:00:17","date_gmt":"2021-07-14T16:00:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/?p=7876"},"modified":"2021-07-14T10:00:17","modified_gmt":"2021-07-14T16:00:17","slug":"demo-lesson-teaching-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/demo-lesson-teaching-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"What\u2019s a Demo Lesson for a Teaching Interview?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Congratulations on being selected for a job interview to teach English online<\/a>! In most cases, the online tutoring company will have you do a demo teaching lesson as part of the interview to determine if you\u2019re a good fit for them and possibly to decide what your initial rate of pay should be.\u00a0This is your chance to showcase your personality and your teaching skills! Here’s what you can expect during a demo lesson for a teaching interview and how you can prepare to ace this important step.<\/p>\n

Browse course options to earn your TEFL certificate online<\/a> to qualify for more jobs.<\/em><\/p>\n

What is the purpose of the demo lesson for an online teaching interview?<\/h2>\n

A demo lesson is part of the application and hiring process for most online English teaching jobs<\/a>. Usually, the hiring process starts with an online application. Then, if you\u2019re selected to move to the next phase of the application process, you\u2019ll be asked to schedule an interview; your demo lesson (or mock teaching session) typically takes place during that interview.<\/p>\n

The purpose of a live demo lesson for teaching English online<\/a> is for the online tutoring company to see what qualities you bring to the table and how well you perform in a virtual setting. It\u2019s also an opportunity for you to get a feel for what to expect when teaching English online.<\/p>\n

The demo lesson is set up to look exactly like how your classes will be when you begin teaching online with the company. The company will evaluate you on the way you present yourself, your ESL teaching skills, and your ability to manage the online classroom<\/a>.<\/p>\n

See which companies are currently seeking online English teachers.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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Teaching English online<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

When and how is the ESL teaching demo set up?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve made it to the interview stage of the hiring process with an online English teaching company, you can usually book an interview by choosing from the available time slots on the calendar the company will send you.<\/p>\n

Instructions for your interview and demo teaching session will be given in advance before your scheduled interview to help you prepare. The instructions will include the demo lesson plan for your teaching session so that you can prepare and practice presenting it before your interview.<\/p>\n

Find out more about the hiring process for online teaching jobs.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

What can I expect during the interview and live demo?<\/h2>\n

Duration<\/h3>\n

In most cases, the online English teaching job interview process, including the demo lesson, will be no more than 30 minutes long. It\u2019s a good idea to sign in about 15 minutes or more beforehand so that you can test your audio and equipment, review the lesson plan and material, and have time to practice before the actual interview session.<\/p>\n

See how to prepare for a TEFL\/TESOL interview.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Format<\/h3>\n

Most interviews start with the interviewer asking you some questions about yourself, such as about your experience, TEFL certification<\/a>, and background. Then the interviewer will go right into the demo lesson. Keep in mind that the person interviewing you will most likely play the role of the student in the teaching demo, so prepare to switch gears during the interview session. You\u2019ll need to use your imagination and pretend that the adult interviewer is the young student that you\u2019ll be teaching. This can be a little bit awkward, but try and have fun with it and you\u2019ll do just fine!<\/p>\n

Take a look at the most common interview questions and how to answer them!<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Pointers<\/h3>\n

The company has provided the lesson plan, so all you need to do is go through each slide with the \u201cstudent.\u201d Instructions are provided on each slide for what is expected from the teacher and the student. Keep your eye on the class time and pace yourself. Use positive error correction<\/a> and lots of encouragement. The company wants to see that you can complete the lesson objectives efficiently while maintaining a good energy level.<\/p>\n

Don’t make these 5 mistakes when applying to online teaching jobs.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

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An online interview<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

What is a recorded demo lesson?<\/h2>\n

Some online tutoring companies will give you an option to do a recording of a demo lesson for your teaching interview instead of a live interview. You\u2019ll be given instructions on how to complete and submit the demo lesson video on the company\u2019s interview page.<\/p>\n

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  • The advantage of this method, of course, is that you can do the recording at your own convenience without the pressure of someone on the other side of the camera.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    • The disadvantage to this is that there\u2019s no interaction with a live person, so you have to be creative with the student and teacher responses while making sure you don\u2019t finish the lesson too quickly, or you\u2019ll run out of material to work with.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      Where can I find teaching\u00a0demo\u00a0samples?<\/h2>\n

      For examples of what a demo teaching lesson is like, use YouTube<\/a> as your go-to resource for inspiration from other online English teachers. There are loads of videos out there by awesome teachers with ESL companies that will provide you with useful tips and tricks on how to ace your demo lesson during your teaching interview.<\/p>\n

      Check out this example of an ESL\u00a0demo lesson for a teaching interview, by teacher Erin with VIPKid.<\/p>\n