The most common and basic type of ESL is conversation. Students generally want to improve fluency. For many learners conversation classes are a social event. A friendly and encouraging personality is probably the greatest asset an English conversation teacher can offer.

Conversation students do not need detailed analysis of grammatical rules, nor do they need too much correction. Much better to get them to express themselves in English while silently noting one or two areas that seem to give them most trouble. These can be reviewed at suitable intervals.

Useful preparation includes keeping up with the daily news. Surfing the net can also produce lots of potential lesson topics. Use newspaper clippings and Web printouts, but avoid at all costs having students sitting there reading text and asking what particular words mean. Instead, give the students an overview of the article, perhaps get the to read a bit of it in class time, but most importantly get them to talk about it. You can ask them to read the whole thing for homework, but don't be surprised if most conversation students don't bother.

Students studying for exams, eg TOEIC, TOEFL and Cambridge, are generally much more serious and motivated. Teachers that can offer exam preparation/coaching are likely to be in greater demand and hence command higher salaries. The key to being a successful exam teacher is to familiarize yourself intimately with the exam requirements and keep focusing upon these. Exam students will expect homework and will generally do it and expect feedback. Brush up your knowledge of grammar, because students won't just want their sentences corrected, but will ask about the underlying rules.

English for business or special purposes (eg hotel, tourism, IT) is also more lucrative than plain conversation. Expect learners to be serious and motivated toward their studies but also to hold the teacher in higher esteem and to pay more for the privilege of learning. This is an area where more mature teachers can leverage their prior experience. If you've previously worked in engineering, travel, retail etc etc there will almost certainly be learners out there who want to know the English relating to those particular professions.

More and more parents are realizing the importance of having their children learn English from an early age. Admittedly it's not for everyone, but teaching English to kids is big business. The most important quality needed is a genuine love of children. Above all, make the lessons FUN. Teach through playing games. Get them up and running around, the noisier the better - so long as (most of) the noise is in English. If you get it right you will find kids absorb new language like a sponge.

Systems and Textbooks

Many schools have their own systems for teaching English. These schools will offer training to new teachers in the particular method(s) employed.

Some systems can be effective in teaching some aspects of the language to some learners. However, there is no single system that can be employed to teach every skill to every learner. As such it is probably best to avoid working for schools that insist the same textbook and procedure be applied to every lesson at every level. Those schools which make such requirements are probably using the system as a substitute for the ability of the teacher.

A similar word of caution applies to the use of textbooks. There are many excellent textbooks on the market and most busy teachers would be unable to survive without at least sometimes making use of them.

The key to using textbooks effectively is to treat them as a launch point. If you simply say open your books to page 27 and work through one exercise after another your students will quickly become demotivated. Instead, be prepared to discuss around the topics contained within the book. Written exercises are usually best saved for homework, unless writing is the particular focus of your class.

A tip for keeping your students happy is to avoid working sequentially through the book. This screams "unprepared teacher". Instead jump from topic to topic, even from book to book. If the students don't have a book that you want to use - photocopy the relevant pages (obviously observing copyright legislation). This gives the impression that you have taken the trouble to prepare the material especially.

Teacher Talking Time

Just like teaching, language acquisition is also a practical skill that improves through practice. Unlike the teachers we may have met through our days at school and college, ESL teachers do not stand at the front of the room and lecture. They create situations in which learners can use English, they monitor the learners, and they give appropriate feedback.

Some teacher training programs emphasize the evils of teacher talking time (TTT). I agree, up to a point. It's much better to hand over to the learners and let them practice what they know in a controlled and supportive environment. BUT it is also important sometimes for learners to be presented with models of good English, and this is where TTT plays an essential role.

So the bottom line on TTT is it's OK, but like most things, in moderation.

Johnny is a TESOL qualified ESL teacher with several years experience in Japan. He runs the Web site English the international language http://english-the-international-language.com/ offering online lessons, resources and advice for learners and teachers of English as a second language worldwide. Join eil.connect http://english-the-international-language.com/elgg/index.php our social network.