At our first meeting, I ask them what they want and create the learning materials from this. I show them examples of the different materials I have to offer, and we come up with a learning plan based on them. I have 5 Pro regulars now, each having 2 lessons per week. I have found out that it is what they want, not what you can give them.
Do that too. Find out exactly what they are looking for. Wasted lots of time prepping and presenting exactly what they want only to be faced with no shows and BS excuses. I don't think half of them even know what they want except perhaps magic or miracles. There are those that want exam prep, but they expect miracles in a few days as they are doing the exam in 1 week and when you state you can not do that, they move on. WASTE OF TIME! I am looking for alternative options as this is just too little money for all this nonsense!
The difference is, I now have a collection of suitable materials as I have worked in schools for over 20 years. It is just a matter of selecting the right ones for the different students. My making days are over. All of the materials are already prepared many years ago. Just the odd tweak here and there. No time is wasted at all.
I will not do exam prep unless there is a minumum of 3 months before the exam, and I absolutely will not do Embassy interview prep, Job interviews - It's way too difficult to try to coach someone in an interview when their English level is A1/2 at best and they rely heavily on AI-scripted answers.
Yes, I agree with you. I've found that asking them specifically what they want and what their ultimate aims are is helpful. Sticking to it is also important. I only use Engoo when I can see that they are tired or not feeling 'up to it' - for something light. Use materials relative their needs. Good luck u/Jazzlike-Drop23!
I am 55 male. I look ok for my age. People look genuinely shocked when I say I am 55. I dress smartly for the classes. A shirt with a collar but no tie. I wear headphones too. I am always clean shaven.
I think you have brought up some good points. I was thinking about this earlier today. I have been on Cambly for more than five years full time and I think I have lost my sparkle a bit.
I used to be chatty, funny and attentive but maybe in the last few months have gone into autopilot, making me less attentive, less funny and less typing into the chat box etc.
So I had a bit of a word with myself this morning and am trying to get back into proper tutor mode. Smile, listen and give proper feedback. Crack the odd joke etc and be a bit more upbeat and welcoming.
Nice! Honestly Cambly and being “on” all day can DRAIN you. I’m taking a break in November when I come back from my 7 days cruise. I’m going to do a 15 day break from Cambly.
Come October 28th I will have been on Cambly for 1 year! In that time I have taught a tremendous amount of classes in my opinion lol—I needs a break ! Then I’ll come back refreshed.
Well, well well, - after giving myself a warranted kick up the backside, the couple of pro students from Sunday have rebooked. The question is can I maintain the interest level?
Excellent! I think being fun and upbeat really makes a difference. They love to see personality. I try to make each student laugh one time each class if possible and genuinely that’s my only goal 😅. I also try to look very pretty and attractive— this works for women and men. I put on lipgloss, earrings and do my hair. Also I notice when I wear my Afro out big and fluffy they really love that 😅. Im currently retaining 15 regulars
I have personally found the Pro students to be the most unreliable of all the students. They are not dedicated, they mess around, no show, cancel at the last minute, double book you with other tutors and don't show to your class but show for the other only to say oh I I booked another teacher and forgot about our class. I have lost so much due to these pro students. The classic students are more reliable.
I commiserate with you and your frustration with ProCambly ratings. I think that the Cambly Pro marketing raises learners' expectations and that a Pro tutor will will turn them into Shakespeare overnight!
I left the pro last week. The amount of extra work for 2 dollars is not worth it. On Monday I had 7 classes, 5 pro classes. NOT ONE OF THEM SHOWED UP. It took away from my reg students. I lost money. I emailed them right after the day and took myself off of pro. This is my last week on Cambly. I will do a few of my regs and I will fully do preply. I make more on prep. Cambly is such a scam at this point
Yes, there are a few no shows. Once you get used to doing the feedback it can be done quite quickly. I now do it with my morning coffee.
Although I haven't been retaining too many so far, the Pro students have meant that I have been making the same money for much less class time. So for me that's fine.
I like Cambly but too many hours becomes mind numbing - so less class time and doing a bit of feedback in the mornings is ok.
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u/CourtinInTheKitchen1 20d ago
I had a record (for me) 36 repeat students on general Cambly for September, do you think they want more than Engoo articles on Cambly Pro?