― Benjamin Franklin
Lesson Objectives
1. Learn about the 3 types of italki tutoring.
2. Learn about trial sessions.
3. Learn about ITC and paying for classes.
4. Search for a teacher.
5. How to select a teacher.
6. Sign up for a 30 minute trial class.
Introduction
This lesson is a long one, but is important. If you need to break it into parts, please do. The lesson will walk you through the basics of finding an italki teacher that fits with your schedule and needs, based on the three types of tutor sessions available. You will also learn about putting money into your account and how to set up a trial session.
NOTE: Before you schedule a session, we suggest you read through this whole lesson, so you know about all the options available to you.
Actions
1. Learn about the 3 types of tutoring available on italki:
The three types of tutoring available on italki are:
1. Professional Lessons
2. Informal Tutoring
3. Instant Tutoring
Each of the three options has it’s benefits and downsides. Also, generally, the cost varies for each type of tutoring. The most expensive is the professional lesson, while informal tutoring will often be cheaper. Instant tutoring will generally be the cheapest, in part since the teacher will not spend any time preparing for class.
PROFESSIONAL LESSONS
Professional lessons are the most structured of the three learning options. Teachers will often have a specific lesson plan or curriculum developed that they can adapt to your specific needs. They will also have professional degrees and certificates. In Professional lessons, the teacher will design and structure the lesson.
INFORMAL TUTORING
Informal tutoring will be less structured than the Professional Lessons in many cases. Often, informal sessions will cost less than the professional sessions, however this is not always the case.
These lessons are great for speaking practice, supplementing other classes or tools you are using to learn Spanish, or even to help with homework, learn about the culture, or learn more about a specific country’s vocabulary.
INSTANT TUTORING
Instant tutoring is exactly as you would expect it to be. You find a teacher who is available online right now and contact them for a one-on-one class. Instant tutoring sessions are 30 minutes long and are generally the least expensive option on italki for paid classes.
The great thing about instant tutoring sessions is that you can study RIGHT NOW. No need to plan ahead or push off class for tomorrow. However, this also means the teacher will not have time to prepare to work with you. Also, if it is a teacher you have never worked with, it may take some time to get used to their style (and them to yours).
Use instant tutoring, if you have a free 30 minutes that you would like to take advantage of to squeeze in a Spanish lesson. Keep pushing towards fluency.
Since italki explains instant tutoring well and walks you through the steps, it is best to read their explanation: How To Get Started With Instant Tutoring.
How Instant Tutoring works for students?
2. Learn About Trial Sessions.
Trial sessions are an interesting feature of italki. They allow you to become more comfortable with how italki works when you first start using the site.
You are assigned 3 trial sessions when you create your account, which you may use at any time. The sessions never expire, however, you also never receive more than 3 sessions, so once you use them, they will never appear again.
The trial sessions walk you through the process of paying for credits (more on credits below), how to schedule a session, and what to do after the session ends.
Trial sessions are often, but not always, at discounted rates.
Also, not all teachers offer trial sessions.
When you search for teachers, the results show you which teachers offer trial sessions. Just look for the green box at the right of the teacher’s profile, in the search results, as seen here:
To set up a trial session, click on the teacher’s name and when you are on his/her profile page, select SCHEDULE A SESSION. From there, scroll down until you see “30 minute trial session”. Select it and follow the prompts from there.
3. Learn about ITC and paying for classes.
ITC stands for italki credit and is the “currency” used in italki to pay for your classes, as well as other services on italki. 10 ITC is equal to 1 US Dollar. These credits may be purchased for your account using a credit card or with Paypal.
To purchase credits, look for the stacked coins in the upper right menu on the italki page. Click on the coins and you will see the option to Buy Credits (as seen below). Select that, and follow the instructions to purchase credits.
4. Search for a Teacher.
You should first search for teachers who teach Spanish by entering Spanish in the TEACHES dropdown menu (see the first blue arrow in the image below).
I always also prefer to search only for native teachers, which you can search for by checking on this small box (also seen with the second blue arrow in the image above):
Once you have entered in all the variables in the options, hit BROWSE and you will have your list of Spanish teachers. You should go through the list to learn more about each teacher, to help you decide which one to select for your first session. Remember, this is a process that in part will be trial-and-error, so don’t worry too much about your decision.
You can even send a message back and forth to ask any questions you may have to help you decide. Just select the CONTACT TEACHER button shown here:
5. How to select a teacher.
When looking for a teacher, the best thing to do is to read through the person’s profile. You can arrive there by clicking on the person’s name. On the teacher’s profile page you can find the following (as well as more information):
– The teacher’s introduction video
– The teacher’s experience on italki
– The types of sessions the teacher has available
– The teacher’s available hours
– Specific specialties the teacher mentions (ex. pronunciation, kids, grammar, etc.), for example:
– The levels he/she teaches
– The country the teacher is from. This will really only be important if you want to learn Spanish from a specific country.
– The rates the teacher charges
– The “About Me” description
– The Student Feedback tab (you need to click on it, halfway down the page, pictured below)
All of these items may be important to making your decision if the teacher is right for you.
Remember, don’t get stuck on finding the perfect teacher. Choose someone and start today.
6. Sign up for a 30 minute trial class.
Now’s the chance for you to take action.
Search for a Spanish teacher, selecting one that offers the 30 minute trial sessions. Select Schedule A Session, and then choose a 30 Minute Trial Session and you can walk through the process for your first online one-on-one class.
Remember, this is more about understanding italki and starting a habit to learn Spanish, and less about using these 30 minutes to study with a teacher. Spend the time explaining to the teacher your reasons for learning Spanish as well as your available time in the coming months. Can you dedicate 7 hours a day….or is it 30 minutes a week? It’s important to share this information since it will help your teacher to work with you. Also, keep in mind, you are evaluating this teacher to see if he/she can offer you what you need to learn Spanish as you take more classes.
If you are ready to do a class now, then search for a teacher in the instant tutor options instead.
Congratulations, you scheduled your first class and now know how to use italki, one of the best online learning tools for Spanish.
Move on to the wrap-up of the Italki Module of Speak Spanish Today »