Ian Lund

I believe teaching any subject online requires a good understanding between teacher and student. In Zoom or other online platforms, this means that not having the camera turned on by either party does not help build up trust. Being able to use all the tools that are available to share materials and involve students. Trying as much as possible to reduce teacher talking time and therefore making the lessons student focussed as much as possible.
Starting the lesson by reviewing any homework assignments (these should be sent as email attachments to the tutor before the online sessions) and giving clear feedback and more importantly feedforward to the student. Feedforward means practical step by step advice to avoid similar errors in the future. I also try to plan the lesson carefully so that there is always time to set future private study between classes. It is also important to provide time for student questions.
As far as teaching IELTS is concerned, each class should include a short speaking practice based on topics that often come up in the exam. Depending on the background of the student, I have found that speaking is often the most important skill to develop online. However, after a needs analysis in the first class, it should be clear which skills the student needs the most help in. The other skill that students need to practise is listening which can also be done in an online setting. Reading and writing can be practised by the students between online lessons and feedback can be provided online.
Please remember that to achieve success in IELTS, the student needs to commit to a regular programme of private study so that the online sessions can be valuable and productive.