Learn English from Scratch to Expert Level By Muhammad

Structuring an English lesson effectively is the key to student retention and getting positive reviews on online platforms. Most professional ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers use a framework called PPP (Presentation, Practice, Production). This ensures the student learns a concept, practices it with help, and then uses it independently. Here is a breakdown of how to structure a standard 60-minute online lesson. 1. The Warm-Up (5–10 Minutes) Goal: Build rapport and get the student's brain switched to "English mode." Free Talk: Ask about their day, weather, or weekend plans. Review: briefly recap what was learned in the previous lesson. The "Hook": Introduce the topic of today’s lesson in a fun way (e.g., show a picture or ask a discussion question related to the topic). 2. Presentation (10–15 Minutes) Goal: Teach the new material (grammar rule, vocabulary set, or idiom). Show, Don't Just Tell: Use your screen share to show slides, images, or a short video. Explain the Rule: If teaching grammar (e.g., Past Tense), explain the formula clearly. Check Understanding: Ask "concept checking questions" (CCQs). Bad question: "Do you understand?" (Students always say yes). Good question: "Does this happen now or in the past?" 3. Practice (10–15 Minutes) Goal: The student uses the new language with your help (Controlled Practice). Gap Fills: Worksheets where they fill in missing words. Matching: Match the word to the definition. Drilling: You say the sentence, they repeat it to perfect pronunciation. Correction: Correct their mistakes immediately and gently during this phase. 4. Production (15–20 Minutes) Goal: The student uses the language independently (Freer Practice). This is the most important part. Roleplay: "I will be the waiter, you be the customer. Order food using the vocabulary we just learned." Discussion: Ask open-ended questions that require them to use the new grammar. Teacher Role: Talk less. Let the student speak 70% of the time. Only correct major errors at the end. 5. Feedback & Cool Down (5 Minutes) Goal: End on a high note. Error Correction: List 2–3 mistakes they made on the virtual whiteboard and ask if they can fix them. Praise: Tell them what they did well. Homework: Assign a small task for the next lesson.