Niche Teaching – Do You Need a Generalist or a Specialist?
Niche Teaching – Do You Need a Generalist or a Specialist?
A niche market is a part of a larger market that is defined by its unique identity, needs and preferences, which makes it different from the larger market. For example, age-defying creams are part of the skin care market. Some doctors have niches, such as geriatrics or pediatrics. Niche teaching is based on this premise. A niche is defined by the problems its students have. A niche teacher focuses on a very specific group of learners who have a very specific problem, for example, Arabic-speaking medical professionals who need to work on their pronunciation and presentation skills. A niche teacher offers their niche a very specific solution to their problem. As a passionate teacher who has been travelling and living abroad for over 15 years, I believe that niche teaching is the future for several reasons. The most important reason is that the vast majority of English learners need to communicate well for a specific purpose. But it takes a certain kind of person to be a niche teacher. What qualities are necessary? How does a student know what they need? How can you find a niche teacher? What are the pros and cons of niche teaching for you […]