Alternative Teaching Methods

Elizaveta Pachina Liza is a translator, freelancer and ESL teacher from Russia. She had been teaching in a Chinese bilingual school for more than two years and recently moved to Thiland to run her blog about teaching and freelance job. Read my articles Which Teaching Method is Best for a First-time Teacher? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our TEFL graduate considers different teaching methods and explains which one should work best for young TEFL teachers. Positive Alternatives to Old-Fashioned Punishment | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This blog post was written by our TEFL graduate who shares their ideas on how to change punishment into a more positive practice. Pronunciation Problems for Learners Speaking Chinese...  [Read more]

What is the best method for teaching English? We will follow a largely chronological order as we delve into the different strategies for teaching English, from time-tested methods to modern approaches. The Classical Method This approach, also known as grammar translation, was originally used for teaching classical languages like Greek and Latin. It places a strong emphasis on grammar, particularly verb conjugations and language rules. The Direct Method Also known as the "natural approach", it strives to mimic the way we acquire our mother tongue naturally. Consequently, only the target language is employed, prioritizing speaking and listening skills. Audio-Lingual Method As the name suggests, this method primarily emphasizes listening ('audio') and speaking ('lingual') abilities. It...  [Read more]

What is the best method for teaching English? We will follow a largely chronological order as we delve into the different strategies for teaching English, from time-tested methods to modern approaches. Table of Contents The Classical Method The Direct Method Audio-Lingual Method Task Based Learning Total Physical Response Engage Study Activate CLIL Conclusion The Classical Method This approach, also known as grammar translation, was originally used for teaching classical languages like Greek and Latin. It places a strong emphasis on grammar, particularly verb conjugations and language rules. The Direct Method Also known as the "natural approach", it strives to mimic the way we acquire our mother tongue naturally. Consequently, only the target language is employed, prioritizing speaking...  [Read more]

Wed, 03 Oct 2018 Mark Crocker Budget and Salary Top Tips for Sending Money Back Home While Teaching English Overseas Many English language teachers working overseas need to send home a portion of their monthly salary to pay off outstanding obligations, such as a student loan or a property mortgage. However, with so many money transfer options available, how do you know which is the right method to suit your personal circumstances? Taking into consideration factors such as transfer fees, exchange rates, and transfer time, we have put together the following guide to help you make the right decision. Table of Contents Banks Western Union MoneyGram Xoom (by PayPal) OFX TransferWise Points to Consider Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: ...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers The Most Effective Vocabulary Teaching Methods Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this article, our TEFL graduate shares their effective methods of teaching vocabulary. Active Learning Techniques Influence on Students' Perception Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This blog post contains information on learning techniques. Engaging Games With Flashcards Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This blog post is devoted to some exciting and engaging games which were shared by our TEFL student. How Punishment Influences A Student's Motivation Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate considers punishment as ineffective method and offers some alternatives to it. Reading as a Part of...  [Read more]

Locations Intensive TEFL Check out tefl tesol about Locations Intensive TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: Check out ITTT's Blog Posts D.C. - U.S.A. said: Online TEFL vs Onsite TEFLTEFL, an abbreviation for teaching English as a foreign language, refers to native english speakers teaching English to foreigners. Teaching English has always been around however it is becoming a much more popular profession. Although most schools require some kind of degree in teaching or a tesol certificate, a lot of the teaching English programs simply require the applicant to be a native english speaker and a...  [Read more]

The Best Teaching Ideas for TEFL Teachers Short Tutorial on Classroom Management Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our TEFL graduate shares their strategies on classroom management. Reasons to Set Up Classroom Management Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This blog post is devoted to the problem of classroom management. Our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on this issue. Best Ways to Teach New Vocabulary to Young Students Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on how to teach vocabulary to younger groups of students. Problems for Young English Learners in Public Schools in China Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Our TEFL graduate tells about the most challenging situations for...  [Read more]

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences 3 Major Problems Facing Students in Classes of Different Nationalities Imagine yourself in a country with people who do not speak the same language as you. Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to be around people who you do not understand nor do they understand you? Try to put yourself in the shoes of the many students who move to a country and have to learn a new language. Table of Contents Learning to communicate only in English Becoming bored and losing focus Overcoming shyness Are you ready to teach students from all over the world! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Virna B. Learning to communicate only in English When students arrive in a new country they...  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What I’ve Learned from Teaching at a Montessori Kindergarten Choosing a course was an important task for me given my background in a business career and corporate environment. Teaching was a very new experience and I wanted to ensure I had adequate training to provide a solid foundation with which to grow in a teaching capacity. I made sure to commence an in-class TESOL course which offered the opportunity to practice what I had learned in a real classroom environment. The course I chose was perfect for this as it was taught in a real school and allowed me to use my newly learned skills in the classroom. Table of Contents Lesson Planning Peculiarities Montessori Teaching Approach Creativity in Teaching Benefits of This Work Do...  [Read more]

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Essence of Educational Games Educational games are methodical tools for achieving a learning goal. A successful learning game should combine motivating player's life and interesting learning content. Games should not just be practical gaps fillers in the learning process but also serve to impart certain knowledge and to consolidate skills through exercises. Table of Contents Benefits of Games Games Goals How to Use Games Effectively When can we use educational games to take benefit from them in English classes? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Toufik Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 3 Great Alternatives to Punishment Isn't this a great question? No matter who you are or what your background is, everyone who reads this question automatically has an opinion on it or might have answered it in their head before they've even truly thought about it. The psychology and intricacy behind this question are what drew me to it, so here is what I have found… Table of Contents 1. Working With Young Children 2. Working With Teenagers 3. Working With Adults Do you want to learn new teaching methods? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: I have been a teacher for many years, in many different capacities and have had to try and come up with various alternatives to 'punishing' misbehaving and...  [Read more]

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Drilling: Is it an Effective Teaching Method in ESL? For many years, drilling has been used in foreign language classrooms. This approach to language teaching places an emphasis on repeating structural patterns through oral practice. Table of Contents What is Drilling for? Learning Process Special Activities Is it Necessary? Alternative Ways Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jazmin W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. What is Drilling for? When using the technique of drilling, if used appropriately, it can be a very productive and proactive way for students to memorize and...  [Read more]

Thu, 05 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What Are The Possible Alternatives to Punishment? This essay seeks to discuss the possible disadvantages of negative reinforcement, specifically corporal punishment, as a means of discipline, when used by educators teaching young learners. Also, positive reinforcement, such as praise and feedback, as an alternative method to discipline young learners will be discussed. Table of Contents State of The Problem Punishment as a Teaching Tool Negative Effects of Punishment Punishment vs. Encouragement Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Desriel G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT....  [Read more]

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Positive Alternatives to Old-Fashioned Punishment Are there alternatives to punishment? In this essay, we will explore what punishment sought to achieve within a classroom environment versus its applicability when seeking alternatives. Particular attention will be placed on measures that teachers may promote to achieve a class-culture that favors deterrence above sanction. Table of Contents What is punishment? Should teachers avoid it? Motivation Respect and Authority Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aaron T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. What is punishment? Before we...  [Read more]

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Bad Behavior in the Classroom Can Be Addressed in Positive Ways Instead of Strict Punishment The realm of teaching is a rewarding one but can often come with challenges, particularly when teaching English as a second language to non-native English speakers. A difficulty that teachers can face especially when teaching younger students is bad behavior in the classroom, and whether strictly punishing students for bad behavior is appropriate or even truly effective. Teachers can address bad behavior in the classroom in positive ways, hopefully making truly meaningful changes in the classroom itself and students individually. Table of Contents Reasons for Misbehaving in Class Teacher's Actions Alternatives to Punishment Do you want to...  [Read more]

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 Hoàng Minh Huy Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Tips on How to Speak English More Fluently In recent years, the number of people learning English has significantly increased due to its importance. It offers various benefits, such as career opportunities, financial stability, and studying abroad. English comprises four essential skills, with speaking being a crucial step in mastering any language. This article outlines strategies to speak English fluently like a native. Table of Contents Leveraging Technological Advancements Engaging with Native Speakers Immersing in an English-Speaking Environment Conclusion: Diverse Paths to English Mastery Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many...  [Read more]

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Tips on Teaching Reading to EFL Students One-to-One Reading is one of the two receptive language skills that might seem easier to teach. When learning to read in a foreign language, a student doesn't have to deal with accents or pronunciation problems, as it often happens with speaking and listening. What's more, learning reading skills does not necessarily imply high teacher participation and can generally be done independently. Much as with writing, it might seem tempting to relegate most of reading to homework, especially in one-to-one teaching. The easier way isn't always the best one, and paying enough attention to this aspect of English during one's lessons offers many benefits. Table of...  [Read more]

Tue, 30 Apr 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Why is Classroom Discipline Important? As a teacher you are in charge of a classroom of children, it can be relatively hard to meet all students needs and maintain control. A lot of teachers develop alternative ways to manage students. This can be by establishing classroom rules right from the start and to maintain these rules right throughout the year. Popular discipline techniques are positive discipline, these techniques use positive reinforcement to encourage students to behave, this is a much better way, rather than negative reinforcement, with punishment and humiliation. The teachers turn to problem-solving and then use classroom discussions, so opinions are heard and self-awareness which resolves the problem...  [Read more]

English Teacher Wanted in Slovakia Date posted:2023-08-04 | Writer: The Bridge | Email: [email protected] We are a language centre which specialises in teaching English, located in Bratislava. We provide professional and high-quality English language courses for students with various goals and focuses. We are seeking a full-time English teacher with CELTA/DELTA/TESOL qualifications (or respective alternative) to join our team. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, life-long learner, flexible, professional and a dedicated team player.Job description:- teaching adults and young learners, professionals at all levels of English in our school in the city centre or at our business clients premises- guaranteed number of lessons- teaching individuals + group classes, different...  [Read more]

Part-Time Online English Teacher Date posted:2021-02-24 | Writer: the Bridge - English Language Centre | Email: [email protected] the Bridge - English language centre is seeking a part-time, online English teacher to join our team. You will be teaching adults, professionals at advanced level of English. We provide full support, regular training and teaching materials as well as good working conditions. If you are an enthusiastic and dynamic teacher who loves meeting new people and who cares about his/her students progress, do not hesitate to contact us. Details of Positionthe Bridge - English language centre is seeking a part-time, online English teacher to join our team of teachers from different countries. We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, life-long learner, flexible,...  [Read more]

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement in an ESL Classroom Punishment is the reaction to a lack of discipline, so the final step for preventing the need for punishment is to teach and encourage discipline. Table of Contents Behavior Management Research in the Field Other Alternatives Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nisham M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Behavior Management Teachers need to be able to set boundaries in their classrooms. A classroom without boundaries and consequences is a great disservice to every student in the class. When a child misbehaves in...  [Read more]

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Methods of Developing Speaking Skills in Kindergarten Level Children Kindergarten students are those who are typically around the age of five. From birth till five, they would have developed their sensory and speaking abilities in their mother tongue with decent fluency. Children at this age have a strong potential to gain a lot of information. They would know about 1000-2000 words by this time. At this age, they are formally introduced to reading and writing skills, group work, independent thinking, and sharing practice. Teaching children at this age can be quite challenging and fun. Vocabulary is one of the strongest predictors when it comes to speaking capacity. So, by carefully incorporating study into play we can enrich...  [Read more]

What visa do I need to teach English in Costa Rica? The combination of a tropical climate, stunning beach filled coastline, exotic flora and fauna, and some of the most pristine rain forest in the region, makes Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in Latin America for teaching English abroad. Table of Contents What visa do I need to teach English in Costa Rica? What should I do on arrival in Costa Rica? How do I get a tax number for teaching English in Costa Rica? What visa do I need to teach English in Costa Rica? The majority of foreign English teachers working in Costa Rica have no more than a tourist visa in their passport. Unlike many other countries, it is technically legal for teachers to work without the need for a work visa. For many nationalities, including...  [Read more]

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas An Overview of Some Common Teaching Approaches The teaching techniques and approaches, as well as activities that teachers employ in teaching in the classroom, is known as teaching style (Cooper, 2001). Grasha (2002) defines teaching style as the continuous and steady actions of teachers in their relationship with students in the course of teaching-and-learning. Jarvis (2004) considers teaching style as containing "evidence of beliefs about values related to and attitudes toward all the elements of the teaching-learning exchange" (p. 40). Teachers' styles of teaching represent their behavior in the classroom. These definitions indicate that teaching styles are the methods, activities, and approaches that are employed by a teacher in...  [Read more]

Fri, 15 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Parents Being First Teachers In loco parentis is the perfect phrase to describe the teacher's role in the classroom and the responsibility they have towards their students. Young children spend many hours in the classroom – an atmosphere created primarily for learning, teaching, and socializing – and many more hours in the home – a different learning atmosphere inhabited largely by family members and, sometimes, friends. In a bygone era, the teacher's role was seen as sacred and their knowledge as unquestionable, in some cases; given that a majority of the pre-baby boomer population may have been uneducated, it was felt that their knowledge was not like the teacher's and therefore they trusted their children...  [Read more]

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The 4 Principles of Motivation in an EFL Classroom The main goal of teaching foreign languages ​​at school is the development of communicative competence, the development of the personality of a child who is willing and able to participate in intercultural communication in a foreign language and is further capable of self-improvement. But the quality of achieving the goal depends, first of all, on the motivation and needs of the individual, his motivation. It is the motivation that causes purposeful activity, determines the choice of tools and techniques, their ordering to achieve the goal. When students start studying in a foreign language, not a single teacher can complain about their lack of interest in the subject....  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 4 Activities to Use When Teaching Online Teaching English in the classroom remains a popular educational choice for families and children in decades. However, a lot of students cannot attend in-classroom all the time for many reasons. That's why teaching online has a potential extension possibility despite their limited competitive advantages in comparison with the general education method. Hence, online teachers need to be more creative in their lessons to increase learner's interest. As a result, many interactive activities have been developed in online English courses. Table of Contents 1. Pair Work 2. Game Play 3. Singing a Song 4. Quiz Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out...  [Read more]

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Practical Value of Games in the Classroom Education and teaching are always changing. Thus, teachers are constantly thinking of new ideas and techniques they can implement in their classroom and teaching plan to more effectively educate their students. Presently, the notion of games within the classroom is widely popular among teachers. One may think that this relationship between games and learning is ironic, as most individuals classify games as a hindrance to education. However, through its engaging attributes, the tendency to boost class morale and motivation, and overall improvement within student's creativity, games in the classroom that inspire education are very effective when teaching. Table of Contents Engagement Power...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Liza is a translator, freelancer and ESL teacher from Russia. She had been teaching in a Chinese bilingual school for more than two years and recently moved to Thiland to run her blog about teaching and freelance job. Read my articles How Punishment Influences A Student's Motivation | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In this blog post, our recent TEFL graduate considers punishment as ineffective method and offers some alternatives to it. Common Pronunciation Mistakes of Japanese Students | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Our TEFL graduate listed a number of pronunciation issues occuring around Japanese learners of English. Reading as a Part of Leadership | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This...  [Read more]

What is TEFL / TESOL Certification online? Our online TEFL / TESOL courses offer a convenient pathway to acquiring your TEFL / TESOL certification. Designed for flexibility, these courses allow you to study at your own pace, from the comfort of your home. In addition to the fundamental TEFL / TESOL qualification, you have the option to pursue specialized or advanced certifications to enhance your experience and resume. Each online course is accompanied by the guidance of an experienced online tutor. Furthermore, participants benefit from lifelong teaching support and job guidance services. Table of Contents Are online TEFL / TESOL courses comparable to in-person courses? Will I receive a full TEFL / TESOL certificate with an online course? Who accredits ITTT online TEFL / TESOL course...  [Read more]