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Learning Chinese While Teaching English as a Second Language in China - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
While attempting to actively assimilate into a foreign language environment overseas, it has been an ongoing journey and challenging adventure in these previous three years. There have been a few noted observations and insightful discoveries indeed.
Life in China as a Teacher
Language is a rich, colorful and multidimensional medium
Practice Makes Perfect
Teaching Business English
Lack of Exposure and English Proficiency
Having a lesson plan ready
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Angela W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Through living in a tier three city where English is not... [Read more]
The Korean Alphabet - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: koreantutor . tumblr . com/tagged/lessons
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Pronunciation Problems for Learners Speaking Chinese as their First Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sheneil J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Problems with Consonants
Problems with Vowels
Problems with Rhythm and Stress
Problems with intonation
Minimal Pairs
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Chinese does not have either of the "th" sounds (like "that" and "this"). Most other languages do not have these sounds and they are problematic for most learners of English. The difficulty is the point of articulation- the tongue has to be between the teeth, not behind them. Many people say that English speakers look like they're sticking their tongues out all the time because of the "th" sounds. It... [Read more]
How Mandarin Chinese Helps Me in Teaching English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Foreign language experience is complexed on so many different levels, it is a window into a different culture, often a different country and even a different paradigm of thinking. There is a multitude of language experiences people can have, each with their own intricacies and uniqueness. As a native English speaker from South Africa, living in China has provided me with extraordinary foreign language experience.
The Most Difficult Language
Benefits of Mandarin Experience
Do you want to teach English in China?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Marlan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Mandarin, the national language of... [Read more]
The Drastic Problems of Chinese Learners in English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Language has always played an important role in communication between people. Today, in the globalization, the importance of mastering a foreign language has become increasingly prominent. English is the most widely used language in the world.
English Status in China
Reasons for Low Results in English
Economical Challenges
Differences in Two Languages
Cultural Background
Lack of Proper Study
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Xiao W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
In the 21st century, English is not unfamiliar to us Chinese. In our life, we can find English everywhere with little... [Read more]
The Differences of Acquiring Mandarin Chinese as the First Language and English as the Second - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Susan T S G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Background
Definition of First vs Second Language
My Own Experiences with Acquired vs Learning Languages
Sentence Structures
Verbs and Alphabets
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Singapore is a multilingual and multi-ethnic society. We have four official languages Malay, English, Chinese (Mandarin), and Tamil, with Malay as our national language. English is used as the main medium of instruction in our education system and learning a second language is compulsory in school... [Read more]
Adapting CELTA techniques for teaching English to Chinese students - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Navigating the nuances of teaching English to Chinese students requires a tailored approach that considers their unique language background, cultural context, and learning preferences. As a teacher, it is crucial to adapt proven teaching techniques, such as those used in the CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) program, to effectively engage and support Chinese learners in their language acquisition journey.
Understanding the key differences between the English language and Chinese language structures is essential for creating targeted lesson plans that cater to the specific needs of Chinese students. For instance, the absence of verb conjugation in Chinese may result in challenges for learners when mastering English grammar rules. By incorporating interactive... [Read more]
English language proficiency as a key to international opportunities for Chinese students - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
In today's interconnected world, English language proficiency has become a key factor in accessing international opportunities. For Chinese students, mastering the English language opens doors to a wide range of academic, professional, and personal growth prospects on a global scale. As the lingua franca of business, diplomacy, and academia, English proficiency is not just a valuable skill but a necessity for those looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.
English proficiency is a crucial asset for Chinese students seeking to study abroad. Many of the world's top universities teach in English, and proficiency in the language is often a prerequisite for admission. By mastering English, Chinese students can access a wider range of academic programs, conduct... [Read more]
Teaching Speaking to Chinese English Learners - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The following essay is a summative task for my TEFL certification course. I have chosen the topic "Problems for learners in a country of your choice" and the country of focus is China. In the essay, I would like to answer the question "How to help Chinese learners improve their conversation skills?"
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State of the problem
Phonetic System
Chinese Censorship
Culture
Ways to Teach Speaking
Intonation and Stress
Speaking Activities
Motivation
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nastja S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The reason for choosing this topic and this title... [Read more]
Can I learn Chinese while teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Yes, it is possible to learn Chinese while teaching English abroad. While the main focus of teaching English abroad is on instructing students in the English language, many programs and schools offer opportunities for their teachers to learn the local language. Here are some common ways you can learn Chinese while teaching English abroad: Language classes: Some schools provide language classes for their teachers to learn the local language, including Chinese. These classes can be formal lessons or informal language exchanges with local colleagues or students. Cultural immersion: Living in a country where Chinese is spoken allows you to immerse yourself in the language and culture. Daily interactions with locals, such as shopping, dining out, or participating in community events, can help... [Read more]
How to Build Confidence in Chinese Business Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Self-confidence has been seen as a major contributor to a person learning a language. As a teacher and a counselor, I agree with Jack Welch's quote: Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do because then they will act. Confidence exists of three realms: who I am, what I can learn, and what I can do. These are steps that can be taken to help Chinese Business English students improve confidence in these realms.
What is self-confidence?
Who am I?
What can I learn?
What can I do?
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.... [Read more]
How Learning Chinese Made Me A Better English Teacher In China - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
The following blog post is about an ITTT graduate who shares his story on how learning Chinese helped him to become a better English teacher in China.
What do you call someone who speaks only one language?
"My insights into their language and culture were incredibly helpful."
"Many Chinese are anxious about speaking English with natives - more so than is to be considered normative."
"The best ESL teachers are the ones with experience with the native language of their students."
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Now it's your turn to get TEFL certified!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joseph S.
A common saying imparted to me by one of my professors goes like this: "What do you call someone who speaks three languages?... [Read more]
Why the Chinese Accent is so Difficult to Minimize in English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
As an aspirant teaching English to Chinese children, I chose 'Pronunciation problems of Chinese people' as the most attractive and the most useful topic for my summative task at this moment.
So let's begin from the very beginning.
The Second difficulty in pronunciation is so-called dark L or L's with no vowel sound after them.
How can the teacher help students to correct this?
Different Approaches
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As resources of this joyful and useful research on the internet, I have used three videos on Youtube made by the three experienced teachers of the English language. Only one of them works with children. And only one of them (accent coach from London, Luke Nicholson) gave a lot of live... [Read more]
Chinese Cuisine Guide - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: all-that-is-interesting . com/chinese-cuisine-guide
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Unusual Chinese Customs - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: www . businessinsider . com/chinese-customs-that-are-strange-to-foreigners-2015-10
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[Read more]
Mandarin Chinese Overview - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: www . mapsofworld . com/infographics/languages/infographic-of-mandarin-chinese . html
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The Typical Challenges for Chinese English Learners - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
This essay answers the question for number 10 "what are the main problems for learners in the country of China?" I am a professor at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China and share my observations. Our students are in the North American College (NAC), with partners in Canada at Lambton College and Northwood University, USA. Three areas are most interesting to their learning challenges: college preparation, listening and writing.
Exam System
Lexical Units
Digital Autism
Writing
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Annette P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Students enter NAC with a low score on... [Read more]
Common Issues for Chinese Learners of English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Over the decades, the English language has reached the status of a global language and is commonly known as the lingua franca around the world. It has become one of the most widely spoken language as a mother tongue, international communication as well as language taught in millions of schools around the globe. The use of the English language is widespread in many sectors in the global market as many organizations begin to adopt the language as an official language. In the economic world, the language plays a significant role in international trade/business between two of the most powerful global economic powerhouse mainly the United States of America and China.
English as a necessity
Demand in extracurricular activities
Common challenges... [Read more]
How to Help Chinese Native Speakers to Follow English Grammar Rules in Speaking - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Grammar is the rules governing the composition of clauses, phrases, and words in a natural language. Simply put, grammar is the general rule of a language. Language is logical; grammar tells us in which order we say words. It's about how words become phrases; how words and phrases become sentences and how sentences become language.
The Essence of Grammar
Different languages have different grammar rules
How to teach grammar (EFL: how to teach Chinese students English)
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yang S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Some of these rules are acquired naturally in... [Read more]
Advantages of learning English in the Chinese education system - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. Introduction
2. Importance of English in the Chinese Education System
3. Benefits of Learning English in China
4. Opportunities for English Teachers in China
In today's globalized world, proficiency in the English language has become increasingly essential. This is particularly true in China, where English is seen as a gateway to international opportunities and economic success. The Chinese education system places a strong emphasis on learning English, recognizing its importance in fostering communication skills, expanding career prospects, and facilitating cultural exchange on a global scale. As a result, there are numerous advantages to be gained from learning English within the Chinese education system.
English holds a prominent position in the Chinese education system, with students... [Read more]
Troubles Faced by Students from China When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
If you think of Chinese ESL students it is safe to assume that most teachers would immediately worry about how they should teach phonics to Mandarin speakers. It is also true that the media has portrayed the Chinese accent as one of the most challenging to understand or even get rid of.
Personal Experience
Phonetical Errors
Grammar Challenges
Problems Due to Geographical Origin of Students
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Graciela G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Usually, the first thing you will notice as an ESL teacher, speaking from experience, is the difficulty Chinese ESL students face... [Read more]
English Learning Problems For Chinese Native Speakers and Solutions - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Most teachers come to China to teach English with only a general idea about Chinese culture and language which they should have to deal with as soon as they arrive in China. The reason I chose this topic is that I am fluent in Chinese and have experienced Chinese culture in all its facets for over than seven years. But let's not beat around the bush and get down to the nitty-gritty.
Shyness/lack of confidence:
Grammar issues:
Pronunciation issues:
Th: /s/ instead of /th/
V: /w/ instead of /v/ (mostly with southern Chinese)
Lt: /t/ instead of /lt/
Intonation:
Lack of learning structure:
Do you want to teach English in China?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ruben M.
Chinese people often seem to be shy or... [Read more]
Common Struggles of the Chinese Native Speakers Learning English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Most researchers agree that the learner's first language influences the pronunciation of the target language and is a significant factor in accounting for foreign accents. So-called interference or interference from the first language is likely to cause errors in aspiration, stress, and intonation in the target language.
Phonetics
Unusual Sounds
Language Structure
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vesna A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Some Chinese students tend to have difficulty with English sounds because they are deeply influenced by similar Chinese sounds. However, they are very... [Read more]
Evaluation and Testing of Chinese Native Speakers Learning English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The issue of testing and/or evaluation is an important topic in general, however, it is of personal import to me because I currently work as a full-time ESL teacher in China, over half of who are pre-school and kindergarten age. In China, children begin primary school (first grade), at age seven, plus they have three years of mandatory kindergarten, which begins at age four. English is not taught in Chinese public schools until primary school (grade three), and then, for only forty minutes, three times per week. For these reasons, the average Chinese child is not formally taught English until they are nine years old, and even then, for only three hours per week.
Lack of English Environment
Challenges of Testing and Evaluation
Bilingualism
Vocabulary... [Read more]
The Most Common Challenges For Chinese Learners of English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
I am a lifelong ESL student myself. Every day I am learning something new from the books, from the things around me, and my students. For the last few years, I've been teaching the English language here in China, which is why I chose this topic. China is a great country with beautiful sceneries and very hard-working, enthusiastic, and friendly people. Learning any language is not an easy job. It requires patience, practice, and of course, a desire.
Chinese Students' Strongest vs. Weakest Abilities
Pronunciation
Motivation
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Buned... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Pronunciation And Phonology/phonetic Alphabet - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
A better way to go about imparting how to make sounds or what sounds are utilized in a word, is this international phonemic alphabet. Now we have as mentioned one symbol being used in all the words which share that same sound. Now once we get a little bit more familiar with our phonemic alphabet we can also show how different our different sounds can be as in this symbol for ?ooh?, this symbol for ?ow? and this symbol for ?uh?.
Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the... [Read more]
How to Help Chinese Native Speaking Students in Their ESL Practice - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
China is one of the leading countries in the world that has been in the search and quest to learn the English language. In recent years the demand to learn English has been on a rise. Every school tries to have a teacher who can teach the language to the learners. However, in this process of learning, many learners encounter a series of problems which make the language learning process not an easy task both for teachers and students. However, we are going to be looking at very common problems students learning English as a foreign language face in China.
First Language
Lack of Interest
Pronunciation Difficulties
Ways to Solve The Abovementioned Problems
1. Speak English to Students Only
2. Work on Building Students' Confidence
Do you want to teach... [Read more]
The Challenge of Being a TEFL Teacher in a Chinese Kindergarten - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Education is one of the most important and complex processes of all humans achievements, especially early childhood education. It requires good attention and hard work. Learning language is one part of those big achievements, once the language is given as a second language for young learners, therefore teaching English as a second language in primary institutions like kindergartens is a great challenge itself as for the students so for the teachers. Building a relationship with the children in the second language without utilizing their mother tongue demands great work. Teaching kids in the kindergarten must be motivating.
Teaching Skills
My TEFL Experience
Teachers' Attitude
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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... [Read more]
English Speaking and Writing Errors made by Chinese Primary Students - TEFL Blog
William Noble
Destinations Teaching Ideas
I have been an online ESL teacher to Chinese students for over 13 years, mostly with primary students but also with secondary and adult students. I am also a father and have homeschooled my daughter over her primary years. Like many teachers, I've enjoyed teaching at this level of education as it lays the foundation in English. As it set the foundation, my teaching helped students to overcome common errors in production skills, speaking and writing. Teaching both my daughter and Chinese students at the primary level also helped me also to understand the different expectations between first language and second language students.
Speaking Errors
Phonetics
Dark L
Aspiration
Consonant Clusters
Suprasegmentals
Intonation
Psychology
Writing Errors... [Read more]
CELTA teaching methods applied in Chinese educational settings - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Unlocking the Potential of CELTA Teaching Methods in Chinese Educational Settings
1. Understanding CELTA Teaching Methods
2. Implementing CELTA Techniques in Chinese Classrooms
3. Benefits of Utilizing CELTA Approaches in Chinese Education
4. Overcoming Challenges and Enhancing Learning Outcomes
As the demand for English language proficiency grows in China, the need for qualified and skilled English teachers becomes increasingly crucial. The Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA) is a renowned certification that equips educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively. In recent years, the application of CELTA teaching methods in Chinese educational settings has shown promising results in enhancing language learning outcomes among... [Read more]
