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The Struggles of Teaching Difficult English Language Patterns - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many different types of peculiarities when concerning the English language, and this essay is aimed at the difficulties in teaching those peculiarities to learners that are not fluent in the English language. It can be difficult for native English speakers to progressively learn the subtle nuances as children graduating to young adults and navigating complexities of the language as adults; deciphering whether or not these peculiarities warrant further investigation or retention based on usage and context. These oddities of the English language can be exponentially more difficult for those attempting to learn the English language as a second language, having fully grasped the complexities of their own language only to have to navigate the... [Read more]
Handling Difficult Situations with Calmness - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Table of Contents
Understanding the Importance of Remaining Calm
Developing Effective Communication Skills
Implementing Problem-Solving Strategies
Utilizing Stress Management Techniques
Cultivating Patience and Empathy
Establishing Boundaries and Assertiveness
Seeking Support and Guidance
Practicing Self-Care and Well-being
Reflecting and Learning from Experiences
Embracing Growth and Resilience
In challenging situations, maintaining a sense of calm is crucial for effective problem-solving and decision-making. By staying composed, individuals can think more clearly and rationally, leading to better outcomes. Moreover, a calm demeanor can help de-escalate tense situations and foster a sense of trust and respect with others. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) emphasizes the... [Read more]
How difficult is the in-person TEFL course? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The difficulty level of an in-person TEFL course can vary depending on the individual's prior experience, learning style, and commitment. Here are some factors to consider when determining the level of difficulty of an in-person TEFL course:
The typical workload for an in-person TEFL course can vary depending on the program and institution, but generally, it includes a combination of class hours, teaching practice, lesson planning, assignments, and assessments. Here is a breakdown of the typical workload for an in-person TEFL course:
Yes, there are typically prerequisites or qualifications required for in-person TEFL courses. These requirements may vary depending on the course provider, but some common prerequisites include:
[Read more]
6 Tips on How to Learn English Quickly - TEFL Blog
Kavinna Batra
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
English is a fun language to learn; however, it can even throw off the most professional learner with complex spelling rules and difficult grammar. Learning English quickly could seem difficult, even though it is considered to be accessible and reasonably easy for many to learn. I'm here to tell you that as long as you have the right plan, you can learn English quickly and easily.Table of Contents
Here are 6 tips on how to learn English quickly:
1. Don't get annoyed when you're down
2. Begin with what you truly need
4. Situate yourself in an English environment
5. Whatever Floats Your Boat
6. When you're in doubt, just ask!
Are you ready to teach English to speakers of other languages?
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Check out what our course grads say... [Read more]
How do I handle difficult parents or guardians as a TEFL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Effective communication with parents or guardians is crucial in the field of TEFL. It is essential for building a supportive network around the student and ensuring their success in learning English. When dealing with difficult parents or guardians, it is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge their concerns and try to see things from their perspective. By establishing open and respectful communication, you can work together to address any issues and find solutions that benefit the student.
When faced with challenging situations involving parents or guardians, it is important to remain calm and professional. Listen actively to their concerns and avoid becoming defensive. Instead, focus on finding common ground and working towards a mutually... [Read more]
How difficult is the TEFL exam? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The difficulty level of the TEFL exam can vary depending on individual factors such as prior teaching experience, language proficiency, and preparation. Here are some key points to consider regarding the difficulty of the TEFL exam:
The main areas covered in the TEFL exam typically include:
Yes, there are various study resources available to help you prepare for the TEFL exam. Practice Tests:
[Read more]
Why a Diverse-Aged Group is Difficult to Teach - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many potential problems when teaching is considered. With the teaching of a foreign language, especially in a culturally reserved country such as Turkey, the possible issues become bigger or more. I do not believe it would be very useful or beneficial neither for the teacher nor the students to put people with big age differences in the same class, trying to learn the same subject from the same teacher. There are many disadvantages as opposed to weak advantages in doing so.Table of Contents
Level of Motivation
Learning Goals
Interaction
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nalan F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent... [Read more]
Is it Difficult to Teach Children Online? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Most would say it's an almost impossible task, one that requires a lot of patience and repetition. How are you supposed to keep their interest? How do you communicate to them efficiently despite not being physically present? Teaching children may not be an easy task, however, I believe it would be a most rewarding one. Teaching online is something that I have been keen on and would like to venture into after completing this course. We are moving into a digital world where we will all soon be connected over the internet. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to reach and enrich the lives of children globally.Table of Contents
Is it a good choice?
Cultural exchange
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This post... [Read more]
Slang and Idioms: Why They Are Difficult to be Taught? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
As with all living languages, English is constantly evolving, slangs and idioms is an example of that. Slang and idioms are an integral part of written and spoken English; often it is employed by native speakers and has a deeper meaning than the literal phrase. Some might argue that slang and idioms are not 'proper' English and should not be part of the syllabus but people around the world are increasingly getting exposed to Western media. Students might encounter slangs and idioms when consuming authentic materials such as English films and books, where the characters would interact using normal lay speech. Perhaps the students are interested in all these words and phrases that are nonsensical when taken literally and would like to learn about it. The... [Read more]
Why Troubleshooting TEFL is the Most Difficult and Most Mind-Expanding? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Troubleshooting TEFL is the most interesting, culturally challenging, and socially difficult there is. It is as much a cultural and social exercise in communicating with and managing people, as it is an intellectual exercise in simply conveying language skills to academic students enrolled in an institution of learning. Furthermore, it is more complex and varied due to age differences, cultural diversity, and discrepancies in the motivation of students enrolling in TEFL classes. A teacher who teaches her/ his native language to native speakers of the same language, in her/ his native country will have it significantly easier when troubleshooting problem situations because such a teacher will know what's going on in those students' minds. Such a... [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.Table of Contents
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... [Read more]
"Has the Cat Got Your Tongue?": Teaching Slang and Idioms - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
When studying a new language, a student needs to learn more than what vocabulary can be found in a dictionary. To have a better grasp of the new language, a student must be exposed to other aspects of that language as well, such as the use of slang and idioms in that new language. This is because languages, especially English, are particularly fluid with regards to the use of slang and metaphorical language. Teaching students of English some common colloquialisms would thus be useful, especially in providing students a more cohesive understanding of the language. Providing students with this knowledge is especially important if the student intends to seek opportunities in countries where English is the most commonly used language or even in English... [Read more]
Why English Speaking is Difficult for Many Thai Learners - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Thailand is famously known as " the land of smiles". In some situations, smiling is the way to save face or to avoid conflicts. This often includes the time when Thai people have to communicate with foreigners in English and have no idea what the other meant. They simply smile to get out of a situation instead of making the best out of it by practicing their English speaking skill. On the other hand, they build up a fear of making mistakes and avoid being in that particular circumstance in the future. As English today plays important roles in tourism and the Thai economy as a whole, still, Thai people struggle to communicate effectively. Here are some areas suggested why it is difficult for Thai learners to improve their speaking skills.Table of Contents... [Read more]
Techniques to Transmit New and Difficult Concepts to Students - TEFL Blog
Ramon Perez
Teaching Ideas
Every day, we learn something new. It can happen on the street, at work, at school and even in our home. We can attain new skills and knowledge through our interactions with our surroundings. Utilizing our 5 senses and past experiences to make sense of what is going on, we can ascertain new concepts and make proper use of them in our daily lives. However, as a teacher, we are tasked with transmitting abstract concepts that become difficult to fully grasp through traditional methods. Consequently, some teachers rely on literal translations to bring the point across.Table of Contents
VISUAL AIDS
ACTING/ROLE PLAY
ENUNCIATION AND SPEECH
MIMING
CONCLUSION
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Since the student's exposure to the target language can be extremely limited outside of the... [Read more]
Why Teaching Business English Isn’t As Difficult As It Seems - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As a former teacher of English as a foreign language, I have some experience teaching business English. Majority of my classes were for general English conversation. However, as I continued teaching, my workload increased to include a few business-focused classes. At first, I was intimidated and nervous about teaching these students. Did I have enough knowledge about business to teach them? Would I have the information they needed? After a lot of preparation and a few lessons, I realized that business classes are not much different than regular English classes and I need not know much about business to be a successful business English teacher.Table of Contents
Businessmen Are Ordinary Learners
Teacher's Responsibilities
My Experience
Are You Ready to... [Read more]
Is TEFL / TESOL Certification difficult to pass? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Is TEFL / TESOL Certification challenging? How tough is the exam / course?
A comprehensive TEFL / TESOL course parallels the depth of a university-level class, demanding a committed investment of time and effort. Through thorough review of course materials and adherence to deadlines, students typically excel. Most TEFL / TESOL courses offer flexible timelines, ranging from 6 months to a year for completion. If online TEFL / TESOL study feels overwhelming, ensure your chosen course includes tutor support. With this feature, experienced TEFL / TESOL professionals assist and guide you, ensuring clarity and comprehension throughout your learning journey.Table of Contents
How challenging is the TEFL exam?
Typical TEFL / TESOL online course content.
Video Testimonials.
Contrary to common belief,... [Read more]
Reasons Why Pronunciation is More Difficult for Adults than Children in El Salvador - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Pronunciation problems in El Salvador is very common, as many know Spanish is the main Language in this country, people in El Salvador tend to speak their native Language all the time because this is what they feel more comfortable with, as there is not any other dialect, other than Spanish, they are taught English in school, English Is the only language taught in El Salvador in public schools, but only for those that can attend one, this is because there are many people that can't attend a school due to economic matter, family problems or due to the work that is done in their household many don't have time to study and there are kids that can't attend school because they have to work, but there are many that do go to school and take English... [Read more]
How can I handle difficult students as a TEFL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Difficult students can present a variety of challenges in the TEFL classroom. It's important to recognize that there can be various reasons behind their behavior, such as language barriers, cultural differences, personal issues, or learning disabilities. By understanding the root causes of their difficulties, you can better address and manage their behavior effectively. Observing their behavior patterns, communicating with them, and being empathetic can help you gain insights into their challenges.
When dealing with difficult students, it's crucial to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning. Consistent enforcement of rules and consequences can help maintain a structured learning environment. Implementing positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and rewards... [Read more]
How can I handle difficult students in a TEFL classroom? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
In a TEFL classroom, encountering difficult students is not uncommon. These students may exhibit a range of challenging behaviors, such as disruptive conduct, lack of motivation, or language barriers. It is essential to recognize that these behaviors often stem from underlying issues, such as personal struggles, cultural differences, or learning disabilities. By understanding the root causes of their behavior, teachers can approach these students with empathy and develop effective strategies to address their needs.
When faced with challenging students in a TEFL classroom, it is crucial to employ various strategies to manage their behavior effectively. One approach is to establish clear expectations and rules from the beginning, outlining consequences for misbehavior while also highlighting... [Read more]
Great Ideas for Teaching Writing Skills in the ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Teaching Ideas
Image by Alice Bolden via WritixTable of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
Think outside the box
Encourage creativity, not perfection
Encourage students to write about what interests them
Writing doesn't have to be a solo activity
Introduce multi-skilled lessons
Writing games
Are you ready to teach writing skills in your own classroom?
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Of all the language skills that are taught in the ESL classroom, teaching writing skills is often seen as one of the least popular. Some teachers consider these lessons to be a bit boring, hard to evaluate and somewhat limited in what you can incorporate into them. However, this doesn't have to be the case as teaching writing skills to your ESL students can actually be interesting, fun and productive. Take a... [Read more]
Is getting a TEFL or TESOL certificate difficult? - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information
When compared to the requirements to become a regular subject teacher in a state school in most countries throughout the world, entering the TEFL/TESOL market is relatively easy. In a state school a teaching degree is normally required. Gaining a teaching degree (B.Ed) usually takes three or four years of study dedicated to gaining subject knowledge and teaching skills. Whilst the same two areas are covered in any TEFL or TESOL certification course, the time taken to complete the course is greatly reduced. The typical TEFL or TESOL course may only take 120-hours. The teaching of EFL therefore offers you the opportunity to enter the teaching profession in a very short time, compared to the regular teacher training process.Table of Contents
Onsite courses:... [Read more]
How to Motivate Students to Learn a Foreign Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The study of a foreign language is not an easy road, it is determined by a set of factors, such as previous knowledge in this field, skills, ways of learning, exposure to the target language, etc. However, in my opinion, the most important role in this process is played by people's MOTIVATION to learn a new language, because it is the key element that makes students persevere through tough moments and it keeps alive the desire to discover and know new things. Every student who steps for the first time into an EFL classroom comes already with a certain degree of motivation, either because they need it for their jobs or because they want to study or work abroad, the reasons are various; nevertheless, it is up to the teacher to keep and increase this desire... [Read more]
How long does it take to get a TEFL job? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The duration to secure a TEFL job varies for each individual and depends on multiple factors. While it is challenging to provide a definitive timeframe, it is encouraging to note that most of our graduates secure English teaching positions shortly after completing their certification. Factors like the chosen country's job market competition and the applicant's qualifications can strongly influence the job search duration.Table of Contents
How does the destination impact on TEFL job recruitment?
How do hiring seasons impact on TEFL job recruitment?
How can an individual teacher boost his TEFL job prospects?
One of the biggest factors is where you choose to work, as the demand for teachers varies greatly from region to region and country to country. China has such a huge demand... [Read more]
3 Steps for Dealing with a Student with Challenging Behavior - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
It is highly likely that at some point in a teacher's career they will be faced with the task of managing the behavior of a child with additional needs. However, managing students with challenging behavior can be extremely stressful for all those involved. It is critical that when problems arise in the classroom, teachers take the appropriate steps to address any issues.Table of Contents
Investigate the Reason for the Bad Behavior
Acknowledge Both Positive and Negative Behaviors
Be Consistent!
Listen to this blog post
Are you ready to teach English abroad?
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This post was written by our ITTT graduate Ashleigh S.
In order to effectively manage student behavior in the classroom, teachers need to be aware of the impact that the environment... [Read more]
Dealing With Challenging Behavior: How Not to Lose Face in Front of Your Class - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Being a teacher is an art that should be learned with a lot of patience, devotion and a great wish. It should embrace many years of constant self â development, training, willingness for knowledge, stable mind and character.Table of Contents
What is Important to do as a Teacher?
Teacher's Authority
Students' Reasons to Misbehave
Satisfying Students' Requests
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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It is an interesting profession that takes time and experience to achieve and accomplish. It is not only about finishing a degree in teaching, but it is also a psychological lifetime training.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tatiana P. Please note that this blog post might not... [Read more]
How to Deal with Sensitive Situations in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) involves dynamic, cross-cultural English language instruction, requiring a level of intentional, service-oriented cultural sensitivity and awareness with new English learners that may not be so readily understood or relevant with native speakers from the United States of America. Beyond the memorization of rote grammar, language proficiency, public speaking, reading comprehension, and other elements of linguistic aptitude, there must first be a deliberate recognition of the unique challenges of a non-native speaker of the English language. While our units do not suggest that instructors allow learners to speak in their native tongue regularly, its use does not necessarily suggest an avoidance or... [Read more]
English as a Global Language through the Length of Other Languages Development - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
English is the language of the modern world. All people around the world know the English language in our life, because we need it in our work and sometimes when we meet other people from other cultures, maybe they are not from Britain or America but we almost think they are talking English. That doesn't mean our language isn't important. Sure all people love their language, but the first language now used as a global language in the world is English agree or disagree.Table of Contents
International affairs
It is a very flexible language
Its grammar is generally simpler than most languages
Advantages of using English as a global language:
Disadvantages of using English as a global language:
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course... [Read more]
Reading as a Part of Language Acquisition - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
In the following essay, I have chosen to explain my personal experience on why reading can be an invaluable resource in both primary (L1) and secondary (L2) language acquisition.Table of Contents
Reading in Early Childhood
Lack of Authentic Materials
Migration
Real-Life Practice
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Manuel G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
As a very young child, my mother read to me at night until I fell asleep. By the age of 2, I could speak in simple but uninterrupted sentences with proper syntax. By a few months after my third birthday, I was able to read the same... [Read more]
How to Teach the Correct Pronunciation of L, R, V, and F - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Many students of English as a Second Language (ESL) find that, of the many struggles they have with the language, pronunciation is the most difficult to master.Table of Contents
Working on Fluency
Difficult Sounds: Part 1
How to Teach?
Difficult Sounds: Part 2
How to Teach?
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Listen to this blog post
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sophie M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Pronunciation is an extremely important ability to have to sound more fluent in English. By gaining the knowledge and skill of proper pronunciation, an ESL student can come across at a much higher level of English ability and... [Read more]
Where is the best place to teach English in Spain? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
For TEFL-qualified teachers seeking the best places to teach English in Spain, top cities to consider include Madrid, the vibrant capital; Barcelona, known for its rich art and architecture; and Seville, the heart of Andalusian culture. Other noteworthy options include Granada and Palma de Mallorca, both of which offer unique cultural experiences and teaching opportunities.
Also read: How do I find a job teaching English in Spain?Table of Contents
Madrid
Barcelona
Seville
Granada
Palma de Mallorca
The capital of Spain, Madrid, houses over 3 million residents, and its thriving English language learning community ensures an abundance of teaching positions. Both public schools and private language institutes frequently seek new staff, while private tutoring can provide a profitable avenue. On... [Read more]
