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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]
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.
Is it a good choice?
Cultural exchange
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our... [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]
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.
Onsite courses:
Online courses:... [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.
Cultural Aspects... [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.
How challenging is the TEFL exam?
Typical TEFL / TESOL online course content.
Video Testimonials.
Contrary to common belief, there isn't a... [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.
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 classroom, it's... [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.
Level of Motivation
Learning Goals
Interaction
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 Nalan F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [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]
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.
Businessmen Are Ordinary Learners
Teacher's Responsibilities
My Experience
Are You Ready to Teach Business... [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 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]
"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]
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 classes.... [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 Writix
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 look at these... [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]
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.
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 in our many... [Read more]
What are the most common misconceptions about teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
One common misconception about teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate is the belief that fluency in the local language is necessary. While it can be helpful to know some of the local language to navigate daily life, most TEFL teaching positions actually require teachers to conduct classes solely in English. In fact, being a native or near-native English speaker is often a primary requirement for these positions, as the goal is to create an immersive English-speaking environment for students. Therefore, while knowing the local language can be advantageous, it is not a prerequisite for teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate.
Another misconception is that obtaining a TEFL certification guarantees immediate employment as an English teacher abroad. While having a TEFL... [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.
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 plays in meeting or... [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?
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 average, Madrid... [Read more]
The Challenges of Teaching Business English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Teaching English as a foreign language presents several opportunities as well as choices for a teacher. Certainly, there are numerous teaching positions around the world in traditional, classroom settings, and most ESL teachers will spend time in those settings. For many teachers, the classroom setting is a fulfilling endeavor; however, other outlets exist for teaching English, including teaching business English.
Business English teaching vs. teaching for other purposes
Teaching experience
Running an Activity
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Robert E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
There... [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.
Reading in Early Childhood
Lack of Authentic Materials
Migration
Real-Life Practice
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 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 children's books that... [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.
Working on Fluency
Difficult Sounds: Part 1
How to Teach?
Difficult Sounds: Part 2
How to Teach?
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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 intelligence.... [Read more]
Specific Challenges of One-to-One teaching and Ways to Overcome Them with the Help of the TEFL Course Content - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
I have taught English in a classroom setting to large groups of adults for 4 years through a non-profit agency located in a mixed-race urban area of the United States. More recently, I have been teaching English to foreign learners on a one-to-one basis via video chat, also for four years. Given this background, I can speak from a wealth of personal experience to the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each. As my goal is to continue to teach individuals online, I was admittedly skeptical of what I might gain from a TEFL course, as most certification programs are geared toward classroom teaching abroad. Having completed the ITTT course, I find myself very satisfied with having gone through the process, as I have gained many new resources for my... [Read more]
What are the best ways to communicate with parents and guardians as a TEFL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Effective communication with parents and guardians is crucial for the success of TEFL students. It helps in creating a supportive learning environment, understanding students' needs, and fostering a strong partnership between teachers and families. When parents are involved in their child's language learning journey, students tend to be more motivated and engaged in the classroom. Regular communication also allows teachers to address any concerns or issues promptly, leading to better outcomes for the students.
To communicate effectively with parents and guardians, TEFL teachers should utilize various strategies. Firstly, establishing open and positive relationships from the beginning is essential. Teachers can do this by sending out welcome letters, organizing parent-teacher conferences,... [Read more]
"Authentic" English: 3 Tips for Implementing Authentic Materials in Language Classrooms - TEFL Blog
Laura Payne
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Authentic materials are media that native speakers of a language encounter in their everyday lives, which are not specifically created for language students. TV programs, newspaper articles, books, songs, YouTube videos, and more all fall under this term.
1. Take advantage of pre-teaching.
2. Focus on a single language point and give your students a clear goal.
3. Vary the role authentic materials play in your lessons.
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
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Incorporating authentic materials into ESL classrooms has numerous merits, but the high language level required to understand these materials often causes teachers to rarely or never include them in classes below an intermediate language level. However,... [Read more]
Top Strategies for Teaching English Vocabulary - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
While learning the second language, we all want to speak fluently as much as we can. What do we need to speak fluently; grammar, vocabulary, structure or other knowledge of language? Let's think that we know all the grammar rules and structures. How can we speak without a lack of knowledge of vocabulary? The most difficult part of learning a second language is to learn vocabulary because words are easy to forget and are confusable. As a teacher, our role in teaching vocabulary is vital. Teaching vocabulary is the most important part of teaching the second language so we need to use a mix of teaching methods and techniques. In this article, we see how we can use some of the methodologies and techniques efficiently to teach vocabulary.
Word Meaning... [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.
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 that there are often... [Read more]
