Efl Classroom

Fri, 08 Jul 2022 Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Discipline in the EFL Classroom Our consideration here is going to be discipline within the classroom. Table of Contents Watch the video about this topic The major things that you should consider include the following: Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! From your own experiences at school you will know that some teachers have more discipline problems than others. Whilst there are no set rules which will work for all situations that you find yourself in, there are some things that we can do to stop problems arising in the first place. One of the major causes of problems is when students do not respect the teacher and...  [Read more]

Mon, 15 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences The Impact of Local Culture on Education in Laos The local cultural environment undoubtedly plays a crucial role in a community's education system. When specifically talking about developing countries, it is unavoidable to include Laos among those with a strong cultural background. Although Laos can be considered a fairly small country, it surprisingly contains more than 45 different ethnic groups, most of which boast their own traditions, culture, and language. This is a peculiar context that certainly needs to be taken into consideration when talking about education development. In a country like Laos, where old traditions and beliefs are still strongly followed by the community, the education system tends to absorb many of the...  [Read more]

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Revolutionize Your EFL Lessons with ChatGPT: Creative Tips and Tricks for Teachers Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a game-changer across various industries, including education. The integration of AI tools in the classroom has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn and teachers teach. One such tool is ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that simulates conversation with human users. In this blog post, we will delve into what AI and chatbots are and how ChatGPT can be used in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. We will also explore the benefits and challenges of using AI tools like ChatGPT in education. Table of Contents Watch the live webinar about this topic Defining ChatGPT, chatbots, and...  [Read more]

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 Mark Crocker Teaching Ideas Top Time Fillers for an EFL Classroom As every TEFL certified English teacher will know, it is all too common to find you have completed the lesson but there is still time left before the end of the class. While first-time teachers might panic in this position, experienced teachers will always have a few go-to activities to use in these situations. To help you out we have put together the following suggestions for fun, educational activities that can be brought out with little or no preparation. Table of Contents Telephone Pictionary The Never-Ending Story Why/Because Charades Whiteboard Slam Would You Rather Open Questions Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Telephone This is a classic old...  [Read more]

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Self-Analysis in Teaching EFL/ESL Classroom Teachers need to continuously monitor and evaluate their teaching techniques so that they can better prepare themselves to address unpredictable situations, as well as set realistic expectations for themselves and their students. The ultimate objective is to improve the quality of the service that is being provided and guarantee the effectiveness of the overall environment, resources, communication, and teaching techniques. Self-analysis is also about identifying thinking patterns and habits that are counterproductive and why and how they can be managed. What is more, the practice of self-analysis certainly generates more motivation to dig deeper and begin identifying and addressing...  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas 5 Great Activities For Black History Month in the EFL Classroom It's Black History Month! Now, Black History often falls short in EFL classrooms but if you are able to include it into your EFL curriculum abroad (and you should!) here is an important reason to do so: Table of Contents 5 Great Activities for Black History Month in the EFL Classroom 1. Class Meeting 2. Read Alouds 3. Biographies 4. Black History Biography Necklaces 5. Interactive Board Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: You get to focus on the amazing culture, history, and contributions of Black people, something a lot of EFL students would never otherwise learn. 5 Great Activities for Black History Month in the EFL Classroom 1....  [Read more]

Games in the Classroom   What are ESL games? ESL games are games that can be used in the classroom to practice certain language points and encourage active and creative communication between your students. There are many different games created specifically for use in the English language classroom that can be found online or in any number of resource books. But we are not limited only to those games designed for the class. The majority of games that we played as children or still play as adults can be adapted and used in lessons. Whether games are co-operative or competitive, they provide students with a goal and in the English classroom this goal can only be reached by using the English they have learnt. Common Misconceptions about games in the classroom. "Games are fun but...  [Read more]

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Games in the Classroom: What are EFL games? ESL games are games that can be used in the classroom to practice certain language points and encourage active and creative communication between your students. Table of Contents Common misconceptions about games in the classroom How to use games in the classroom Good resources for games to use in the EFL classroom Listen to this blog post Get creative and have fun while teaching English abroad! Related Articles: There are many different games created specifically for use in the English language classroom that can be found online or in any number of resource books. But we are not limited only to those games designed for the class; the majority of games that we played as children or still play...  [Read more]

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Useful Tips for Managing a Kindergarten EFL Classroom It is a tough task to master management skills for any age, especially the younger ones. Most activities for young learners are games and songs that require an exciting, fun atmosphere for students and an energetic teacher. Therefore, in order to produce a good lesson with lots of fun but still to keep students in the discipline, the teacher must work harder and be very careful and clever in any situation. Table of Contents It's all about the energy The sine graph Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Trang...  [Read more]

Thu, 14 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How to Motivate Students in the EFL Classroom Brown (2001, p. 72) claims that "One of the more complicated problems of second language learning and teaching has been to define and apply the construct of motivation in the classroom". Motivation is a significant determinant of success in learning a second or foreign language. "It can be defined as a driving force that pushes someone to do something" (Astuti, 2013, p. 14). Without motivation, it seems to be impossible to achieve success in foreign language learning. "Motivation could be considered as the emotion that a person could have towards learning a foreign language, and it is determined by his/her predisposition and personality characteristics." (Karahan, 2007, p. 2). Table of...  [Read more]

Fri, 13 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Using Multiple Intelligence Theory in an EFL Classroom In 1983, Dr. Howard Garner presented his theory of multiple intelligences in his book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1). His theory suggests that IQ, which is a more traditional form of measuring intelligence, is far too limited in its range of testing (1). Although not all of the intelligence included in the theory can be targeted easily when preparing a learning activity, multiple intelligence learning is a good theory to apply to teach English as a foreign language. This is because it can be used to teach at any level, and a strong intelligence can be used to develop skills involving a weaker one. Table of Contents Types of intelligences Ways to use MI...  [Read more]

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 Federico Riva Teaching Ideas What Games to Use in Your EFL Classroom Growing up, hearing the word games in the classroom was almost always associated with a lack of concentration on the students' side or maybe just a side note on activities to be done during recess. Today, especially after taking this course, I have come to see just how essential academic games could be! From young learners to mature scholars, everyone always goes back to a classroom at some point and the fact that classrooms are now evolving makes the learning process more and more interesting. Table of Contents Classroom Games Importance Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brianna C. Please note that...  [Read more]

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Best Stress Relieving Techniques for an EFL Classroom Helping students manage and overcome stress as they learn English is critical to their success in language-learning. I would suggest five ways of helping students in this area. First of all, teachers can help by bringing fun into the classroom. Secondly, teachers should prepare students well for exams. Thirdly, they should be aware of, and attempt to alleviate unnecessary pressure from parents. Fourthly, teachers might remind students that learning is a life-long endeavor. And fifthly, they should be vulnerable in sharing any personal failures of language learning. Table of Contents What is Stress? Common Sources of Stress How to Overcome Stress Do you want to teach English...  [Read more]

Wed, 12 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 3 Fun Flashcard Activities for the EFL Classroom The idea of flashcards is essentially very simple. They are meant to introduce vocabulary and review existing vocabulary already learned in the classroom. Other than this, flashcards can be placed around the classroom for students' reference when performing activities. They may be used in drilling activities as well but this may also get boring for the students, and should be mainly used for sparking creativity and classroom games. Some of the possible flashcard ideas include, and are not limited to the following; Table of Contents Name cards The missing card activity The final flashcard activity Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Thu, 13 Dec 2018 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas The Most Useful Corrections Techniques in the EFL Classroom Whether in the classroom or at the grading desk, the word "corrections" might bring to mind an answer list or possibly a red pen. For English language, linguistic and spelling errors are generally the focus of these corrections. However, where English language acquisition is concerned, such a focus can interrupt the natural flow of conversation and even set the learning process backwards. Table of Contents Kudos Before Criticism Errors in Writing Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Petra W. Kudos Before Criticism In the classroom, a good first rule is to offer kudos...  [Read more]

Fri, 14 Sep 2018 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Guide to Teaching Receptive Skills in the EFL Classroom When students learn English as a second language, there are two types of skills that they work towards obtaining proficiency of: receptive and productive skills. As an EFL teacher, you need to understand how to incorporate the learning of these skills into your lessons - and this guide will help you with that. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Receptive Skills Definition Motivations for the Students Challenges for the Students Planning Your Lessons Considering the Motivations and Challenges Great Resources for Teaching Receptive Skills Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video...  [Read more]

Mon, 13 May 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Repitition & Rhythm - Using Songs in the EFL Classroom Songs, what are songs? Merriam-Webster define a song as a short poem or other set of words set to music or meant to be sung OR a single (and often standalone) work of music that is typically intended to be sung by the human voice with distinct and fixed pitches and patterns using sound and silence and a variety of forms that often include the repetition of sections. I will like to emphasize on some major factors that makes songs in the classroom very important in learning a new language and the general upbringing of children. Table of Contents Using Music, Songs and Rhymes as a Teaching Aid Songs - a Tool for Memorization, Coordination, and Imagination Carefully Selecting...  [Read more]

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why You Should Use Games in the EFL Classroom Nobody doubts that motivated students learn better and assimilate taught contents more easily than non-motivated ones but keeping students motivated and engaged during class is one of the teachers' biggest challenges. Playing games in class, though, seems to be of great help when it comes to engaging, reinforce materials and retain the attention of students. Another positive point is that games can be used at any moment in the teaching process by any level. The usages are diverse varying from teaching to getting feedback, not to mention that having students playing games reduces drastically Teacher's Talking Time turning classes more student-centered. Table of Contents Interaction and Fun...  [Read more]

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom Management: How to Regulate a Large EFL Class Managing a class involves organizing and controlling a class. It also involves having a relaxed manner and a sense of discipline. The class has to be interesting for the learners. A large class can be fun if managed well by the teacher. Table of Contents The first thing to do as a teacher is to fix the arrangement of the classroom Lesson stage Teaching materials Clear rules Appropriate activities A teacher should use the board effectively in a large class Giving responsibilities to the learners can help the lesson to be organized in a large class Attention grabbing techniques Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Role of the Teacher in an EFL Classroom The world is changing, mindsets are changing and so is teaching. Although the basic qualities of a teacher remain the same, a teacher has to be adaptable to ensure that maximum growth, maturity, knowledge gain, motivation, and success is achieved in their classroom. Table of Contents 1. The teacher is a participant 2. The teacher is a facilitator 3. The teacher is a counselor 4. The teacher is a resource 5. The teacher is an assessor 6. The teacher is a manager 7. The teacher as an evaluator Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ashleigh C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [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]

Thu, 12 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Drilling: Effective or Outdated in a Modern EFL Classroom? As an instructional strategy, drilling is familiar to all educators. It is best defined as a disciplined and repetitious exercise, used as a mean of teaching and perfecting a skill or procedure. As an instructional strategy, it promotes the acquisition of knowledge or skill through systematic training by multiple repetitions, rehearse, practice, and engages in a rehearsal to learn or become proficient. It is also a common method used by many teachers when introducing new languages to their students. The skills built through drill-and-practice become the foundational building blocks for more meaningful learning. Table of Contents Benefits Disadvantages Personal Experience Do...  [Read more]

The Future Tenses - Lesson on Future Tenses in the EFL Classroom   Here are helpful tips how to identify the various future tenses in the English language and complete worksheets successfully. The video also helps you to structure an effective lesson around the future tenses in an EFL classroom around the world. 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 next. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Check out ITTT's Blog Posts  [Read more]

Archives for July 2023 Why Is Motivation Important in the Classroom? Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Discover why motivation is crucial in the classroom. Building relationships, setting clear goals, and using engaging activities are key to inspiring students. Learn more in this insightful post. The Benefits of Larger Classes in EFL Teaching Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Explore the benefits of larger classes in education, comparing class sizes in the UK and Vietnam. Gain a different perspective on the advantages from an Asian country. Consider the potential benefits of implementing a main teacher and apprentice teacher system in the UK. Why Classroom Management is an Important Skill for EFL Teachers Federico Riva TEFL Information...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Read my articles Business English: Do’s and Don’ts | ITTT | TEFL Blog Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas The teaching of Business English has a number of differences from teaching regular classes in a school. The student groupings are often mixed and they will be learning English for a whole variety of reasons. In this blog we look at some of the do’s and don’ts of teaching BE. Games in the Classroom | ITTT | TEFL Blog Federico Riva TEFL Information Games can be very useful in all stages of a lesson if used correctly. As most games are not invented for use as EFL activities they will need to be adapted. In this blog we will look at a couple of very well known games and how they can be used for speaking practice activities. ...  [Read more]

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Evaluation and Testing in EFL and ESL Classrooms Most of us grew up being constantly evaluated by taking a wide variety of tests for all kinds of subjects, all with the goal to show how much you know and how capable are you. Throughout school years teachers evaluate your performance, and your knowledge they based on of on the results from several quizzes, exams, and tests, and commonly based on results they know how to approach each student's needs, or so they assume that the standardized score is accurate. Growing up you learn whether or not you are a test taker, you will find those who do amazing on tests but do not really pay attention in class, you will also find those who get really nervous and struggle but still do well, and...  [Read more]

Should we teach culture in the EFL classroom? Put simply, language is a verbal expression of culture which means that culture clearly has to be seen as an important part of language learning. Although it is important to learn the vocabulary and grammar of English during lessons, to truly grasp what the language means to native speakers it is vital that EFL students learn as much as possible about the culture of English speaking nations. The good news is that students generally love learning about cultural issues, whether it is music, films, books, and TV, or other things such as food or fashion. So, how can we incorporate culture into our EFL lessons to make them interesting and productive? Use authentic materials Authentic materials can be anything that native English speakers might use...  [Read more]

Should we teach culture in the EFL classroom? Absolutely. Language is deeply intertwined with culture, serving as its vocal representation. While mastering vocabulary and grammar is crucial, to fully understand the essence of English, EFL students should immerse themselves in the culture of English-speaking nations. This entails exploring cultural facets like music, films, literature, culinary traditions, and even fashion. Incorporating cultural elements not only enriches EFL lessons but also resonates with students, making the learning process more engaging and comprehensive. Table of Contents Use authentic materials Compare two cultures Introduce live native speakers Use food as a tool Use songs as a tool Use Online Resources Use authentic materials Authentic materials can be anything...  [Read more]

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Why Classroom Management is an Important Skill for EFL Teachers Classroom management is an important element for having a successful classroom, especially for an EFL teacher. It goes beyond having a clean and organized room; it is a skill necessary for creating an effective learning environment. When a teacher possesses proper classroom management skills, they can establish a positive atmosphere that can significantly impact a student's life. An organized classroom and effective classroom control provide a greater chance of building relationships and gaining trust and respect from students. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss two important steps and provide examples of classroom management, highlighting why...  [Read more]

Wed, 18 Jul 2018 Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas How to Set Up Your EFL Classroom the Right Way Once you've decided on a proper desk arrangement (read the post if you haven't yet!), it's time to think about the set-up of the rest of the classroom, including the students themselves. This post explores how to set up your EFL classroom the right way to maximize efficiency and fun with your students. Table of Contents The Right Student Placement Placing Your Equipment Effectively Decorating Your Classroom Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: The Right Student Placement So you've got the desks arranged in one of the recommended set-ups and now you need to fill those chairs with your students. If you don't know the students or you are begining a...  [Read more]