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The Importance of ESL Classroom Setup - TEFL Blog
Mudita Yajnik
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Classroom setup is an important part of setting up a welcoming and friendly environment. It is the foundation on which a teacher can build strong relationships with their students, and build a more student-centered class while incorporating their passions into their work.
It's all about first impressions!
Bring your personality into the classrroom!
Creating a calming environment
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The way a classroom is set up is a great first impression for students, which means it's important for teachers to put in an effort to make their classroom a welcoming environment. Moreover, a fun classroom set up can... [Read more]
Classroom Seating Setups - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Classroom seating arrangements are just as paramount as any other an aspect of teaching and lesson management. An effective classroom seating arrangement or lack thereof can easily be the difference between an optimally performing class and a mediocre class. As a teacher, one needs to create a synergy between the chosen classroom setup and the teacher's style of teaching, the students' personalities, the classroom furniture and the classroom space itself. A host of factors influence the most effective classroom seating arrangements and some of which shall be discussed in this summary. It is also important to note is that some of these influential factors are so dynamic (may even change with every new day or new lesson) such that a teacher needs to remain... [Read more]
Classroom Management as a Skill in the Modern ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Classroom management is the skill of organizing and managing the class, having a friendly, relaxed manner, and maintaining discipline. Good classroom management allows students to increase their motivation. Motivation has an impact on a student's academic performance. The main purpose of assigning jobs is to teach them some responsibility.
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Satinder K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
While they do learn how to be responsible by taking care of their belongings and keeping their desks clean and organized, a classroom job helps students keep the room smoothly.... [Read more]
Classroom Management Techniques You Can Implement in Your ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Classroom management is an important topic to be familiar with especially when you are teaching young learners. Bad classroom management skills can result in a very unproductive lesson for you and the students, leaving the students with not much to take home and leaving the teacher exhausted. The main classroom management situation I will be talking about today is managing student behavior.
Poor Classroom Management Reasons
Look at why the student is being disruptive.
Rewards
Plan
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tarryn-L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The first thing we going to look at is... [Read more]
Strategies for celebrating success in an ESL classroom
Sarah Jennings
Teaching Ideas
By Kyle Cullinan
The journey of learning English as a second language is enriched by dedicated TEFL/TESOL qualified teachers who bring expertise and passion to their classrooms. These educators play a pivotal role in nurturing language proficiency while fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. Recognising student achievements goes beyond mere acknowledgment—it's about celebrating the milestones that reflect their academic progress, leadership qualities, artistic talents, community contributions, and personal growth. Through recognition ceremonies, personalised awards, and engaging showcases, we not only bolster student confidence but also inspire others to strive for excellence.
Celebrate the... [Read more]
What is Classroom Management and How Does it Affect the ESL Classroom? - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Classroom management can be defined as the ability or skill to organize the class. This will involve the use of the eyes, the voice, and different gestures. Classroom management will also involve group arrangements which can consist of the whole class, individuals or pair work. The use of student's names, desk arrangements, use of the board, giving individual attention, and teacher talk time also fall under the label of classroom management.
The Basic Teaching Tools
Student Arrangements in the Classroom
Other Important Factors of Classroom Management
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Taurayi G.
Use of the eyes. They say the eyes are a... [Read more]
Motivating Students In An ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Motivation is a crucial part of learning and it has grave importance especially in an ESL classroom. Language teachers should be aware of their role in motivating their students and take responsibility while teaching. Students tend to get easily demotivated while they are learning a new language since it involves making many mistakes and devoting a lot of time and effort. Teachers should help their students to keep their motivation level high. There are three main steps for motivating learners. Teachers should start with setting attainable goals, blend their needs and interests while teaching and acknowledge their accomplishments.
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Challenging Goals
Inclusive Lesson Planning
Giving a feedback
Are you ready to teach English... [Read more]
ESL Classroom Observation of Teaching Techniques - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The instructional lesson which was observed for this assignment was English as a second language classroom listening lesson. There were four students in the room during this lesson. These four students ranged in age from grades ninth through twelfth. Two students were male and two students were female. There was one instructor in the room. The primary teaching methodology used by the instructor in this ESL course was The Task-based approach to language learning. This instructor did well in explaining details, breaking down complicated topics, and conveying her message. But, she hindered her lesson by maintaining too stern of a tone for the duration of the class and maintaining no form of visual aid.
Review
Approach
Teaching Skills
Problems
Do you want to... [Read more]
Storytelling Activities for the ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Storytelling can be useful to enhance students' imaginations as well as improve a wide variety of skills such as listening, comprehension, order, memory, and vocabulary. It is targeted for all ages, but best to start earliest possible to allow students to develop a liking towards reading. Storytelling can come with different forms of follow-up activities to further increase teaching efficiency as well as to check understanding of the students through elicitation. This essay will be focused on mainly storytelling activities for young learners in schools.
Activities
Experience
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jin K. Please note that this blog post might not... [Read more]
Implementing Music in an ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many reasons that using songs in the classroom is important. The first, music speeds up learning. The 1960s was the moment when scholars began to examine the possibility of increasing memory abilities with music.
Research in the Field
In classroom
Other purposes to use music
Group work
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Huong T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
A series of creative experiments performed by Dr. Georgi Lozanov and Evelyna Gateva and their findings revolutionized teaching methodology. It initiated the whole brain learning method called Accelerated Learning. Knowledge... [Read more]
7 Steps to ESL Classroom Gamification - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Games are great tools to motivate students and encourage them to learn things informally. However, ESL classroom games must have a purpose and support the learning process and not distract from it.
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1. Set a Clear Goal
2. Divide the Goal into Simpler Steps
3. Choose a Cool Game Format
4. Personalize the Game
5. Create Motivation Badges
6. Design a Leaderboard
7. Consider Various Approaches to the Game
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In this blog post, our ITTT TEFL expert shares seven steps to gamify your ESL classroom effectively.
Before starting a game with your... [Read more]
Playing Games in an ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
"Play is our brain's favorite way of learning" – Diane Ackerman.
Game Rules
Adaptability to Age Differences
Other Groups Types
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Danila E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I could not agree more with the quote above as playing games in the classroom has many advantages:The main thing needed for a successful process of learning is, of course, motivation. And playing games certainly increases students' interest and their willingness to participate in the class.... [Read more]
Songs in the ESL Classroom for Younger Beginners - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Music-based learning is an effective technique to develop English proficiency within an early youth classroom. Classroom-based singing can create a fun learning environment and lead to the development of musical skills, social interaction, and English vocabulary.
Simple Rhymes
Examples of Suitable Rhyme Songs
Involving the Class
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This post was written by our ITTT graduate Patrick H.
The most effective method for younger learners is the use of various simple rhymes. Rhymes are simple in nature and may easily be adapted to the current material that is being taught. The teacher and students will benefit most from a circular seating arrangement as it allows both... [Read more]
ESL classroom tools - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. The Importance of ESL Classroom Tools
2. Types of ESL Classroom Tools
3. How ITTT Can Help Enhance Your ESL Classroom
4. Conclusion
In the field of English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching, the use of effective classroom tools is paramount in creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment for students. ESL classroom tools not only assist teachers in conveying information more efficiently but also help students to grasp concepts more readily. These tools can range from traditional resources like textbooks and flashcards to modern technological aids such as educational software and online platforms. With the right mix of tools, teachers can cater to diverse learning styles and enhance the overall educational experience for their students.
There is a wide array of ESL classroom... [Read more]
Songs In an Early Childhood ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
It is a very well known fact that English is a very melodic language, it sounds very soft and children love singing in English. When you keep a certain rhythm, rhyme, and pace, it is very likely to learn faster and better almost any topic.
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Young Learners
The objective would be to sing and to touch the body parts at the same time.
Both engage and practice stages are important during the lesson as they will have to be well balanced and guided.
More Ideas
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Valeria T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
For a group of very young... [Read more]
Features of ESL Games in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A lot of activities can be settled and performed in a classroom to teach a non-native language. From tasks until routine exercises, a wide range of dynamics might be applied for a teacher. But games have different and unique features for a lesson, and its matter and characteristics need to be debated for developing consistent teaching of content.
What is a Game?
What is the Game for?
Game Directions
Sense of Competence
Communication
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Fábio A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
First of all, it must keep in mind the concept of a game, which could be described as... [Read more]
Phonetics and Phonology in the ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
What is phonology? Most students have not even heard about it. Whenever I ask my students whether they know or have ever learned about phonetics, the same answers come out, "No, we don't know about it at all". It is no wonder they reply like this because there is no phonetic teaching lesson in English classes from KG to high school here in my country. As for me, I got to study about this only when I attended college. Even then, it wasn't taught comprehensively and I only learned very little. So I couldn't read nor write phonetic symbols very well. Thus I thought it was the most difficult part of studying English.
Reasons to pay attention to phonetics
Phonetics in the early years
Benefits
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Related... [Read more]
The Secrets of Organizing Any ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Effective teachers not only possess expertise in content knowledge but they are also great classroom managers. If teachers cannot manage their students then they cannot teach their students. Learning will only take place when the classroom is well managed. The first day of school is the most important day for teachers to create 'rules' in the classroom.
The Essence of Classroom Management
Teacher Responsibilities
Relationships
Expectations and Directions
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nikki D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Classroom management must happen on the very first day of school... [Read more]
ESL Teacher's Responsibilities in a Modern Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Teaching is considered an activity of imparting knowledge, skills, attitude, and value from one person to another. The one who is more knowledgeable and skilled and imparts the knowledge, skills, philosophy, and value is the teacher, while the other person who receives the knowledge, skills, philosophy, and value is the learner. Teachers play some critical roles in the school, and below are some of them.
1. How to correctly instruct ESL students
2. Effective evaluation
3. Classroom management principles
4. Positive guidance
5. Ecological discipline building
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This post was written by our... [Read more]
Introduction to Classroom Management for ESL Teachers - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Successful teaching often depends on the ability of the teacher to manage the classroom. The frequent occurrence of disciplinary problems and poor structure of the classroom can have a considerable effect on teaching and learning. Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring students for a better teaching/learning environment. Classroom management is still considered an essential part of teaching and learning activities. It may vary in arrangement and development. It refers to the infrastructure, space, lights, furniture, boards, etc. and the methods, strategies, and skills that teachers use to maintain a classroom environment which results in success for the students. Classroom management is a process of organizing and conducting a class that... [Read more]
7 Principles of Effective ESL Classroom Management - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Try picturing this: students running around their desks, paper airplanes flying everywhere, and students yelling loudly, giving you a migraine. Does this sound familiar? It's a teacher's worst nightmare - an out-of-control classroom.
1. Lay Down The Rules
2. Build Rapport With Your Students
3. Be Prepared
4. Offer Your Students Praise
5. Give Incentives To Students To Do Their Best
6. Keep Your Temper In Check
7. Act As An Ideal Model
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate VICTOR S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [Read more]
How to Organize Your ESL Classroom Effectively? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Effective classroom management broadly refers to the overall success of the lessons you are teaching. For a class to run effectively, the teacher must establish the skills required to provide a clear, controlled and inspiring lesson. This includes managing all stages of each lesson, and dealing with any problem behavior should it arise. Classroom management is vital to sustaining meaningful academic learning. A chaotic classroom will not only negatively impact a student's ability and motivation to learn, but it will also increase teacher stress and the formation of negative student-teacher relationships.
Pre-plan
Attitude and Demeanor
Lesson structure
Anticipating problems
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This... [Read more]
Principles of Motivation in the ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Motivation provides learners with an aim and direction to follow. According to Gardner motivation is the combination of attempt and desire to obtain the aim of learning the language and favorable attitudes toward learning the language. If students are motivated they will be excited about learning and willing to work hard. Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is a key factor in the success of students in all stages of their education, and teachers can play an important role in providing and encouraging that motivation in their students.
The following are the different ways to motivate the students in an EFL classroom
Motivation in teaching by using real objects, flashcards, creating and narrating Stories and songs
Elicitation
Correcting Mistakes... [Read more]
ESL Classroom Discipline: ✅ Concern or Treasure? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Discipline in the classroom is a point of concern for any teacher, be it new or experienced. Since it is a learning center, we expect the students to be disciplined, which is correct. However, to expect the same from the students, a teacher's core responsibility is to set the right expectations in the student's mind. The students must be following the same. Every new teacher is worried and split thoughts regarding what to follow and what not to as there is a fine line between being strict and being a disciplined teacher. If you are severe, you are hated. If you are liberal, you are taken for granted. But bear in mind that it is not a fast-track process and would take time to fetch the right and sure results. When a... [Read more]
Mobile Apps for ESL Classroom Integration - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The Evolution of ESL Teaching Apps
Benefits of Using Mobile Apps in ESL Teaching
Top Mobile Apps for ESL Classroom Integration
Interactive Learning with ESL Apps
Customizing Lessons with Mobile Apps
Gamification in ESL Teaching Apps
Assessing Student Progress with Mobile Apps
Engaging ESL Students through Apps
Overcoming Challenges in App Integration
Future Trends in ESL Mobile App Development
In recent years, the integration of mobile apps in ESL teaching has transformed the way educators deliver lessons and engage with students. With the advancement of technology and the increasing accessibility of smartphones and tablets, teachers now have a wide range of tools at their disposal to enhance the learning experience for ESL students. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training)... [Read more]
Embracing Diversity in ESL Classrooms - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Understanding the Importance of Diversity in ESL Education
Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
Tailoring Teaching Methods to Different Learning Styles
Incorporating Multicultural Content in Lesson Plans
Addressing Language Barriers Effectively
Promoting Cultural Exchange Among Students
Fostering Empathy and Understanding in the Classroom
Celebrating International Holidays and Traditions
Encouraging Peer Collaboration and Group Work
Embracing Diversity as a Strength in ESL Teaching
In today's interconnected world, ESL educators must recognize the significance of diversity in their classrooms. Embracing students from various cultural backgrounds not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares individuals for a globalized society. ITTT is at the forefront of... [Read more]
Innovative ESL classroom resources - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. Cutting-Edge ESL Teaching Tools
2. Interactive Learning Platforms
3. Engaging Multimedia Resources
4. Online Support and Professional Development
Are you looking to enhance your ESL teaching experience with innovative resources and tools? Look no further than ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) for cutting-edge solutions designed to make your classroom more engaging and effective.
At ITTT, we understand the importance of staying up to date with the latest trends in ESL education. That's why we offer a range of cutting-edge teaching tools to help you create dynamic and interactive lessons. From digital whiteboards to educational apps, we provide you with the resources you need to engage your students and enhance their learning experience.
In today's digital age, traditional... [Read more]
Classroom resources for ESL - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Enhance your ESL teaching experience with a wide range of classroom resources designed to engage and inspire your students. Explore a variety of tools, materials, and activities that will help you create dynamic and effective lessons that cater to the diverse needs of English language learners. From flashcards and worksheets to interactive games and multimedia resources, ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) offers a comprehensive selection of resources to support your teaching journey.
1. Engaging Activities and Games
2. Printable Worksheets and Exercises
3. Interactive Multimedia Resources
4. Customizable Lesson Plans
One of the key components of effective ESL teaching is keeping students engaged and motivated. With ITTT's collection of engaging activities and games, you can... [Read more]
Helping Students Conquer Stress in the ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Learning a new language can elicit stress/fear responses in students. This is especially prominent in speaking as it can make people feel vulnerable/ashamed in front of their peers. It is very common for students to feel shy, especially if they are one of the weaker students in English or don't have the motivation to learn the language.
My Personal Language Learning Experience
Ways to Support Students
1. Classroom Dynamics
2. Attention to a Group, not to an Individual
3. Team Building and Peer Work
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daniela A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I have experienced... [Read more]
ESL classroom management techniques - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. Importance of ESL Classroom Management
2. Effective Strategies for ESL Classroom Management
3. Creating a Positive Learning Environment
4. Conclusion
As an ESL teacher, effective classroom management is crucial for creating a positive and productive learning environment. By implementing various techniques and strategies, you can ensure that your students are engaged, motivated, and on task. This not only benefits their language learning process but also contributes to their overall academic success. In this guide, we will explore the importance of ESL classroom management, effective strategies to implement in your classroom, and how to create a positive learning environment for your students.
ESL classroom management plays a significant role in the success of both teachers and students.... [Read more]
