Esl Classroom

Elizaveta Pachina Liza is a translator, freelancer and ESL teacher from Russia. She had been teaching in a Chinese bilingual school for more than two years and recently moved to Thiland to run her blog about teaching and freelance job. Read my articles Games and Their Role in the ESL Classroom | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games are very useful for language learning. Our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts on how to use games in the classroom. How Can Teachers Effectively Manage Their Classrooms? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This blog post is devoted to the problem of effective classroom management. Our TEFL graduate shares their thoughts. The Importance of Classroom Management for Effective Language Learning | ITTT | TEFL Blog ...  [Read more]

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom Management as a Skill in the Modern ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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...  [Read more]

Fri, 27 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom Management Techniques You Can Implement in Your ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Poor Classroom Management Reasons Look at why the student is being disruptive. Rewards Plan Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tarryn-L. Please note that this...  [Read more]

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Discipline in the ESL Classroom It's the first day at school, and the students are excited yet little nervous to meet their new teacher as he or she will determine how school life and daily routine will look like for the next six months. The teacher might experience the same feeling depending on her or his experience and personality.As a teacher, you should give a good impression on the first day of school. The clothes you choose to wear; the attitude you show in class, and tone of voice when speaking could play a determinant role in students' judgment of you and their future behavior. Table of Contents Sympathy and authority Rules and regulations Not to do: To do: What works for me might not work for you Different type of students...  [Read more]

Sun, 29 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Importance of Friendship in an ESL Classroom I firmly believe that as a non-English speaker it wouldn't hurt to make friends in the classroom. and besides, it would be very advantageous for both parties too. There is a lot of reason why an individual is hesitant to approach their classmate. He/she could be self-conscious, intimidated to engage because he/she is not confident in their English ability, they are afraid to approach just because they are too shy. Table of Contents Role of a Teacher Benefits Modern Technologies Challenge and Support Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Odessa M. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Thu, 04 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivating Students In An ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Challenging Goals...  [Read more]

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas ESL Classroom Observation of Teaching Techniques 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...  [Read more]

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 7 Steps to ESL Classroom Gamification 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. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 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 Are you ready to learn new teaching skills? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! In this blog post, our ITTT TEFL expert shares seven steps to...  [Read more]

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Implementing Music in an ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Research in the Field In classroom Other purposes to use music Group work Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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. Research in the Field A series of creative experiments performed by Dr. Georgi Lozanov and Evelyna Gateva and their findings revolutionized teaching...  [Read more]

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Storytelling Activities for the ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Activities Experience Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written...  [Read more]

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 5 ESL Classroom Halloween Decor Ideas October is here and Halloween isn't far away! Whether you teach in your country or abroad, this festival is exciting as it has specific cultural features. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Theme inspiration: 1. Halloween Porch Decor 2. Halloween Window Decor 3. Halloween Ceiling Decor 4. Halloween Desk Decor 5. Halloween Learning Center Decor Are you ready to start your own teaching adventure? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! In this blog post, we share five fun Halloween decor ideas for your ESL classroom. Get inspired, and feel free to encourage your students to help you decorate the classroom!...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Playing Games in an ESL Classroom "Play is our brain's favorite way of learning" – Diane Ackerman. Table of Contents Game Rules Adaptability to Age Differences Other Groups Types Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! 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...  [Read more]

Fri, 20 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching Skills in the ESL Classroom There is no doubt that most people have no idea what is involved in becoming a teacher. I think this is particularly true of native English speakers imagining they can teach English to foreign students. I fell into this category until I started the course. What became apparent straight away is that teaching techniques have varied greatly over time, with some methods being more successful than others. The relatively recent ESL method incorporates some previous teaching strategies but succeeds above them all in effectiveness because it gives teachers the best chance to teach, whilst giving students the desired motivation to learn. Table of Contents Personality Knowledge Language Structure and Rules...  [Read more]

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Organizing Games in the ESL Classroom Social, political and economic transformations in all areas of our society have led to significant changes in education as well. The status of a foreign language as a teaching subject has also changed. The state and society began to feel the need for people who practically speak a foreign language. In this regard, the foreign language within the secondary school has firmly taken the place of compulsory study, the teaching of which begins with the second grade for all students. Table of Contents Reasons to Implement Games Benefits Methodology Choice of Activities Rules Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

Mon, 16 May 2022 Mudita Yajnik TEFL Information Alumni Experiences The Importance of ESL Classroom Setup 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. Table of Contents It's all about first impressions! Bring your personality into the classrroom! Creating a calming environment Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! 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...  [Read more]

Wed, 29 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Shaping Success in the ESL Classroom One of the fulfilling thoughts on teaching English as a foreign language is that generally, the students are very self-motivated as most of the students have taken up learning English as a second or foreign language due to personal requirements; either they need to up-skill themselves for work opportunities or a possible relocation to an English speaking country, or possibly purely for personal fulfillment. Whatever the reason, the students will be eager and self-motivated to learn. The students understand the purpose of their work and have a sense of responsibility for their learning and achievement. However, that should not stop a teacher from doing their best to encourage and motivate his or...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Methods for Managing Your ESL Classroom Classroom management is a term teachers use to describe the process of ensuring that classroom lessons run smoothly without disruptive behavior from students compromising the delivery of instruction. The term also implies the prevention of disruptive behavior preemptively, as well as effectively responding to it after it happens. Table of Contents What's classroom management? Firstly, let students help establish guidelines. Secondly, don't let your mutually-respected guidelines go forgotten. Thirdly, avoid punishing the class. Fourthly, Encourage initiative. Fifthly, offer praise. Sixthly, use non-verbal communication. Seventhly, hold parties. Eighthly, give tangible rewards. Ninthly, Make...  [Read more]

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas What is Classroom Management and How Does it Affect the ESL Classroom? 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. Table of Contents The Basic Teaching Tools Student Arrangements in the Classroom Other Important Factors of Classroom Management Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: ...  [Read more]

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Flashcard Games for ESL Classrooms Most of the teachers in my school would say that the purpose of flashcards is to simply introduce grammar points, concepts, review vocabulary; and most likely, they would mention the joylessness of flashcards when teaching unmotivated students. In truth, flashcards are known for being one of the most boring ways to study. Nevertheless, there are reasons why teachers still choose flashcards for conducting lessons. Russian people say: "Repetition is a mother of learning." I can not argue with the Russians. Indeed, repetition is crucial, but it often changes the mood of the classroom to "boring." Normally, it happens when the activities with flashcards are poorly organized, or when there are no other...  [Read more]

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Introduction to Classroom Management for ESL Teachers 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....  [Read more]

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Features of ESL Games in the Classroom 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. Table of Contents What is a Game? What is the Game for? Game Directions Sense of Competence Communication Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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. What is...  [Read more]

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Songs In an Early Childhood ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Valeria T. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Secrets of Organizing Any ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents The Essence of Classroom Management Teacher Responsibilities Relationships Expectations and Directions Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nikki D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Phonetics and Phonology in the ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents Reasons to pay attention to phonetics Phonetics in the...  [Read more]

Sat, 24 Nov 2018 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Songs in the ESL Classroom for Younger Beginners 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. Table of Contents Simple Rhymes Examples of Suitable Rhyme Songs Involving the Class Listen to the blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Patrick H. Simple Rhymes 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...  [Read more]

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Principles of Motivation in the ESL Classroom 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. Table of Contents The following are the different ways to motivate the students in an EFL classroom Motivation in teaching by using real objects,...  [Read more]

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How to Organize Your ESL Classroom Effectively? 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. Table of Contents Pre-plan Attitude and Demeanor Lesson structure Anticipating...  [Read more]

Fri, 23 Apr 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas ESL Teacher's Responsibilities in a Modern Classroom 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. Table of Contents 1. How to correctly instruct ESL students 2. Effective evaluation 3. Classroom management principles 4. Positive guidance 5. Ecological discipline building Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check...  [Read more]

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 7 Principles of Effective ESL Classroom Management 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. Table of Contents 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 Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate VICTOR...  [Read more]

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas ESL Classroom Discipline: ✅ Concern or Treasure? 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...  [Read more]