Esl Learning

Fri, 06 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Challenges for Myanmar Students in ESL Learning The world is becoming a global village and as English is an official language for many of the countries, it is a need for people to learn English to be able to make communications and networking. While learning English, it is important to get a good teacher using good teaching methods. However, it is not an easy task to teach or learn English in a country in which people mainly use their mother language which is not English. In Myanmar, likewise, there are many obstacles for students to improve their English language skills even though English was taught since their kindergarten. Table of Contents Education System The Lack of Resources The Lack of Practice Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Fri, 29 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Common Learning Difficulties Faced in ESL Settings Learning is always hard especially learning something new such as English learning. English is a different new language compared with Chinese, so when we are learning, definitely we will meet all kinds of difficulties in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Table of Contents Most beginners think listening is the most difficult part of English learning. Speaking can be improved dramatically from zero in a short time but it's quite difficult to speak accurately. For most Chinese people, English reading is not as difficult as listening or speaking. Writing is always the hardest part of English for Chinese students. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!...  [Read more]

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Importance of Learning ESL Teaching Skills In my opinion, it was very resourceful to learn and have vast knowledge that comes up with a major aim of mastering the teaching skills. Table of Contents 1. Managing Equipment 2. Communication Skills 3. Balancing Skills 4. Organizational Skills 5. Problem Solving Skills 6. Motivational Skills 7. Feedbacking 8. Team Building Skills 9. Coaching Skills 10. Creativity Other Skills Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: As a teacher, changing someone's life permanently for the better is their personality and mind is the driving force. Every good teacher should make sure that the students are progressively understanding and learning. Teaching is...  [Read more]

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Keeping College Students Motivated in ESL Learning In my classroom, I often hear many of my students saying, "I want to be good at English." At the same time, I am aware that most of them almost lose their motivation for learning English. After studying English hard to pass the entrance examination, they are free from the "obligational" study of English. Now in college, no one in the classroom speaks out that English is unnecessary. On the contrary, they answered that they need to study English because it is a global language. More importantly, the ability to command the language strongly influences the success of their job hunting. Table of Contents Confusing Wills Setting Goals Reasons for the issue Keeping motivation Do you want...  [Read more]

Tue, 24 May 2022 Tamara Jennings Teaching Ideas Media Influences in Assisting with ESL Learning While there is great value in learning a second language, it can also be quite time-consuming. It also requires a good amount of patience and determination. Thanks to technology, the bright side is that learning doesn't always have to feel like work! Continue reading to find out ways to use media to your advantage in assisting students with enjoyable ways to gain their target language skills. Table of Contents Music Social Media YouTube Conclusion: Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! I love Spanish, and when I set out to really learn the language in 2019, I started by taking two...  [Read more]

Wed, 25 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Is Peer Learning Useful in an ESL Classroom? I believe that peer learning can be very helpful in English as a Second Language classroom. I believe that as a language learner there is nothing more helpful than learning from people around you. I have found that humans are very social beings just by the nature of being human. I believe that we learn best by interacting with people and that this translates especially when learning other languages. I think that it is very beneficial for students at any level to learn from each other to build their skills in every way. I think that having students talk to each other is important for improving verbal communication and that having peers correct each other's papers is a great way to help all...  [Read more]

Fri, 22 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Can Parents Participate in Students’ ESL Learning? Teaching does not begin or end in the classroom. Because of that, teachers admittedly need help in developing a child's level of knowledge. The biggest ally or obstacle to an instructor is a child's parents. While a supportive parent can help reinforce the work that a teacher is doing, negative influence by a parent, and hinder a child's learning just as much. Table of Contents Lead by Example The Parent and Teacher Relationship Development Beyond Education Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Derek G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Vocabulary as the Main Part of ESL Learning Vocabulary represents one of the most important skills necessary for teaching and learning a foreign language. It is the basis for the development of all the other skills like Reading comprehension, Listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and pronunciation. Vocabulary is the main tool for students to use English effectively. When he/she is confronted with a native English Speaker, when watching a movie or when listening to a favorite song, when reading a text or when writing a letter to a friend, students will always need to operate with words. Table of Contents WHY IS VOCABULARY IMPORTANT? TECHNIQUES FOR MEMORIZING VOCABULARY: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!...  [Read more]

Thu, 18 Feb 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Cultural Awareness and Inclusive Learning in ESL Teaching Urban education can be described as a complicated topic for school reformists in America. With critical issues, such as inadequate funding, lack of resources, and uncertified teachers, the myriad of problems with public education has reached a new high. Many big-city public education systems have turned into melting pots by bringing together members of different racial, social, economic, and ethnic groups. Table of Contents The problem of Public Education American Educational Scheme 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...  [Read more]

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences The 5 Best Theories of Learning for ESL Teachers There are many learning techniques and the course covered four major groups – constructivists, maturationists, environmentalists, and others. Table of Contents Maturationist, Environmentalist and Constructivist and Other Theories Discovery Learning Native Language Learning Discovery Learning and EFL Students Downsides of Discovery Learning Are you ready to start teaching English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kathi Z. Maturationist, Environmentalist and Constructivist and Other Theories The fundamentals of the maturation theory is the natural biological process humans go through. There is a natural sequence...  [Read more]

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Peer learning: Is it Useful in an ESL Classroom? What is peer learning and is it useful in an ESL classroom? Let's first define what is peer learning. "Peer learning essentially refers to students learning with and from each other as fellow learners without any implied authority to any individual, based on the tenet that 'Students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to others and by participating in activities in which they can learn from their peers' (Boud, 2001)" (Gwee, 2003). Table of Contents Language Level Grouping within the class Communication between students Disadvantages Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Soo Parra...  [Read more]

Thu, 04 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japanese Native Speakers and Their Challenges in ESL Learning This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Doneika D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Table of Contents Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: I am currently an English teacher living in Japan. I teach both Elementary and Junior High School English Language. Japan's government allows the students to start learning English sometimes as early as Kindergarten. Most Elementary schools have a designated ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) that possesses a native level of English. Even though English is a compulsory subject in Japanese Junior High and High...  [Read more]

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 Sara Stojanovic TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Top 3 ESL Games for Teaching Online With the introduction of technology, teaching English as a foreign language has changed a lot. Computers opened many new doors for both the teacher and the students. Technology has allowed us to use many resources that were unavailable before. Table of Contents Kahoot Scavenger Hunt Tow Truths One Lie Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! With the outbreak of the pandemic, most of the language teaching and learning switched to the online variant. Despite having all the previously stated advantages, online language teaching can be challenging as well....  [Read more]

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Course Books and Materials: Dictionaries Here perhaps the first thing we should do is to make a distinction between the two main types of dictionary and that distinction is between the monolingual and the bilingual dictionary. Table of Contents Watch the video about this topic So what can we use a dictionary for? Do's and don'ts Which one is best? Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Watch the video about this topic In a monolingual dictionary you have a word and its associated meaning and those two are both described for example in English. So the word and the description of that word are both given...  [Read more]

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Secrets of Learning Proper Grammar in an ESL Class Learning grammar is, suffice it to say, one of the most important points to focus on. Equally, for foreign students, they need to know not just about vocabulary but how and why vocabulary "hangs" in a certain way within a sentence. In my teaching experience, grammar has been difficult from the standpoint of getting the student to agree with the fact that it is important. I've found that many clients have been indoctrinated into believing that grammar is "hard", "boring" "dull" and worst of all, "unnecessary". This has been a challenge, to say the least. As a foreign language teacher, I've had to not mention grammar at all and introduce it as "how to use English correctly". This...  [Read more]

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Enhancing ESL Reading Lessons: Strategies and Materials for Effective Learning Reading comprehension is a crucial skill for ESL (English as a Second Language) students to develop. As teachers, it is essential to select appropriate resources and employ effective techniques to maximize the benefits of reading activities in the classroom. In this blog post, we will explore various types of reading materials, discuss strategies to improve reading comprehension skills, and highlight the importance of integrating discussions into the learning process. Table of Contents Types of Reading Materials Authentic Materials: Non-Authentic Materials: Strategies for Improving Reading Comprehension Skills Skimming and Scanning:...  [Read more]

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Drilling as an Effective Learning Technique in the ESL Classroom The word 'drilling' in education refers to a teaching technique in which the teacher creates a certain pattern or structure to be practiced repeatedly by the students, for them to ultimately develop a system where they may identify and use the pattern or structure independently. Drilling as a technique has been put to use in teaching almost all subjects, but its efficacy has been particularly acknowledged in the field of language teaching, for training students in both pronunciation as well as grammar. However, just as it has been lauded for being a foolproof system of making students 'practice' a language, drilling has also been criticized for being a mechanical and...  [Read more]

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas The 4 Most Common Learning Difficulties ESL Students Are Facing In life, people learn throughout the course of their life. There is formal learning, where students go to school or complete a course of some kind. On the other hand, there is informal learning, where one may learn through life experiences, observations, and interactions with others. In both situations, one can encounter learning difficulties. In formal learning, one can encounter difficulties that may be due to a variety of factors which are not limited to: memory, attention, a challenge with a specific skill, or individual factors. Here are the 4 most common learning difficulties ESL students might face in the classroom. Table of Contents Short-term and...  [Read more]

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Role of Digital Learning for Generation-Z ESL Students More or less,20 years ago students who tried to learn a new language used to have Mr.and Mrs. Brown books, cassettes,language labs or the lucky ones would have to have a trip to the countries providing language courses which promised them to teach English in a month or so. Table of Contents Pros and cons of digital learning English and online gaming Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Seda K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. But now the case is getting more different. With the improvement of technology, we have...  [Read more]

Tamara Jennings I am Tamara Jennings, a TEFL instructor originating from the USA and currently enjoying life as a citizen of the world. I am a recent graduate of ITTT with special interest in teaching english to adult learners and english for specific purposes. In my free time I can be found seeking out authentic experiences. I do this by enjoying nature, meditation, writing, storytelling through photography, working on my Spanish, furthering my education, and increasing my knowledge on various subjects. Feel free to join me on my website/social media page where I provide more information about my teaching and share experiences from my journey. Read my articles Media Influences in Assisting with ESL Learning | ITTT | TEFL Blog Tamara Jennings Teaching Ideas Are you an English...  [Read more]

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 The Role of Digital Learning for Generation-Z ESL Students | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This blog post contains information on digital learning significance for generation Z ESL students. The Two Sides of Classroom Motivation | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This article is devoted to the problem of classroom motivation. Our TEFL graduate shares their experiences and knowledge on the point. Keeping College Students Motivated in ESL Learning | ITTT | TEFL Blog Elizaveta Pachina...  [Read more]

Wed, 26 Dec 2018 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The Most Common Learning Techniques As Observed By An ESL Teacher My biggest takeaway from my TEFL certification course with ITTT is the topic of learning techniques. Learning techniques vary depending on race, gender, age, cultural background , past experiences and several other variables of the students involved. I will describe my personal past experiences in regards to the subject at hand. Table of Contents Visual vs. Auditory Learners The Auditory Learner The Visual Learner Gender Culture Age Willing vs. Unwilling Students Are you ready to teach English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: I would like to take a moment to thank the ITTT staff for putting together this highly informative and enlightening TEFL...  [Read more]

Sat, 24 Nov 2018 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences How Learning A Foreign Language Made Me a Better ESL Teacher I've taken four years of college Russian. Throughout my time at my university, I learned a few things about both learning and teaching a language that have helped me become a better ESL teacher. Table of Contents Creating a Comfortable Classroom Environment The teacher doesn't know everything. Using a Variety of Teaching Aids and Materials Always Be Respectful and Use the Right Language Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Leif O. Creating a Comfortable Classroom Environment One crucial aspect of learning a language is making sure that everyone in the class is comfortable. While this...  [Read more]

Tue, 27 Apr 2021 Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas ESL Games as The Best Tool to Stimulate English Learning Process As teachers, one of our biggest goals while teaching English to a class or individual is to keep them engaged and motivated during the lesson while also making them feel comfortable and confident as they learn. There are three critical ways in which playing games in the classroom can help effectively promote speaking English. By playing "warming" games, students can become more comfortable around teachers and students, making them more likely to participate during lessons. They can also keep students motivated and play a significant role during the "Engage" and "Activate" phase of the ESA approach. Table of Contents Engagement Stage...  [Read more]

Tue, 05 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Stories in the ESL Classroom: Are They Important for Language Learning? For centuries, stories have been effective tools to express human being's thoughts and experiences. Stories also have been built through generations to generations to share and connect people. Storytelling helps children's development in a lot of ways. They help children boost their imagination and brain development, teach student language, and how to express their emotions, and improve the relationship between children and parents. Those are the reasons why teaching stories in English in early childhood is so important. Table of Contents First of all, English stories help children learn vocabulary. Complexity of Speech Imagination Exercises Next, children can...  [Read more]

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 Estefany Garduño Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Learning Styles and the Multiple Intelligences Theory in the ESL Classroom It is evident that, in every classroom, there is a great diversity of students. Diversity talks about race, culture, customs, thinking, etc. Diversity also includes different learning styles of a group of students, for instance, how each student remembers, understands, and applies a concept, new grammar, new vocabulary, and more. Table of Contents What is the Multiple Intelligences Model about? Music smart – Musical. Body smart – Bodily-Kinesthetic. People smart – Interpersonal. Word smart – Verbal linguistic. Logic smart – Logical-mathematical. Nature smart – Naturalistic. Self-smart –...  [Read more]

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences How Can Parents Help an ESL Teacher? Parental involvement plays a pivotal role in the success of learning English as a second language (ESL) education. When parents actively participate in their child's language learning journey, they become valuable partners with ESL teachers contributing to the overall effectiveness of the educational process. This essay explores various ways in which parents can assist and support ESL teachers in fostering English language proficiency among their children. Table of Contents Creating a Supportive Home Environment Encouraging Reading and Language Practice Collaboration with Teachers Consistency and Practice for Language Acquisition The Crucial Role of Parents in ESL Teaching Are you...  [Read more]

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning Grammar as the Most Essential Part of Language Learning The Cambridge dictionary defines grammar as '(the study or use of) the rules about how words change their form and combine with other words to make sentences', but other dictionaries also include punctuation within the definition and, although they may not be strictly correct, the two aspects are so tightly interrelated, within the context of explicit and tacit meaning, the one can't be divorced from the other. One describes the landscape — past, present, and future — while the other provides the form: defining where entities begin and end, where the silences occur before turning the corner to meet with a new sound. The landscape has a pulse: it has...  [Read more]

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Peer Learning and Why is it Good for ESL Classes? Understanding the main purpose of any language usage as a means of exchanging, obtaining information, rendering our emotions, feelings, desires, states, or transmitting ideas inevitably involves this process, other people. In other words, we use language to communicate with other language speakers. So why not use this peculiarity in the process of language studying? Thereby using peer learning techniques in an ESA classroom becomes an essential and inherent part of it. Table of Contents Where implementing Peer-to-Peer learning? Benefits Ideas for outside the classroom activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written...  [Read more]

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How Learning a Foreign Language Makes You an ESL Student’s Best Friend My first language was French –-the language of my Cajun-born mother. She wanted to pass on her cultural heritage and therefore spoke to her first-born child, me, only in French. However, once I was put into kindergarten and was unable to communicate or understand any of my teachers or classmates, my parents reverted to English because they feared to set me back in school. Table of Contents Personal Experience Different Learning Modes Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Madeleine K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]