Esl Students In The Classroom

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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Evaluations are the useful tools or techniques that provide insight for modification, planning and in some cases re-designing a course. Student evaluation also provides the opportunity to address issues regarding student learning while the course is still in progress. There are different ways a teacher can assess a student's language level: Listen to this blog post: Tests Placement Test The Diagnostic Test Progress Test Practice Test Tutorials Evaluation by the Students Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! a) Testsb) Tutorialsc) Evaluation by the students. This post was written by our ITTT graduate Michael O. Students can be tested from time to time during the course....  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Motivation in the classroom is the biggest reason why I teach students in a high school setting. I am a public-school teacher and I get English as a Second Language students all the time in my classroom. I am a 10th-grade teacher but my students' ages range from 14 years old to 19 years old. The number one factor that I teach is for motivation. My students are already matured and have seen things they probably should not have at their ages. Once they get to my classroom, they are mine to teach. I do my utmost best to teach my students. I have students from all over the world, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Egyptian, Asian, Africa, to name a few countries. I now have wonderful scores. I also have a high likability rating from my students; the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Like many other subjects, learning a foreign language is a cumulative process. What you learn during one lesson or study session will build upon what you learned previously. Learning a new language especially English is not easy. A lot of students struggle to face the confusion and difficulty of English. English being particularly popular can be hard at times for several reasons. This essay discusses the way teachers should do to help their students get rid of the pressure of learning English. 1. Encouragement 2. Homework Reduction 3. Appealing Materials Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yen D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent...  [Read more]

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. Listen to this blog post: Challenging Goals Inclusive Lesson Planning Giving a feedback Are you ready to teach English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How can a teacher motivate an EFL classroom? Motivation is a major part of learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). There is more to motivation in the classroom than knowing English is a useful language to learn. Importance of Motivation Ways to Motivate Types of Motivation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aaron F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Students should be motivated to attend and pay attention in the classroom. Each student should be constantly reminded of their own, personal reason to learn English. Finally, the best motivation comes from...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas "Student motivation" is affected by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors" (Reeve, 1996). It is part of a teacher's job to boost student's interests for knowledge and understanding, knowing as intrinsic motivation. The real problem for the teachers is: how to keep students motivated in an everyday classroom? The recommendations are as follows. Being enthusiastic Positive Classroom atmosphere Fun activities and materials Properly feedback and evaluation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Minxin Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The enthusiasm of the teacher is a vital factor in the motivation of...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings TEFL Information Learning a new language differs whether it occurs during early childhood or later in life. Nevertheless, in both scenarios, breaking a language barrier is essential for the student's progress and success. So, how do we break it so students can efficiently communicate in English? Native vs Second Language Roleplay Games in ESL Social Networks Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? When we learn our native language, we are fully immersed in that language. It surrounds us from the minute we are born, and our brains begin making associations immediately. We don't put much thought into it. It just happens. The same occurs with children who acquire two or more languages simultaneously, in parents who speak different languages. When you are thrown...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivation in the classroom is one of the most key components to establishing effective language learning skills. If students are not motivated then that means they fail to see the value in what they are learning. To ensure success in what the students retain during and after my class, I must utilize motivational activities and techniques that warrant effective learning. Know your students Involving activities Choice of materials Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Erin S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The first aspect of a classroom to take into consideration is the demographics of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I believe the motivation of students is the most important way to get the best out of a student. It has always been an easy task but most teachers don't take advantage of this because they do not know how to motivate, they aren't aware of its importance and some teachers believe it takes so much time. 1. A Motivated Teacher 2. A Comfortable Classroom Atmosphere 3. Different Methodological Strategies Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: There are two types of motivation. The extrinsic motivation which is caused by an external factor like, the fear of failure, materialistic rewards and the reputation of the student. We also have intrinsic motivation which comes from within the student like the love of knowledge,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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). Reasons Why Motivation is Important The following are some of the strategies...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Nowadays there is a wide variety of how to teach English. Every teacher uses his or her unique methodologies and techniques to make lessons more informative and entertaining. One of the approaches could be using educational games in the classroom. Games in the classroom are a great tool for teachers as they can be adapted to different ages and levels. Furthermore, playing games motivate kids to study better and naturally use English. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kristina S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Within this essay, I would like to clarify why using games in the classroom for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games play an essential role in students' language acquisition regardless of other numerous sources they can be exposed to. Other sources include pictures, stories, poems, flashcards, videos and so on and so forth. Flashcards, for example, serve the purpose of a visual stimulus and aim to help visual learners in particular. The visual learning style often refers to a way of learning in which a person acquires language when information is associated with images. What about other learning styles? This essay aims to emphasize the importance of games in the classroom context and how beneficial they are for language acquisition. The Importance of Games Example Game: Pictionary Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: ...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Playing games is not only for fun, but we can use it to make students more understand about the topic of the lesson. Games also can build rapport between student-student and teacher-class. How a game is important to make students understand the topic of the lesson? Approach 1: Using games as an additional activity in the classroom is common for English class Approach 2: Using games for easing the material Approach 3: Accompanying the material for special groups 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 Umi H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

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. 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 keeping their desks clean and organized, a classroom job helps students keep the room smoothly....  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The role of a teacher is constantly changing throughout the day. The teacher's role can be influenced by: the lesson, the students, and the circumstances that might arise during a classroom session. Teachers frequently perform various roles when teaching students, some of these roles include: instructor, facilitator, mentor, psychologist, counselor, and policeman. Listen to this blog post: A teacher can act as an instructor. A teacher can act as a facilitator. A teacher can act as a mentor. A teacher can act as a psychologist. A teacher can act as a counselor. A teacher can act as a policeman. Are you ready to teach English Abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As a teacher myself, I am aware of the importance of ensuring my students are engaged in all their lessons and learning experiences. Students are more likely to participate fully in their learning if they are interested and/or motivated to be there. There are many reasons why students take EFL courses or classes and it is important for the teacher to understand what has brought them there. I believe that by knowing or finding out why students are in the class, we as teachers can gain an incredible insight into how best to engage them in their learning. Personal Teaching Approach Multiple Intelligences Theory Ways to Engage Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Within the past 20 years we have seen great advancements in technology. Mobile phones and laptops that are thinner than a short novel, voice activated software systems, robotics, high speed internet etc. Much of the world is now technologically developed, but often the ESL classroom is less so. However, in many areas there has been a gradual introduction of newer, more educationally oriented forms of technology in the classroom. From the introduction of the overhead projector and cassette players to modern day equipment such as Smart Boards and laptops. So what has been the effect of this technology in language learning? How Technology Can Improve the Learning Experience How Technology Can Improve Engagement and Motivation Easy Access to Authentic...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why are games important? Why do we play games? How do people play games in the class? These are the questions people usually ask. Students learn through the process of playing the game. Inactive stage of the class. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jessie l. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Normally their concern is what they can learn from the games? In my opinion, playing games in the classroom is not only for fun but also for practicing and reviewing what you have learned. In my class I have always enjoyed playing games, I have used many different games as well. Students may be able to understand a new...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences How to motivate and keep the students interested in learning the English language? 1. Make Class Communicative: 2. Make Class Fun: 3. Forge Relationships: 4. Give Feedback: Do you want to teach English in kindergarten? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Richard B. To teach at the Kindergarten level the teacher has to be mindful of keeping students' attention and maintaining order. It is important to have structure and routines. To ensure the students are comfortable, happy and engaged while learning and practicing English there needs to be a balance between patients and strictness. To keep their attention, it is good to enlist fun little games to help maintain order in the class. It is...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In learning, self-confidence is one of the important elements of a student. When students are more confident about their ability to do something, they are more likely to readily engage in the activity in the classroom. They will work longer and harder at it than when they doubt their capability. The sense of self-confidence enables them to accomplish tasks perfectly and build motivation. From that, they would be more successful in life. 1. Don't fix students' mistakes too much 2. Praise 3. Application, contact practice 4. Allow students to succeed 5. Use images 6. Make learning-oriented 7. Form and maintain habits from day one Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: For the above reasons, teachers play a vital role in...  [Read more]

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 Listen to the blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: 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]

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 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. First of all, it must keep in mind the concept of a game, which could be described as...  [Read more]

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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Coming from the UK and only working with British students, when I arrived in the UAE which is an Arab country following a strong Islamic faith, most of my new work colleagues and students were Arabs and followers of Islam. The last six years of working in the UAE have taught me a valuable lesson about why cultural sensitivity is so important, especially when working with the future generation of a nation, not only am I building rapport as a teacher, but also as a representative of my own country. Learning Environment Lesson Content Appropriate questions Will you consider UAE as a destination to start your teaching career? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chloe M. Respecting both the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Even though some people might disagree with the idea of praising students in the classroom, I hold a strong belief that it is of paramount importance. Praising assists teachers in making students aware of what they have attained. It can be done verbally, through body language or in writing. Nevertheless, praise should be timely, honest, and measured. It could be mutually advantageous for teachers and students. The former will benefit from cementing a healthy relationship with the latter; and the latter will be able to strengthen his or her confidence. Conversely, it could have a detrimental effect on both. For this reason, I will exemplify the advantages and challenges in praising that I have come across in my career as an English Teacher. My teaching...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Music is a uniquely human characteristic. No other living creature can recreate frequencies, beats, pulses, and harmonies as we do. Psychological Point of View Lack of Exposure to Meaningful Music Music and Educational system Music in an ESL Classroom Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mariana V. It is known that music has deep psychological effects on us. After all, the human ear is the first sense to develop. That's why many pediatricians recommend classical music (specifically Mozart) even when the baby is in the womb. Neurotransmitters are stimulated and connections are done effectively, which increases cognitive abilities. A study showed...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas "As an ESL teacher, you may feel that your students aren't paying attention, or participating in class even though you have the perfect lesson plan." Teaching Tool Icebreaker Rapport building and confidence boost Observing tool Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Angela G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The thought of playing or using games as a teaching tool inside the classroom may sound intriguing, whether you're a student, a parent of a student, a tutor, a friend of a student or someone just interested in gaining more insight into either learning or teaching English as a second language....  [Read more]

Estefany Garduño Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 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. 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 – Interpersonal. Picture smart – Visual-spatial. How can we determine the type of intelligence in a student and how...  [Read more]