How Can I Be A Better Teacher

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When one begins to study a new language, they can often find themselves to be a bit overwhelmed. Language acquisition is not an easy task, and it comes with many challenges and difficulties attached. Although, as ESL teachers, we are trained to look out for common errors and given the best teaching ideas and methodologies to use in the classroom, it can sometimes feel as though something is missing. Teachers who have studied a foreign language and have had experience using the language possess that missing piece, and their foreign language experience makes them better teachers.Table of Contents "Teachers were once in their students' shoes." "Having foreign language experience helps teachers." Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related...  [Read more]

Anastasiia Ovchinnikova TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Back in the days when I was living in China with my British boyfriend, who was born and raised in Oxford, we would always make our friends smile talking about our careers. We always felt it was a bit ironic that out of the two of us, it was me who ended up as an English language teacher. I started to wonder whether he would have been a better English teacher than me, had he decided to work at one of the international schools in China.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 1. NNET Personal Experience Is Better Than Any Certificate 2. Someone Who Knows How To Speak a Language Doesn't Necessarily Know How To Teach It 3. NNETs Understand Cultural Peculiarities Are you ready to start your own teaching adventure? Related...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When I moved to Japan over two years ago, I had no formal teaching experience. I hit the ground running, visiting five different elementary and junior high schools in my small town, and getting to know the students and teachers I would work with there. I made many mistakes but also learned a lot about teaching along the way through my own experience, observing the teachers I work with, and taking an online TEFL course. I hope to use this knowledge to further improve my teaching skills.Table of Contents Workflow and how it changes throughout the time My experience in Japan TEFL Certification Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences 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. One crucial aspect of learning a language is making sure that everyone in the class is comfortable. While this is true with young learners, this is especially true for adults. Adults don't want to make mistakes. Business professionals have...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The following blog post is about an ITTT graduate who shares his story on how learning Chinese helped him to become a better English teacher in China.Table of Contents What do you call someone who speaks only one language? "My insights into their language and culture were incredibly helpful." "Many Chinese are anxious about speaking English with natives - more so than is to be considered normative." "The best ESL teachers are the ones with experience with the native language of their students." Listen to this blog post Now it's your turn to get TEFL certified! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joseph S. A common saying imparted to me by one of my professors goes like this: "What do you call someone who speaks...  [Read more]

Regan McAllister TEFL Information Alumni Experiences As the influence of English grows and the language continues to develop as a lingua franca, the demand for English teachers worldwide is increasing. Equipped with a TESOL certificate, teaching English abroad is becoming easier and more accessible. Your English teaching endeavors may take place within your home country or may take you around the world to a completely unfamiliar region and culture.Table of Contents The Beauty of Immersion The Challenges Becoming a Better English Teacher Conclusion Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Living and immersing yourself in a new country can be beautifully exhilarating and full of self-discovery....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Writing a lesson plan requires putting down a detailed step-by-step guide that outlines the teacher's objectives for what the students will learn during their lesson and how they will learn it. To create a lesson plan, the learning objectives should be identified, activities should be developed, and the materials to be used will also be determined. A lesson plan can exist in the teacher's mind, or written in any format understandable by the teacher. Its purpose is to outline the "program" for a single lesson. It generally helps the teacher in both plannings and executing the lesson. It helps the student achieve a detailed format of learning, and help them get a structured organization of learning in their minds. In writing the objectives of the lesson,...  [Read more]

TEFL certification is a vital step in becoming a proficient English teacher, especially for non-native speakers. It equips educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. The certification covers various aspects of language teaching, including lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. By enrolling in a TEFL course, teachers gain a solid foundation in teaching methodologies and linguistics, enabling them to deliver high-quality instruction to their students. TEFL certification offers a plethora of benefits that can significantly enhance an English teacher's career. Firstly, it increases employability by making teachers more attractive to language schools and educational institutions worldwide. Many employers prefer...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas It is important to establish rapport with students within a classroom for a variety of reasons, it builds trust between students and teacher, insights confidence in students and allows for a fun learning environment. All aspects of teaching require a teacher to have some sort of rapport with students. Students will retain more information and do better in classes when the teacher is engaged and shows love for their job as well as an interest in their students. Most students will not learn well from a teacher who comes to class, does not greet the students let alone knows their names and just reads through the lesson without showing any interest whatsoever. It is far more beneficial for a teacher to have a good rapport with his/her students as it will make...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences At its core, the same teaching principles and skills must be required and initiated for teaching one student or a group of 30 students. However, the key difference is time. An academic hour is 50 minutes, take 5 minutes to warm up and five minutes cool down, and this leaves 40 minutes for a class of 30 students. If one was to speak directly with every student, this equates to 1.33 minutes per student. Obviously, it would be pointless to do this, as not alone would each student get such little time as not to be of benefit. With one to the one, you get to spend the full 50 minutes with one student. Learning a language, be it a person's native language or a second language, it takes time and practice.Table of Contents Power of Attention Peer Learning Do...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Games are seen as time wasted. According to my, it is a pointless prejudice. Because some people suppose playing games in the classroom can only be as computer games; on the contrary, fun in the school is more instructive for students' self-improvement. Meanwhile, the research has shown that the classroom games affect students positively, such as having more motivation, having a controlled competitive environment, strategy simulator, peer positive, less stress, enhanced memory, class cooperation, and new knowledge. We will see how games are essential in our education.Table of Contents Motivation Methodology Benefits Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A teacher's job is to teach pupils. While that sounds straight forward the question arises what makes a good teacher. If a teacher teaches all day, the outcome of the work lies in what was being taught. Pupils are taught what the teacher teaches. Now an easy thing to say is, that a good teacher should provide good teaching. But what would be, if the majority of students would not learn anything in a specific lesson, that would be regarded by other teachers as good teaching? The answer, of course, is, that all students are individuals and respond differently to the teaching. Making it dependent on the students, a more practical definition of good teaching is: Good teaching is, which makes the pupils learn and progress.Table of Contents What influences...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Any action performed by living beings is supported by a motive. In humans, we are driven by motivators unique to each one of us; without this motivation, our goals and desires remain unaccomplished. There are different types of motivators both internal and external that of which directly impact second language acquisition in the classroom. In this setting both parents and teachers alike play a pivotal role in motivating students, thus enabling their success in second language learning. This essay will outline how motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, affects students in the language learning classroom and how a teacher may establish motivation in students.Table of Contents What is Motivation? Internal Will External Will Teachers' Responsibilities...  [Read more]

  Do you want to live abroad and experience a new culture? Studying abroad and teaching abroad are both excellent ways to do this! But which one of the two options is better for you? Let's find out in this live session! #TEFL #BestTEFL #TeachEnglish Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Kavinna Batra Alumni Experiences There has been a long ongoing debate over parenting styles and about its critical impact on a child's emotional development, academic performance, self-confidence, and the ability to face life's challenges. The debate is mainly between eastern and western cultures.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: What would a new-age parent do? Understanding parenting styles Who is getting the benefit from an authoritative parenting style? Does the authoritative parenting style always work? Do the history and the culture of a country affect the parenting style? Raising a child in the Eastern Hemisphere Can both styles work? What is Changing in the Age of Social Media? Related Articles: Would a new-age parent prohibit their children from watching television and...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas As a teacher, you should always give your students effective and meaningful feedback on their performance and progress. However, it is all too common for students to feel like they are being criticized by their teachers instead of being given constructive and useful comments. That's why we have listed these 5 great ways to give your students feedback.Table of Contents 1. Tailor Your Feedback 2. Timing is Key 3. Balance the Feedback 4. It's All in the Details 5. Help Setting Goals Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: When giving feedback, you should tailor it to each specific student and base it on their individual needs. Also, keep in mind to only give feedback on the actual goal that is being...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 'Teacher, Can we please have a class outdoors?' this question was asked by a lot of my students, and 'No' was my typical answer. Why do students want to have an outdoor session? Is it really useful? What outdoor activities could be done to help when teaching English? These questions ran through my mind every time one of my students asked me to have a class outdoors. So, I decided to find answers to these questions.Table of Contents Reasons to have classes outdoors Choice of activities World around us Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ahmed A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Why teach outside at...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Evaluation is defined as the act of considering or examining something to judge its value, quality, importance, extent, or conditionTable of Contents What is Testing? We might be tempted at times to consider an evaluation the same as a test. Booth evaluation and testing are scientific and thus are carried out with certain laid down cannons and rules. So, at the end of the test, there will be a result, which will be used as an assessment of the evaluation process. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kum P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Other dictionaries will give several definitions but there...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In all times when we need to do some activity, we need to think about what to do first, what to do second and what to do last. The same thing when we want to teach; we need to think about the order and the content of this lesson. In other words, we need to plan our lessons. A lesson plan is a detailed tool gathered in a soft or hard form to give instructions to the teacher. So, why planning lessons is important?Table of Contents The act of planning a lesson is a very capturing process. The essential purpose of the lesson plan is to guide teachers. Also, lesson planning is of great importance for new teachers. Another outstanding factor is that learners are considered as main benefits from this process. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Self-assessment is a process through which teachers get to evaluate their work, learning and teaching progress. Self-assessment is a valuable learning tool as well as part of the general assessment process. Teacher self-assessment is important for the following reasons.Table of Contents 1. To improve students' learning and the teacher's teaching: 2. To know your strengths and weaknesses: 3. To check what is going on well and what to change: 4. To determine the fulfillment of expectations and how to improve them: 5. To remind teachers of what is important: 6. To fight the teacher rut: it is very easy to become complacent as teachers at points of our careers: 7. To build teaching skills: 8. To find solutions from teaching challenges: 9. To build deep and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When I first started as an EFL teacher two years ago, my senior colleagues would often advise me to create a lesson plan well in advance of an upcoming lesson. Having had no formal teaching experience back then, it surprised me because I assumed that simply creating lesson materials for students was sufficient. I did not think that lesson plans were necessary because when I was a student, I had never seen any of my teachers referring to them on the job. It seemed to me that teachers were natural improvisers and could deliver lessons without any referenced document.Table of Contents Over time, I have come to realize that lesson planning is essentially a teacher's homework. Indicator of expectations Principles of evaluation Do you want to teach English...  [Read more]

Yes, some regions may be more suitable for older EFL teachers based on factors such as job market demand, cultural considerations, and work environment. Older EFL teachers can find rewarding opportunities in various regions around the world. Consider the following regions that are particularly well-suited for older EFL teachers: Different regions accommodate older EFL teachers in various ways to ensure their continued success in the field. Here are some common practices and considerations: Yes, some regions are known to be more suitable for older EFL teachers due to factors such as job opportunities, cost of living, and quality of life.  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary TEFL Information Do you want to live abroad and experience a new culture? Studying abroad is a wonderful opportunity for university students to do just that - but it's not the only way! Many students are eager to head overseas to study at a foreign university because they think if they don't they will miss out and never have another chance of living in a foreign country. This is simply not true. The worldwide demand for qualified English teachers is through the roof giving everyone who wants to teach abroad the opportunity to find a position. Here are 5 reasons why teaching abroad is better than studying abroad.Table of Contents You Will Make Money You Will Get International Work Experience You Will Live Like a Local You Can Stay as Long as You Want You...  [Read more]

  Rick is from the United States and is currently teaching online. Even though he is already working as an English teacher abroad, the course helped him to become a better teacher. He enjoyed the video lessons and was able to use the new learned techniques in his own classroom. Before taking the course, he struggled with explaining complex grammar patterns in a way that his non-native English students would understand them. Now, he has no problem offering helpful suggestions and feedback to his students. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas English is one of the most dynamic languages on the planet, which develops every day. Therefore, there are a lot of variations of the English language. Which kind of English should we learn?Table of Contents English Variants There are many differences between American and British English. Moreover, American English was formed under the influence of immigrants' pronunciation from various countries. Now let's have a quick look at the differences in grammar. Why should we study British English instead of American? 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 Olena K. Please note that this blog...  [Read more]

Combining TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) with other certifications can significantly enhance your career prospects and open up new opportunities in the field of education. By diversifying your skill set through additional certifications, you not only become a more well-rounded and versatile educator but also increase your marketability in the competitive job market. One of the key benefits of combining TEFL with other certifications is the ability to specialize in a particular area of education. For example, pairing TEFL with a certification in Special Education can equip you with the skills and knowledge to work with students with learning disabilities or behavioral challenges. This specialization can make you more attractive to employers looking for educators with specific...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Teaching English abroad is an exciting career path that thousands of people embark on every year. The first step is usually a TEFL or TESOL certificate and then finding a job in a suitable location. Once you step into your own EFL classroom, you will then be able to use all the skills you learned during the course. However, every teacher makes mistakes every now and again, which is why we have summarized the top mistakes to avoid in the classroom while teaching English abroad to help you out!Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 1. Being the "Nice, Fun Teacher" 2. Planning Your Lessons Too Quickly 3. Using the Same Lesson Plan for All Levels 4. Talking Too Quickly or Too Slowly 5. Thinking Too Short-Term 6. Obsessing Over Correct...  [Read more]

After completing a TEFL certification course and working as an English language teacher, some people look to branch out into other avenues of the teaching profession in order to gain more experience or to earn a higher salary. One such route is to become a TEFL trainer. Teaching people to become classroom teachers can be a very rewarding and well paid job and a route into management positions or even setting up your own language school.Table of Contents What are the basic requirements for becoming a TEFL trainer? What are the characteristics of a TEFL trainer? Do I need advanced qualifications to become a TEFL trainer? How important is classroom experience for a TEFL trainer? Where can I work as a TEFL trainer? Who are the main employers of TEFL trainers? The first and most obvious...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations TEFL Information Teachers in South Korea either work for private language institutes, called Hagwons, or public schools through the government-funded EPIK program. Both options are highly popular and offer good salaries and other benefits. However, there are a couple of distinct differences that might help you to decide whether working at a private or public school in South Korea is a better fit for you.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Differences in the Hiring Process Differences in Salary Differences in Working Hours Differences in Vacation Time Other Differences Between Public and Private Schools in South Korea Which School Type Suits You Most? Are you ready to teach English in South Korea? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Lesson planning is an important part of being a TEFL teacher. While experienced TEFL teachers may appear to not require a plan it is only because they have probably taught a lesson so many times that the majority of their plan is in their head. They will still have a good idea of how they want and expect the lesson to proceed. Inexperienced TEFL teachers will need the structure a good lesson plan provides.Table of Contents What is the purpose of lesson planning? What are the basic tenets of lesson planning? What is the lesson planning process? Preparation Teaching Reflection Are you planning to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! A good plan acts as a guide to your planning....  [Read more]