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How can I teach English if I don't speak the student's language? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
To teach English effectively without speaking the student's language, focus on using methods and techniques that promote language learning through immersion and communication. Here are some key strategies to consider:
Yes, you can effectively teach English to non-native speakers without knowing their language. Teaching English to speakers of other languages, also known as TESOL or TEFL, is a specialized skill that focuses on using English as the medium of instruction. Here are some reasons why knowing the students' language is not a requirement for effective English language teaching: Understanding of language learning principles: TEFL/TESOL training equips teachers with knowledge of language learning theories, teaching methodologies, and classroom management techniques that are applicable... [Read more]
Can you teach English in Thailand without speaking Thai? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Absolutely, teaching English in Thailand doesn't necessitate fluency in Thai. In fact, most language schools in Thailand prefer that ESL instructors use only English in the classroom to promote full immersion, regardless of their Thai language proficiency.Table of Contents
Is there a need for English teachers in Thailand?
What are the requirements for teaching English in Thailand?
Thailand has seen a surge in demand for English teachers, driven by its expanding economy and an increasing eagerness among its population to master the language. As English education gains prominence, those with TEFL certifications generally find more lucrative opportunities. The shift towards long-term contracts has led schools to prioritize instructors willing to commit for extended periods, rather than brief... [Read more]
Can I teach English in countries where I don't speak the local language? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. Benefits of Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language
2. Challenges of Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language
3. Strategies for Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language
4. Conclusion: Teaching English Successfully in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language
Benefits of Teaching English in Countries Where You Don't Speak the Local Language
Teaching English in a country where you don't speak the local language can be a rewarding experience. It forces you to immerse yourself in the language you are teaching and helps you understand the challenges your students face when learning a new language. This can make you a more empathetic and effective teacher. Additionally, being in an environment... [Read more]
How to Bow in Japan - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: www . tofugu . com/japan/bowing-in-japan/
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Do You Like to Travel? Become a TEFL teacher! - TEFL Blog
Gianluca Costa
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Many people have the dream to travel the world. However, it's hard to travel a lot unless you're rich or work for a big international company offering your business trips, right? What do you do about a visa, and what if you don't speak the local language? Fret not; it's actually easier than you think to find a job in an exciting foreign country. If you are a native English speaker or speak English fluently, why not consider a job teaching English abroad?Table of Contents
How to become a TEFL teacher
Plan your travels
Get paid to travel
Tutoring
Teach Online
It's worth it
Are you ready to become a TEFL expert? Take a TEFL course today!
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English teachers... [Read more]
The Main Problems of ESL Learners From Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Regardless of the Japanese government's efforts to increase the number of foreign tourists to be a tourism-oriented country and to have been retaining compulsory English education for decades, Japanese people still have a reputation of being bad at English. The average TOEIC and TOEFL scores for Japanese are one of the worst among advanced nations. South Korea was also one of the worst in the past, but they are getting better and better these days. However, there are still some obstacles for many Japanese English learners to get over.Table of Contents
1. First, there are very few teachers in Japan who can teach students how to speak and write English with confidence.
2. Secondly, the Japanese language structure is very different from the English one.... [Read more]
The 2 Pronunciation Problems ESL Students Suffer From in Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
There are several pronunciation problems that students of English will face in Japan; however, I will focus on two.Table of Contents
1. Differences in the phonetic systems of two languages
2. Lack of exposure to authentic English resources
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brandie K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The first of these problems they face is the fact that Japanese doesn't have some of the same sounds in its' alphabet as English does. For example, Japanese does not have a hard R sound; instead, it has a sound that is a mix of R and L. So, when students from Japan go to... [Read more]
Differences in Teaching Monolingual and Multilingual EFL Groups - TEFL Blog
Laura Payne
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
I am currently working as an Assistant Language Teacher in Japan. Before I began this job I assumed that because Japan has a largely homogeneous population, all of my classes would be monolingual. However, I was wrong in this assumption. In addition to my Japanese students, I have many students who are Brazilian or Filipino. These students largely do not use Japanese as their mother tongue and have to learn both English and Japanese as a second language. This diverse student population, in addition to my work experiences and studies, has taught me a lot about working with both monolingual and multilingual classes.Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
Teaching Monolingual Classes
Struggles in Multilingual Classes
How My TEFL Course... [Read more]
There Is No L (And Other Differences Between Japanese and English) - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Throughout high school and college, I mainly focused on learning how to speak Japanese as my second language. Unlike English, Japanese is a fairly phonetic language. Two of its three writing systems, hiragana and katakana, are phonetic. This makes it easy for foreigners to learn because each syllable, also known as sound clusters in some circles, is almost always said exactly how it is spelled. The third writing system, kanji, is not and, as such, is much more difficult for foreigners to learn because kanji are essentially pictures that describe their meaning. They are much more difficult to learn and use in everyday speech.Table of Contents
Differences in Syllable Pronunciation
Consonant Clusters
Sound /L/
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a... [Read more]
Common Challenges in English for Japanese Native Speakers - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
If you ever find yourself driving in French Canada, you will be stopped by stop signs that say 'arrêt', which is stopped in French. Almost all drivers in North America would know that this means stop because it's the same octagon red stop sign. In Japan it's very different, stop signs are triangular with Japanese script on them but, beneath the Japanese, you can find English subtitles which read 'stop'. In fact, if you travel anywhere in Japan, the majority of signs and announcements related to travel are offered in Japanese and English. English has been taught in Japanese schools since the American occupation after World War Two. However, according to an EF English Proficiency Index in 2017, Japanese English proficiency is 35th out of... [Read more]
Anticipated Problems: Japanese Speakers and Their Issues in ESL - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I have been living in Japan for the past one and a half years. Needless to say, the experience has been enthralling. This country would have never been my first choice for a country to relocate to, from my home country, India. But if my stay has taught me anything, it is that never judge a book by its cover. When we think of Japan, the first thing that pops up is that it is a country of workaholics; it has zero English presence, and the people are highly prejudiced against foreigners and foreign culture. I was proven wrong. Japan is a beautiful country. It is culturally so rich, it makes me want to live here forever. The people, though tend to be a little distant initially, a warm-up to you eventually, and once they do, they could move mountains for... [Read more]
The Most Challenging Aspects in English for Japanese Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Description: When teaching English in Japan, there are a few common problems all learners, young and old, face. Two main issues students face are with grammar, as well as pronouncing and hearing certain sounds. As this course was designed for teaching young learners, in this paper, I will address the issues above and possible solutions as they apply to this age group.Table of Contents
Grammar Tricks
Pronunciation Tricks
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rebecca E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.... [Read more]
How Can English Influence a Student's Career - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
English is my first language, however, I studied Spanish throughout high school growing up in the Midwest and eventually received a Master's degree in Spanish Literature. I learned to speak Spanish very well after becoming a high school Spanish teacher for eight years and then a principal for elementary and secondary schools for 26 more years speaking Spanish to new immigrant students and parents the whole time.Table of Contents
Bilingualism
Confidence
Advantages and Perspectives
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rex P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
In reflecting on the title question I... [Read more]
What You Need to Know About Japanese Students' Challenges Before Teaching in Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Japan is a country with a long history, deep tradition, and vibrant culture. Within this culture sits the Japanese language. At first, being a spoken language and then adopting the Chinese Writing System, Japanese has grown and changed into what it is today. If you look at all languages, most Western languages originate from a set family, such as Romance Languages (which became today's Spanish, French, Italian, etc). But Japanese (as most Asian languages) was formed from entirely different roots. These fundamental differences mean that the method of learning these languages has a lot to do with memorization and repetitive practice of the Chinese symbols and the words they represent. Which means it is difficult to find any common ground between it and... [Read more]
Why Japanese Students Struggle with Communicating in English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
During my stay in Japan, Japanese people often told me how they can't communicate in English despite studying the language for six or more years in school. In Japan, students in junior and senior high learn English grammar and vocabulary in compulsory formal English classes. English is also taught in elementary school as foreign language activities. Yet despite spending several hours in English classes, many Japanese people graduate high school with poor English communication skills.Table of Contents
Education system
Class culture
Learning goals
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent... [Read more]
Why do Japanese Learners Face Difficulties when Studying English? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
English is causing many problems in Asian countries which can be seen just by the high demand for English teachers - including ESL teachers. One of the countries is Japan, a country with a good economy and a society well known for their kindness and politeness, but unfortunately also for the low number of English speakers. There are many reasons why English is likely to pose problems in Japan but there are many possibilities to improve the English lessons to offer lessons that help Japanese students to achieve a higher English level.Table of Contents
1. English is only written during lessons (Student Talk time is too low)
2. Students are not asked to express their thoughts in words (Spoken and written)
3. The contact to English speakers is not common... [Read more]
How Can Teachers Develop the Productive Skills of Japanese Junior High School Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Change is coming to the way that English is taught in Japanese public schools. The changes to the curriculum by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) increase the teaching of English at all levels of schooling. The goal of this change is, in the words of Ikuko Tsuboya-Newel, founder and chair of Tokyo International School, "The government has decided that beginning in 2020 all high school graduates must achieve a level of English equivalent to B1" ("Why do Japanese have trouble learning English?", The Japan Times, October 29, 2017). To achieve that goal, high school entrance exams are expected to include more testing of productive skills in English. Therefore, junior high school students are expected to have these... [Read more]
Japanese Native Speakers and Their Challenges in ESL Learning - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
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!
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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 Schools, these students struggle with achieving even daily conversational English. In this... [Read more]
Problems Japan Faces in Developing English as a Second Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
There are several challenges Japan faces when it comes to learning English as a second language. Japanese culture is a bubble. Everything, including their ad signs, TV, games, government, studies, work and even the internet is filled with one language; Japanese. In a world of globalization, where your goods and services can come from literally any part of the globe. Japan is one of the few remaining homogenous cultures where English is still seen as an optional language. As the global economy becomes more global, the English language will likely become less optional, but essential. In addition to the cultural issues, Japan's English curriculum in the school is largely unchanged from the '60s according to my Japanese cousins and uncles still living in... [Read more]
9 Small Details That Matter When Teaching EFL - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
When you teach English as a foreign language it's important to pay attention to details that we sometimes ignore when communicating with other native level speakers, either in spoken or written English. Some people have got into the habit of writing in uppercase/capital letters, use abbreviations, and don't think much about punctuation. We also tend not to be too critical of people's spoken English as long as we get the point across. 'There's a lot of cars on the road today' is grammatically incorrect for example.Table of Contents
1. Punctuation
2. Upper and Lowercase
3. Abbreviations
4. Use of Colour on the Board
5. Avoid Boring Gap-Fills
6. Avoid Changing What Students Say
7. Maximizing Student Talk Time
8. Calling on Individuals
9. Pronunciation Drilling... [Read more]
Cultural Sensitivity In Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
So, you've just finished a delicious meal of sushi at your favorite sushi restaurant in Tokyo. The waitress comes by and leaves the check at your table, you place your money inside, hand it back, and she shortly returns with the receipt. You proceed to place a generous tip on the table to thank her for her wonderful service, and you show yourself out of the restraint, back to the busy streets of Tokyo. Can you spot something that you shouldn't have done in this scenario?Table of Contents
Foreign point of view
Behavior
Other Cultural Symbols
Presents
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zachary B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent... [Read more]
Common Problems Japanese Learners of English Experience - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Japan is an island nation and is a recognized homogenous society with a very small percentage of foreign permanent residence and more than half of the adult population lacks the necessary skills to speak English proficiently. Because of this, English as a Second Language is in high demand with young learners being a focus group in Japan. English is taught in the school environment during nearly all of a child's primary education years, but this, unfortunately, doesn't translate to a proficient English-speaking Japanese population.Table of Contents
Global Opportunities
Differences in Language Structure
Cultural Challenges
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate... [Read more]
What are The Challenges for English Learners in Japan? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
I have taught in a Japanese high school for the past four years as an assistant language teacher, which gives me a particular insight into the problems and advantages of EFL in that area. This will naturally require some generalizations. Individuals have very different problems from one another, but broader shared issues do crop up.Table of Contents
My experience
Japanese average
Gap between two languages
Japanese culture can also make teaching difficult
Another aspect of the culture that can make things difficult is the island mentality of Japan
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily... [Read more]
Teaching English to Beginners in Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Japanese is certainly one of the most interesting languages in the world thanks to its three types of writing (hiragana, katakana and kanji).Table of Contents
International Links
Main Challenges: Phonetic System
Main Challenges: Exposure to English
Main Challenges: Grammar
Main Challenges: Beginners
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Desiree I. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
After the outbreak of intercontinental travel (therefore with the appearance of commercialization and missionaries around the world) many terms of different languages, including English ones, also became part of the... [Read more]
Establishing Rapport in Rural Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
I first decided to take this TEFL course because I am currently teaching English in rural Japan. I plan and execute English lessons for Junior High School students, as well as serve as a cultural representative of my country and foster cultural exchange. Here's the catch though - I don't speak Japanese.Table of Contents
Setting up good relationships
Beginning of the study
Inspiring students
Rewarding system
Role model
English only
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gwendolen J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I've had to think a lot about how to get students to like me and the subject I teach... [Read more]
Accommodation Options in Tokyo for English Teachers in Japan - TEFL Blog
Georgia Payne
Destinations Alumni Experiences
Moving to one of the largest cities in the world is quite a daunting task, particularly when you have to find your own accommodation using another language.Table of Contents
What are Tokyo apartments like?
Where to get an apartment
A few things to note
Accommodation Options
Option #1: Apartment - using a rental company
Option #2: Sharehouse
Option #3: Airbnb/business hotel
Final Piece of Advice
The Gist
Are you ready to teach English in Japan?
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On the JET Programme, ALTs (assistant language teachers) are, in every prefecture except Tokyo, provided with accommodation by the school and will likely inherit all of the necessary furniture and kitchen appliances... [Read more]
Why Is English Challenging to Learn for Japanese Students? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Japanese are known for being disciplined, dedicated, and hardworking individuals not only in their work but also in other aspects of their life like hobbies and studies. But why is it difficult for them to learn English despite their strong dedication, patience, efforts, and determination?Table of Contents
My Teaching Experience
But still, the Japanese cannot speak English, why is that?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Princess D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I've been teaching English in Japan as my part-time job for more than one year now. I have seen and handled students of different... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in Japan Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Destinations Teaching Ideas
Japan is a country facing rapid change. Due to an aging population and a scarcity of workers, Japan is opening its borders to foreigners, many of whom speak English. This, along with the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, has led to an increase in demand for English teachers. I currently work in Japan, and have had the experience of teaching English to high school Japanese students for the past year. Over the course of this year, I've learned of many problems that students in Japan face when learning English. Of those, the top three problems for students in Japan are pronunciation, shyness, and large class sizes.Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
Differences in Phonology
Students' Reluctance to Speak
Class Size in Japanese Schools
Are you ready... [Read more]
Three Typical Pronunciation Problems for Japanese ESL Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
According to a study by scholars and experts in the field of linguistics, more specifically in the article of Riney & Anderson-Hsieh from International Christian University, the native language (L1) is a good predictor of pronunciation accuracy in English as researched by Suter in 1976. In the same article, it was mentioned that a subsequent study by Purcell and Suter in 1980, found that non-native speakers who are most likely to pronounce English (L2) poorly, fit the profile in Japanese ESL students.Table of Contents
1. /L/ and /R/ sound
2. /ng/ sound
3. /th/ Fricatives
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Cherryl T. Please note that this blog post... [Read more]
A Sample ESA Lesson Plan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Teacher: Hoang Thi Thanh Hue Observer: N/ A Date and time: 19/09/19Class level: Beginner Room: 201 Expected number of student: 10Table of Contents
Language point:
Learner objectives:
Personal aims:
1. Engage phase (5 mins), interaction (T-S)
2. Study phase (35 mins)
3. Activate 1 phase (10 mins, T - S)
4. Activate 2 phase (10 mins, S - S)
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hue H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
New vocabulary: banana, bread, chicken, cookie, orange juice, milkNew structure: I like/ don't like _____.Teaching aids: a paper bag, 03 real food items, pictures of foods and drink,... [Read more]
