I Speak Chinese

SPEAK promotes the emergence of communities where locals and newcomers meet to share their culture and develop meaningful bonds by providing a web platform for individuals to facilitate informal language learning environments and community events. From this simple service, SPEAK is fostering the creation of spaces where newcomers have the opportunity to share the value they bring and develop meaningful relationships with locals as equals, not feeling they are disempowered receivers as in most integration initiatives. The informal environment and methodology used allow participants to learn with each other, while at the same time breaking barriers and creating meaningful relationships, creating a multicultural community where cultural heritage is cherished. This network has created...  [Read more]

Hoàng Minh Huy Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In recent years, the number of people learning English has significantly increased due to its importance. It offers various benefits, such as career opportunities, financial stability, and studying abroad. English comprises four essential skills, with speaking being a crucial step in mastering any language. This article outlines strategies to speak English fluently like a native.Table of Contents Leveraging Technological Advancements Engaging with Native Speakers Immersing in an English-Speaking Environment Conclusion: Diverse Paths to English Mastery Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! First and foremost, technology's rapid...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In the four skills, speaking is usually the poorest for the students learning English as L2. This results from lack of speaking practice, thus, students tend to be reluctantly speaking English in class as well as after class. It is important for teachers to encourage and motivate them to speak English, especially in class. Based on some knowledge gained through this course and my experience as a teacher, I have tried to build a language speaking environment, adopt many ways and encourage students to open their mouths to speak and they made a lot of progress in speaking English. The ideas below are mostly for pre-intermediate students and as for young learners, one can adopt different methods to make them speak.Table of Contents Environment is essential...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Expressing ourselves in a language that it is not our native language could be for most students frustrating and intimidating, especially when they are in a room full of people and there is a fear to be judged by peers and their teacher who is carefully listening to them; these feelings are the ones that stress out and hold down students, preventing them from participating in class, and as a consequence they do not practice and learn English efficiently. There could be many reasons for students to stress in the classroom, some students may simply be shy, some may be afraid to make mistakes and others may just lack English knowledge and vocabulary to express their ideas.Table of Contents Ways to relief stressful situations 1. Motivate 2. Build self-esteem...  [Read more]

SOURCE: blog . mccrindle . com . au/the-mccrindle-blog/how_to_speak_stralyan_aussie_slang_infographic Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

SOURCE: www . chasingthedonkey . com/learn-to-speak-croatian-infographic/ Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas To keep the Activate Stage more fun and lively, offer your students one of these cool speaking activities. They will definitely enjoy the conversation and get creative with the tasks. Remember that any of these exercises can be easily used online.Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: 1. Teacher For a Day 2. Describe a Picture 3. Redo Your Talk 4. TripAdvisor 5. Communal Story 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! Students share their ideas on how to make class more interesting and engaging. Let them discuss an ideal day in your ESL class and then propose their ideas to you. Give each student an unusual photograph...  [Read more]

  So, we'll focus first of all on a speaking skills lesson and perhaps a starting point for this would be to ask a question which is: Why do we speak to each other? The reason that it's important to ask ourselves this question is that whatever answers there are to this should be present in our lessons. So, why do we speak to each other? Well, there are a multitude of answers to that but when you boil them all down to their essence, they probably actually come down to one or two things. We communicate to each other by speaking because of either a need. We need something. We want something or a desire to achieve something. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into...  [Read more]

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]

One of the most effective ways to encourage students to speak confidently in English is by creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. This can be achieved by fostering a sense of community where students feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment. Encourage open communication, active listening, and mutual respect among students. Additionally, use positive reinforcement to acknowledge and praise students' efforts in speaking English, regardless of their proficiency level. By creating a safe space for language practice, students will feel more confident to engage in conversations and express their thoughts. Engaging activities play a crucial role in boosting students' confidence in speaking English. Incorporate interactive and communicative tasks that...  [Read more]

1. Benefits of Teaching English in a Country Where You Do Not Speak the Language 2. Challenges of Teaching English in a Country Where You Do Not Speak the Language Teaching English in a country where you do not speak the language can be a rewarding and enriching experience. It allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local culture, learn a new language, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that your students face when learning English as a foreign language. Additionally, it can help you develop your communication skills, adaptability, and cultural awareness. Challenges of Teaching English in a Country Where You Do Not Speak the Language While teaching English in a country where you do not speak the language can be a valuable experience, it also comes with its...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English is called the global language because it is used as an official language throughout the world. People from different countries and cultures, who speak various languages, communicate with each other using English. It is the first language in use in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and New Zealand. English is the official language of the United Nations and is used to communicate with leaders of different cultures and nationalities.Table of Contents Reasons for English Global Status Convenience Online Communication Business and Career Tourism Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jim M. Please note that this blog...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching English at a university and in a foreign country entails different considerations and expectations which vary from country to country. University students have often studied English for numerous years, but have not had many opportunities to practice it with native speakers. For China specifically, tests and textbooks have often been seen as the ultimate achievement, not a means to the actual production of English (Wen 2016). With this in mind, it is crucial to utilize the often large pre-existing pool of knowledge of English that many students already have into productive tasks that allow students to creatively and critically apply their knowledge to practical application.Table of Contents ESA Modification Cultural Awareness Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a country where you do not speak the local language is indeed possible and quite common. It is essential to understand the local context, including the English proficiency level of your students, the cultural norms, and the educational system. Many schools and language centers in non-English-speaking countries hire English teachers specifically for their language expertise, regardless of their proficiency in the local language. Therefore, it is crucial to be adaptable, open-minded, and willing to learn about the local culture to be successful in this endeavor. One effective approach when teaching English in a foreign country where you do not speak the local language is to use English-only teaching methods. This immersive technique forces both you and your students to...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a country where you do not speak the local language can present challenges, but it is definitely possible with the right strategies in place. While knowing the local language can be helpful, it is not a requirement for teaching English as a foreign language. Many TEFL teachers successfully navigate this obstacle by relying on other communication tools and methods to effectively teach English to their students. One key strategy for teaching English in a non-English speaking country is to immerse yourself in the language learning process alongside your students. By demonstrating a willingness to learn and make mistakes, you create a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Additionally, utilizing visual aids, gestures, and real-life examples can help bridge the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Foreign language experience is complexed on so many different levels, it is a window into a different culture, often a different country and even a different paradigm of thinking. There is a multitude of language experiences people can have, each with their own intricacies and uniqueness. As a native English speaker from South Africa, living in China has provided me with extraordinary foreign language experience.Table of Contents The Most Difficult Language Benefits of Mandarin Experience Do you want to teach English in China? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Marlan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Mandarin, the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Education is one of the most important and complex processes of all humans achievements, especially early childhood education. It requires good attention and hard work. Learning language is one part of those big achievements, once the language is given as a second language for young learners, therefore teaching English as a second language in primary institutions like kindergartens is a great challenge itself as for the students so for the teachers. Building a relationship with the children in the second language without utilizing their mother tongue demands great work. Teaching kids in the kindergarten must be motivating.Table of Contents Teaching Skills My TEFL Experience Teachers' Attitude Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences For the past twenty years, I have had the pleasure of teaching English to Chinese students of all ages in both Taiwan and mainland China. The following are my observations:Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: Ancient Culture Differences in Students' Behavior Lack of Confidence Acceptance Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Eugene E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. If one were to argue that Socrates was the beginning of modern Western Civilization, one could easily surmise that that modern Chinese civilization has its roots in the teachings of Confucius. While Socrates told his...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas I am a lifelong ESL student myself. Every day I am learning something new from the books, from the things around me, and my students. For the last few years, I've been teaching the English language here in China, which is why I chose this topic. China is a great country with beautiful sceneries and very hard-working, enthusiastic, and friendly people. Learning any language is not an easy job. It requires patience, practice, and of course, a desire.Table of Contents Chinese Students' Strongest vs. Weakest Abilities Pronunciation Motivation Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas After China adopted the Open Door Policy, the English language not only gained popularity but also became indispensable in international communication and trade. It was introduced in public schools as an obligatory foreign language and English teaching centers started spreading across the country. Even though Chinese people approach learning English with a great dose of enthusiasm, it poses several challenges, both linguistic and cultural.Table of Contents The History of Chinese Pronunciation Challenges Cultural Issues Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Weronika S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In 2010, I was on a cultural fact-finding mission. While living as an ex-pat in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, I decided I would like to teach English to Chinese students. I thought it would be a fun, constructive way to spend my extra time while my husband was working. So, I took the challenge! I call this a challenge because I had no prior ESL experience at the time. I soon found that understanding the Chinese culture was going to become a priority. Is sensitivity to the Chinese cultural norms significant in teaching ESL in China? A very important puzzle piece in successful teaching in China is defined by their culture. Learning about it and implementing it in my teaching classes smoothed many a misconception, both ways. Culture matters. But,...  [Read more]

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]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a fun conversation board game to speak about summer holidays with your ESL students.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Oxford English dictionary defines Vocabulary as "the body of words used in a particular language". From this definition, it is obvious that teaching vocabulary to new students of the English language will not be an easy thing due to the complexity and nature of the language. Context is very important when teaching vocabulary. The Shakespearean language of the 16th Century has evolved from the Victorian era, or to that of the early 20th century and today's 21st century. The location also determines the use of certain vocabulary and expressions. For example, the English spoken in London is different from that of Liverpool, Glasgow, New York, Houston, Ottawa, etc. It is important for a good teacher to be well versed and open-minded about certain...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Self-confidence has been seen as a major contributor to a person learning a language. As a teacher and a counselor, I agree with Jack Welch's quote: Giving people self-confidence is by far the most important thing that I can do because then they will act. Confidence exists of three realms: who I am, what I can learn, and what I can do. These are steps that can be taken to help Chinese Business English students improve confidence in these realms.Table of Contents What is self-confidence? Who am I? What can I learn? What can I do? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate William N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This essay answers the question for number 10 "what are the main problems for learners in the country of China?" I am a professor at Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China and share my observations. Our students are in the North American College (NAC), with partners in Canada at Lambton College and Northwood University, USA. Three areas are most interesting to their learning challenges: college preparation, listening and writing.Table of Contents Exam System Lexical Units Digital Autism Writing Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Annette P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Students enter NAC with...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The following essay is a summative task for my TEFL certification course. I have chosen the topic "Problems for learners in a country of your choice" and the country of focus is China. In the essay, I would like to answer the question "How to help Chinese learners improve their conversation skills?"Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: State of the problem Phonetic System Chinese Censorship Culture Ways to Teach Speaking Intonation and Stress Speaking Activities Motivation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nastja S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The reason for choosing this topic...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Language has always played an important role in communication between people. Today, in the globalization, the importance of mastering a foreign language has become increasingly prominent. English is the most widely used language in the world.Table of Contents English Status in China Reasons for Low Results in English Economical Challenges Differences in Two Languages Cultural Background Lack of Proper Study Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Xiao W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In the 21st century, English is not unfamiliar to us Chinese. In our life, we can find English everywhere with...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As an aspirant teaching English to Chinese children, I chose 'Pronunciation problems of Chinese people' as the most attractive and the most useful topic for my summative task at this moment.Table of Contents So let's begin from the very beginning. The Second difficulty in pronunciation is so-called dark L or L's with no vowel sound after them. How can the teacher help students to correct this? Different Approaches Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: As resources of this joyful and useful research on the internet, I have used three videos on Youtube made by the three experienced teachers of the English language. Only one of them works with children. And only one of them (accent coach from London, Luke Nicholson) gave...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Over the decades, the English language has reached the status of a global language and is commonly known as the lingua franca around the world. It has become one of the most widely spoken language as a mother tongue, international communication as well as language taught in millions of schools around the globe. The use of the English language is widespread in many sectors in the global market as many organizations begin to adopt the language as an official language. In the economic world, the language plays a significant role in international trade/business between two of the most powerful global economic powerhouse mainly the United States of America and China.Table of Contents English as a necessity Demand in extracurricular activities Common...  [Read more]