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The Struggles of Teaching Difficult English Language Patterns - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many different types of peculiarities when concerning the English language, and this essay is aimed at the difficulties in teaching those peculiarities to learners that are not fluent in the English language. It can be difficult for native English speakers to progressively learn the subtle nuances as children graduating to young adults and navigating complexities of the language as adults; deciphering whether or not these peculiarities warrant further investigation or retention based on usage and context. These oddities of the English language can be exponentially more difficult for those attempting to learn the English language as a second language, having fully grasped the complexities of their own language only to have to navigate the... [Read more]
The Most Useful Phrases For Classroom Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Teaching English as a foreign language requires a set of certain skills in order to conduct effective lessons and encourage learning in students. Through a TEFL course, you will learn all of these important skills and much more. The following are the most useful phrases for classroom language to be used by English teachers in a classroom full of English learners around the world. The phrases are concise and straight to the point to ensure a steady workflow and positive classroom environment.
Integrating classroom language into a lesson can often pose great difficulties for teachers due to the fact that many second language teachers learned the language themselves after childhood, thus were not exposed to authentic classroom... [Read more]
Is it Difficult to Teach Children Online? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Most would say it's an almost impossible task, one that requires a lot of patience and repetition. How are you supposed to keep their interest? How do you communicate to them efficiently despite not being physically present? Teaching children may not be an easy task, however, I believe it would be a most rewarding one. Teaching online is something that I have been keen on and would like to venture into after completing this course. We are moving into a digital world where we will all soon be connected over the internet. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to reach and enrich the lives of children globally.
Is it a good choice?
Cultural exchange
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our... [Read more]
How difficult is the TEFL exam? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The difficulty level of the TEFL exam can vary depending on individual factors such as prior teaching experience, language proficiency, and preparation. Here are some key points to consider regarding the difficulty of the TEFL exam:
The main areas covered in the TEFL exam typically include:
Yes, there are various study resources available to help you prepare for the TEFL exam. Practice Tests:
[Read more]
Is getting a TEFL or TESOL certificate difficult? - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information
When compared to the requirements to become a regular subject teacher in a state school in most countries throughout the world, entering the TEFL/TESOL market is relatively easy. In a state school a teaching degree is normally required. Gaining a teaching degree (B.Ed) usually takes three or four years of study dedicated to gaining subject knowledge and teaching skills. Whilst the same two areas are covered in any TEFL or TESOL certification course, the time taken to complete the course is greatly reduced. The typical TEFL or TESOL course may only take 120-hours. The teaching of EFL therefore offers you the opportunity to enter the teaching profession in a very short time, compared to the regular teacher training process.
Onsite courses:
Online courses:... [Read more]
Why English Speaking is Difficult for Many Thai Learners - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Thailand is famously known as " the land of smiles". In some situations, smiling is the way to save face or to avoid conflicts. This often includes the time when Thai people have to communicate with foreigners in English and have no idea what the other meant. They simply smile to get out of a situation instead of making the best out of it by practicing their English speaking skill. On the other hand, they build up a fear of making mistakes and avoid being in that particular circumstance in the future. As English today plays important roles in tourism and the Thai economy as a whole, still, Thai people struggle to communicate effectively. Here are some areas suggested why it is difficult for Thai learners to improve their speaking skills.
Cultural Aspects... [Read more]
Is TEFL / TESOL Certification difficult to pass? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Is TEFL / TESOL Certification challenging? How tough is the exam / course?
A comprehensive TEFL / TESOL course parallels the depth of a university-level class, demanding a committed investment of time and effort. Through thorough review of course materials and adherence to deadlines, students typically excel. Most TEFL / TESOL courses offer flexible timelines, ranging from 6 months to a year for completion. If online TEFL / TESOL study feels overwhelming, ensure your chosen course includes tutor support. With this feature, experienced TEFL / TESOL professionals assist and guide you, ensuring clarity and comprehension throughout your learning journey.
How challenging is the TEFL exam?
Typical TEFL / TESOL online course content.
Video Testimonials.
Contrary to common belief, there isn't a... [Read more]
Techniques to Transmit New and Difficult Concepts to Students - TEFL Blog
Ramon Perez
Teaching Ideas
Every day, we learn something new. It can happen on the street, at work, at school and even in our home. We can attain new skills and knowledge through our interactions with our surroundings. Utilizing our 5 senses and past experiences to make sense of what is going on, we can ascertain new concepts and make proper use of them in our daily lives. However, as a teacher, we are tasked with transmitting abstract concepts that become difficult to fully grasp through traditional methods. Consequently, some teachers rely on literal translations to bring the point across.
VISUAL AIDS
ACTING/ROLE PLAY
ENUNCIATION AND SPEECH
MIMING
CONCLUSION
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Since the student's exposure to the target language can be extremely limited outside of the classroom, it's... [Read more]
Why a Diverse-Aged Group is Difficult to Teach - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many potential problems when teaching is considered. With the teaching of a foreign language, especially in a culturally reserved country such as Turkey, the possible issues become bigger or more. I do not believe it would be very useful or beneficial neither for the teacher nor the students to put people with big age differences in the same class, trying to learn the same subject from the same teacher. There are many disadvantages as opposed to weak advantages in doing so.
Level of Motivation
Learning Goals
Interaction
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nalan F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [Read more]
What are the most common misconceptions about teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
One common misconception about teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate is the belief that fluency in the local language is necessary. While it can be helpful to know some of the local language to navigate daily life, most TEFL teaching positions actually require teachers to conduct classes solely in English. In fact, being a native or near-native English speaker is often a primary requirement for these positions, as the goal is to create an immersive English-speaking environment for students. Therefore, while knowing the local language can be advantageous, it is not a prerequisite for teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate.
Another misconception is that obtaining a TEFL certification guarantees immediate employment as an English teacher abroad. While having a TEFL... [Read more]
How difficult is the in-person TEFL course? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The difficulty level of an in-person TEFL course can vary depending on the individual's prior experience, learning style, and commitment. Here are some factors to consider when determining the level of difficulty of an in-person TEFL course:
The typical workload for an in-person TEFL course can vary depending on the program and institution, but generally, it includes a combination of class hours, teaching practice, lesson planning, assignments, and assessments. Here is a breakdown of the typical workload for an in-person TEFL course:
Yes, there are typically prerequisites or qualifications required for in-person TEFL courses. These requirements may vary depending on the course provider, but some common prerequisites include:
[Read more]
Why Teaching Business English Isn’t As Difficult As It Seems - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As a former teacher of English as a foreign language, I have some experience teaching business English. Majority of my classes were for general English conversation. However, as I continued teaching, my workload increased to include a few business-focused classes. At first, I was intimidated and nervous about teaching these students. Did I have enough knowledge about business to teach them? Would I have the information they needed? After a lot of preparation and a few lessons, I realized that business classes are not much different than regular English classes and I need not know much about business to be a successful business English teacher.
Businessmen Are Ordinary Learners
Teacher's Responsibilities
My Experience
Are You Ready to Teach Business... [Read more]
Slang and Idioms: Why They Are Difficult to be Taught? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
As with all living languages, English is constantly evolving, slangs and idioms is an example of that. Slang and idioms are an integral part of written and spoken English; often it is employed by native speakers and has a deeper meaning than the literal phrase. Some might argue that slang and idioms are not 'proper' English and should not be part of the syllabus but people around the world are increasingly getting exposed to Western media. Students might encounter slangs and idioms when consuming authentic materials such as English films and books, where the characters would interact using normal lay speech. Perhaps the students are interested in all these words and phrases that are nonsensical when taken literally and would like to learn about it. The... [Read more]
Why ESA is Still the Most Effective Methodology in the English Language Classroom - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences
Throughout my ITTT TEFL course a specific teaching concept persisted, entitled "ESA". This methodology has been proven over several years to be effective in teaching English to students in the classroom. A precursor to this concept was "PPP" (Presentation, Practice, Production) which has been used by many teachers, though it lacks in engaging the students resulting in a less successful environment. Jeremy Harmer noticed this and in turn put forth a new and improved model, labeled "ESA", consisting of three steps; Engage, Study, and Activate. This methodology has continued to remain relevant to this day through its flexible and fluid approach to teaching English.
The Importance of the Engage Phase
The Importance of the Study Phase
The Importance of the... [Read more]
Why the Chinese Accent is so Difficult to Minimize in English - TEFL Blog
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.
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
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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 a lot of live... [Read more]
6 Tips on How to Learn English Quickly - TEFL Blog
Kavinna Batra
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
English is a fun language to learn; however, it can even throw off the most professional learner with complex spelling rules and difficult grammar. Learning English quickly could seem difficult, even though it is considered to be accessible and reasonably easy for many to learn. I'm here to tell you that as long as you have the right plan, you can learn English quickly and easily.
Here are 6 tips on how to learn English quickly:
1. Don't get annoyed when you're down
2. Begin with what you truly need
4. Situate yourself in an English environment
5. Whatever Floats Your Boat
6. When you're in doubt, just ask!
Are you ready to teach English to speakers of other languages?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many... [Read more]
"Has the Cat Got Your Tongue?": Teaching Slang and Idioms - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
When studying a new language, a student needs to learn more than what vocabulary can be found in a dictionary. To have a better grasp of the new language, a student must be exposed to other aspects of that language as well, such as the use of slang and idioms in that new language. This is because languages, especially English, are particularly fluid with regards to the use of slang and metaphorical language. Teaching students of English some common colloquialisms would thus be useful, especially in providing students a more cohesive understanding of the language. Providing students with this knowledge is especially important if the student intends to seek opportunities in countries where English is the most commonly used language or even in English... [Read more]
What are the most effective teaching strategies for English language learners? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
When teaching English as a foreign language, it is crucial to understand the specific needs and challenges that English language learners face. These learners come from diverse linguistic backgrounds and may have varying levels of proficiency in English. It is essential to assess their language proficiency levels accurately to tailor instruction that meets their individual needs. Additionally, considering their cultural background and learning styles can greatly enhance the effectiveness of teaching strategies. By acknowledging and addressing these factors, teachers can create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for English language learners.
One of the most effective teaching strategies for English language learners is the implementation of Communicative Language Teaching... [Read more]
Reasons Why Pronunciation is More Difficult for Adults than Children in El Salvador - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Pronunciation problems in El Salvador is very common, as many know Spanish is the main Language in this country, people in El Salvador tend to speak their native Language all the time because this is what they feel more comfortable with, as there is not any other dialect, other than Spanish, they are taught English in school, English Is the only language taught in El Salvador in public schools, but only for those that can attend one, this is because there are many people that can't attend a school due to economic matter, family problems or due to the work that is done in their household many don't have time to study and there are kids that can't attend school because they have to work, but there are many that do go to school and take English classes.... [Read more]
What are the most effective teaching techniques for beginner English language learners? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is a popular method for teaching English to beginners as it focuses on communication rather than just rote memorization of vocabulary and grammar rules. This approach encourages students to engage in real-life communication activities, such as role-plays, discussions, and problem-solving tasks. By using this technique, students can practice using English in meaningful contexts, which helps them develop their speaking and listening skills naturally.
Total Physical Response (TPR) is another effective technique for teaching English to beginners, especially for young learners or those with limited exposure to the language. TPR involves using physical actions and gestures to accompany language input, making it easier for students to understand and remember... [Read more]
Teaching English Online: ✅ A Survival Guide - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Teaching Ideas
If like many TEFL qualified teachers, you have moved your teaching online in recent times you will probably have found that it is much harder than you might have imagined. Although you spend most of your lessons sitting down on a comfy office chair rather than standing in front of the class, you still end the day more exhausted than you ever did in a normal classroom setting. If this sounds familiar, don't worry you are not alone as teaching English online is a tiring proposition for many teachers. Here we look at the main reasons why it is so tough and more importantly, what you can do to make things that bit easier.
Reading your students through the screen
Is there a solution?
Online teaching is intense
Is there a solution?
It is hard to relax
Is there a... [Read more]
How can I handle difficult students as a TEFL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Difficult students can present a variety of challenges in the TEFL classroom. It's important to recognize that there can be various reasons behind their behavior, such as language barriers, cultural differences, personal issues, or learning disabilities. By understanding the root causes of their difficulties, you can better address and manage their behavior effectively. Observing their behavior patterns, communicating with them, and being empathetic can help you gain insights into their challenges.
When dealing with difficult students, it's crucial to establish clear expectations and boundaries from the beginning. Consistent enforcement of rules and consequences can help maintain a structured learning environment. Implementing positive reinforcement techniques, such as praise and rewards... [Read more]
How can I handle difficult students in a TEFL classroom? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
In a TEFL classroom, encountering difficult students is not uncommon. These students may exhibit a range of challenging behaviors, such as disruptive conduct, lack of motivation, or language barriers. It is essential to recognize that these behaviors often stem from underlying issues, such as personal struggles, cultural differences, or learning disabilities. By understanding the root causes of their behavior, teachers can approach these students with empathy and develop effective strategies to address their needs.
When faced with challenging students in a TEFL classroom, it is crucial to employ various strategies to manage their behavior effectively. One approach is to establish clear expectations and rules from the beginning, outlining consequences for misbehavior while also highlighting... [Read more]
What are the most rewarding aspects of teaching English as a foreign language? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching English as a foreign language is the opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives. By helping students improve their language skills, you are empowering them to communicate effectively in a globalized world. Witnessing their progress, from struggling with basic phrases to confidently expressing themselves in English, is incredibly fulfilling. Moreover, as a TEFL teacher, you have the chance to inspire and motivate students to reach their full potential, both academically and personally.
Teaching English as a foreign language provides a unique platform for cultural exchange and building global connections. As you interact with students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, you gain valuable insights into different ways of life,... [Read more]
What are the most common misconceptions about teaching English as a foreign language? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
One common misconception about teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) is that you don't need any specific qualifications to become a teacher. While it is true that you can find opportunities to teach English without formal training, having a TEFL certification can significantly enhance your job prospects and earning potential. Many reputable language schools and institutions require teachers to have at least a 120-hour TEFL certificate. This certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers, including lesson planning, classroom management, and teaching methods.
Another misconception is that teaching English as a foreign language is limited to traditional classroom settings. With the rise of online education, there... [Read more]
Great Ideas for Teaching Writing Skills in the ESL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Teaching Ideas
Image by Alice Bolden via Writix
Listen to this blog post:
Think outside the box
Encourage creativity, not perfection
Encourage students to write about what interests them
Writing doesn't have to be a solo activity
Introduce multi-skilled lessons
Writing games
Are you ready to teach writing skills in your own classroom?
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Of all the language skills that are taught in the ESL classroom, teaching writing skills is often seen as one of the least popular. Some teachers consider these lessons to be a bit boring, hard to evaluate and somewhat limited in what you can incorporate into them. However, this doesn't have to be the case as teaching writing skills to your ESL students can actually be interesting, fun and productive. Take a look at these... [Read more]
What are the most in-demand languages for TEFL teachers to teach? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
As a TEFL teacher, you may wonder which languages are the most sought after by students. English is, of course, the most popular language to teach as a TEFL teacher. The demand for English teachers is high worldwide, especially in non-English speaking countries where English is a crucial skill for academic and professional success. Mandarin Chinese is another highly sought-after language. With China's growing influence in the global economy, there is a significant demand for Mandarin Chinese teachers. Spanish is also a popular language for TEFL teachers to teach, as it is the second most spoken language in the world and is widely used in many countries.
Teaching in-demand languages like English, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish can offer several advantages to TEFL teachers. Firstly, there is... [Read more]
How do I handle difficult parents or guardians as a TEFL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Effective communication with parents or guardians is crucial in the field of TEFL. It is essential for building a supportive network around the student and ensuring their success in learning English. When dealing with difficult parents or guardians, it is important to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Acknowledge their concerns and try to see things from their perspective. By establishing open and respectful communication, you can work together to address any issues and find solutions that benefit the student.
When faced with challenging situations involving parents or guardians, it is important to remain calm and professional. Listen actively to their concerns and avoid becoming defensive. Instead, focus on finding common ground and working towards a mutually... [Read more]
The Most Popular TEFL Destinations For Teachers
Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information
Within the teaching of English as a second language (ESL) there are several classifications of learner scenarios. You have probably heard of graded classes versus mixed ability classes as an example. Another major classification is monolingual versus multilingual classes.
Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information
It is possible to take a course at almost every level of qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Here we will look at some actual courses and what you can do with your degree. Then we will look at what those qualification levels are.
Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Explore innovative approaches to teaching... [Read more]
What are the most effective teaching techniques for promoting language acquisition in a TEFL classroom? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) is a widely used approach in TEFL classrooms that focuses on real-life communication rather than rote memorization of grammar rules. In CLT, students engage in meaningful communication activities such as role-plays, discussions, and information gap tasks. This approach encourages students to use the language in authentic situations, fostering fluency and confidence in their language skills. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students in their language use rather than correcting every mistake. By emphasizing communication over accuracy, CLT promotes language acquisition in a natural and engaging way.
Task-Based Learning (TBL) is another effective technique for promoting language acquisition in a TEFL classroom. In TBL, students work on tasks that... [Read more]
