Motivation Learning English

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Apart from cognitive development, there is the moral and social development which are very important as well. Because, very young children do not understand that people have different feelings and experiences, but these perspective-taking abilities develop over time until it is quite sophisticated in adults. Kohlberg's divided it into three levels. The first one is the conventional moral reasoning which is based on personal needs and determination and other rules to avoid punishments. The second's called the conventional Moral Reasoning which is based on the family's expectation, traditional values, the laws of society and loyalty to the country. The third is called the post-conventional moral reasoning is based on the universal ethical principle...  [Read more]

Student motivation in TEFL can vary depending on various factors such as age, cultural background, personal interests, and learning goals. On average, many students who enroll in English language classes are motivated to improve their communication skills, enhance their career prospects, or broaden their horizons by studying abroad. However, some students may lack motivation due to past negative experiences with language learning, personal insecurities, or a lack of clear goals. As a TEFL teacher, it is essential to understand the individual motivations of your students to tailor your teaching approach and create a supportive learning environment. There are several effective strategies that TEFL teachers can use to increase student motivation in the classroom. One approach is to make...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A newly trained or even an experienced teacher of a foreign language will always have a key question in mind as they begin to teach English: how do I get students motivated to learn English and maintain this motivation. This is a crucial concept as maintaining motivation is vital to learn any foreign language and if this motivation diminishes, then even the most remarkable or conscientious of students will not accomplish their goal of learning the language. The teacher Setting clear and attainable goals Praise students and avoid over-correction Vary the lesson Involve students and give them a chance to shine Give clear instructions Are you ready to motivate ESL students all over the world? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: Keeping this in...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings TEFL Information Motivation serves as a cornerstone for language learning success, and while students are expected to bring their own motivation to class, teachers play a significant role in fostering and sustaining it. Online teaching presents unique challenges in this regard, as building rapport and connection can be more challenging compared to traditional classrooms. However, with dedication and creativity, online teachers can effectively motivate their students. In this post, we explore five strategies to boost student motivation in the online learning environment. Demonstrate Care and Interest Harness the Power of Music Utilise Interactive Activities and Games Discuss Current Events Keep it Simple and Fun Crucial for success Creating a supportive and nurturing...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As someone who has experienced both sides of the spectrum, teacher and learner, I have had the opportunity to see different sides of a back-and-forth history. I have heard, "My teacher was horrible!", as well as, "I have a horrible group of students this year!". My Personal Experience Why Teachers Need to Love Their Job Classroom Management Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Evan J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. After years of seeing and listening, my experience has taught me that both the teacher and the student play equally significant roles in the outcome of learning. However, it is a...  [Read more]

  The Importance of Student Motivation Factors Affecting Student Motivation Strategies to Enhance Student Motivation The Role of Positive Reinforcement Creating Engaging Lesson Plans Building Strong Teacher-Student Relationships Encouraging a Growth Mindset Utilizing Technology in the Classroom Promoting Collaborative Learning Environments Assessing and Monitoring Student Motivation Student motivation is crucial for successful learning outcomes. Motivated students are more engaged, attentive, and willing to participate in classroom activities. ITTT, a leading TEFL and TESOL provider, emphasizes the significance of fostering motivation in language learners to enhance their language acquisition skills. Student motivation is crucial for successful learning outcomes. Motivated students...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have chosen this subject because I have some experience in teaching young learners and motivation has always been a hot topic of discussion with my peer teachers. Young children, especially preschoolers, learn through play. Enthusiasm is another important aspect to be taken into consideration. Feedback is also an important tool when teaching preschool students. 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 Lenuta M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Young learners have a short attention span and teachers or educators have to...  [Read more]

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative teaching approach that involves students working on a project over an extended period of time. This method encourages students to engage in real-world, meaningful tasks that promote collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. In TEFL, incorporating PBL can be highly effective in enhancing students' language acquisition and overall learning experience. One of the key benefits of using PBL in TEFL is that it creates a student-centered learning environment. By working on projects, students take ownership of their learning and become more actively involved in the language learning process. This approach helps to increase motivation and engagement, leading to improved language proficiency. Another advantage of PBL in TEFL is that...  [Read more]

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. In the TEFL classroom, PBL offers a dynamic approach to language learning that goes beyond traditional methods. By engaging students in real-world tasks and projects, PBL enhances language acquisition and promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. 1. Language Acquisition: One of the primary benefits of using PBL in the TEFL classroom is that it provides students with authentic opportunities to practice and improve their language skills. By working on meaningful projects, students are motivated to communicate effectively in English as they navigate...  [Read more]

Storytelling is a powerful tool that has been used for centuries to pass down knowledge, culture, and traditions. In the context of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), storytelling can be a highly effective method to engage students, enhance language learning, and foster a deeper understanding of the English language. By incorporating stories into the classroom, teachers can create a dynamic and interactive learning environment that inspires creativity, critical thinking, and language acquisition. There are numerous benefits to incorporating storytelling into TEFL lessons. Firstly, storytelling helps make language learning more meaningful and memorable for students. By presenting language in context through narratives, students are able to better understand and retain new...  [Read more]

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an effective teaching approach that allows students to engage in real-world, meaningful tasks to improve their language skills. In a TEFL context, PBL can be a valuable tool to enhance students' language proficiency while also developing their critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. By working on projects, students can apply what they have learned in a practical way, making the learning experience more engaging and memorable. 1. Promotes Language Acquisition: PBL provides students with opportunities to use English in authentic contexts, helping them improve their language skills naturally. By working on projects such as creating presentations, conducting interviews, or writing reports, students are exposed to real-life language use, which...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As human beings, motivation is one of the most important components to succeed ultimately, anything. If an individual is not motivated, the likelihood to succeed merely diminishes. This pertains to a person's personal life, academic life, and professional life. Motivation is the root of success, and this is why motivating the students in an ESL classroom holds such importance. To motivate students, the teacher must determine the student's intrinsic goals and desires, help students define their goals, create a positive and friendly climate, and encourage each student. Challenges of learning a second language Rapport building Feedback The importance of volunteer work Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There is no denying that psychology plays a vital role in child-rearing and student education. Parents, teachers, and other learning institutions consult and practice different child-rearing and teaching techniques that are all grounded from various studies and theories presented by several well-known psychologists in the likes of Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, Edward Thorndike, Carl Rogers, and B.F. Skinner. All these practices are done with one objective in mind and that is finding out which is the most effective when it comes to promoting child motivation and discipline. Taking into consideration that there is no clean-cut way on how to rear and teach a child, these multiple practices of rearing and teaching spark debates on its effectiveness—and...  [Read more]

Student motivation plays a crucial role in the success of TEFL lessons. Motivated students are more engaged, participate actively in activities, and show a greater willingness to learn. Understanding the factors that influence motivation, such as personal interests, cultural background, and learning goals, can help teachers tailor their lessons to meet the needs of each student. By recognizing the importance of student motivation, teachers can create a positive and supportive learning environment that fosters growth and development. There are various strategies that TEFL teachers can use to enhance student motivation in their lessons. Incorporating interactive and engaging activities, such as games, role-plays, and group discussions, can make learning more enjoyable and meaningful for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Motivating students is always a challenge and can, in fact, be one of the most difficult parts of education. There are countless ways to either encourage or intimidate a student into completing their work or participating in class but these external motivators have a limited effect. Encouragement and praise may only motivate a student while they are seated in the classroom. A teacher expressing disappointment on an uncompleted assignment may only encourage the student to avoid the subject or course work altogether. One of the best ways I have found for motivating students is to find a student's internal motivation. Finding Students' Future Goals Setting Up The Responsibilities Individual Learning Plan My Own Experience Are You Ready to Teach ESL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas According to the Cambridge dictionary, motivation is the need or reason for doing something. Motivation is a way to get somebody to complete something that they might not aspire to execute on his or her own. Teachers have been using different forms of motivation in the classroom for years, which has been positive and negative. My parents used to tell me stories about their school time when the teachers would smack their hands with rulers if they didn't do their homework. They would also use the same rulers to smack the students' buttocks when they were misbehaving. When I was in school our motivation to perform satisfactorily in the class was to get decent grades. Personal Story Key to Perfect Lessons Teacher's Responsibilities Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Punishment can be defined as an inflicted action in a person's environment that occurs after a given behavior, or a response which reduces the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. There are a lot of reasons why people use punishment, but the main reason is to change someone's behavior. There are two types of punishment known in Psychology: negative, and positive punishment. The first consists of taking away something very desirable for the person and the other one is about inflicting undesirable stimuli to that person, whose behavior we want to change. Motivation, on the other hand, can be defined as an internal willingness to undertake actions that would result in the achievement of a desirable goal. Motivation, as a consequence,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Having been an English teacher of high school students in Japan for the past 2 years, I have noticed that motivation in the classroom is as much dependent on the students as it is on me as the teacher. There are three aspects that I have identified and used in my environment to get the student motivated and engaged. The Japanese culture is largely conservative and group orientated and those are crucial to take into account if one is to succeed in their teaching career in Japan. The following plays a big role in setting a tone whereby students are motivated and engaged. Those aspects are culture, societal pressure, and peer pressure. Culture Societal perception Peer pressure Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: ...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences A classroom has two different personalities. One, the teacher and the other, the students. Achievement motivation Competence motivation Incentive motivation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Eshita P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The teacher comes to the classroom with the purpose of teaching and imparting his or her knowledge to the students. And the students, in turn, come to learn from the teacher. The purpose of the classroom is defeated when either of the two participants fails to meet the above expectation. The failure could be attributed to either the teacher or the student which...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A common theme that has been present in the 120-hour TEFL course, the 50-hour Business English course and the 50-hours Young Learners course has been that different age groups of students have different expectations of their teacher. Adult learners, for example, have fixed views on teaching and learning styles that they have built off of prior learning experiences. Young learners, on the contrary, typically are open-minded to new learning experiences and teaching methods. Young learners are typically not as motivated to learn English because they may not realize the direct benefits of learning English due to their lack of life experience. To specify, young learners, are anyone between the age of 2 and 13. Young learners ages 9-13 are typically more...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In EFL lessons, there are several types of feedback that students can receive. First, there is feedback from the teacher; this can come in many forms such as "going through activities, checking students' answers, giving praise and encouragement, correcting, setting regular tests, having regular group discussions, individual tutorials, etc." (International TEFL and TESOL Training [ITTT], 2011, p. 16). Secondly, there is feedback from other students, also referred to as peer evaluation. These can take place in similar settings to teacher feedback and is often used by instructors to promote student-student interactions. And lastly, there are self-evaluations in which students reflect and assess their work. Information covered in the ITTT (2011) courses...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Poor student achievement is often attributed to a lack of motivation and rewards are given in an attempt to increase that vital student motivation. The statement, "If they would only try harder, then they would do better on tests, take more risks, or earn better grades" is often heard regarding the students. When rewards are given, they often have the opposite effect of what was intended. High student achievement comes from students who are motivated from inside. Therefore, instead of giving rewards, teachers need to consistently teach students to become intrinsically motivated. Why is motivation important? Why is intrinsic motivation challenging? Key factors Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Creating a positive learning environment is crucial for English language learners (ELLs) as it can significantly impact their motivation, confidence, and overall language acquisition. When students feel safe, supported, and valued in the classroom, they are more likely to take risks, participate actively, and engage with the material. A positive learning environment fosters a sense of community, encourages collaboration, and promotes a growth mindset among students. As a TEFL teacher, it is essential to prioritize creating a welcoming and inclusive space where ELLs feel empowered to learn and succeed. To establish a positive learning environment for ELLs, TEFL teachers can implement various strategies. Firstly, setting clear expectations and rules helps create a sense of structure and...  [Read more]

To motivate TEFL students, understanding their age group and unique challenges is crucial. Young learners often respond with enthusiasm to fun activities, while adults are typically self-motivated, attending classes with clear objectives. However, teenagers present a distinct challenge. Due to heightened self-awareness, they might hesitate to participate out of fear of mistakes or peer judgment. To enhance motivation in teens, implement strategies that boost their confidence, incorporate relatable content, and create a supportive classroom environment that encourages participation and reduces fear of errors. Use plenty of pop culture Use a little competition Play to their strengths Use pen pals to encourage writing skills Only use age appropriate reading material Use popular songs for...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences One of the biggest challenges in schools today is the task of motivating students and creating interesting lessons for them. To achieve this, several key factors come into play. Building Relationships and Trust Personal Perspective Setting Goals and Clear Program Individual Motivation Maintaining Dynamic Lessons Teaching Methodologies Variation and Engagement Interesting Materials and Activities The Importance of Motivation Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author, an alumni of ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). They do not necessarily...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Besides the thousands of things they have on their minds (personal problems, health issues, daydreaming, etc.) and the temptation to just chat with their neighbors in the classroom, students can also be easily distracted by their smartphones. Distraction is not the only obstacle to the class, boredom and absenteeism don't help the class either. 1. Build rapport with students 2. Make the class interesting 3. Have fun! Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! To prevent those behaviors, students need to be motivated, which is every teacher's challenge. While all students have different backgrounds and expectations, the teacher still has plenty of resources to tease students' attention and increase their participation. How do you keep...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A motivated student is a student who is eager to learn, and that means they are much more likely to absorb and retain what they are being taught than if they were disengaged or disinterested. This is why it is so important for teachers to foster motivation in the classroom and engage their students to be open to learning before the start of each lesson. Methods Plan Considering Students' Age ESA Challenge Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lindsay G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are many different techniques teachers can use to get their students in a learning mindset. Some common and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I feel that this is a very important topic and part of the teaching experience, one of my biggest worries is that I won't be good enough at creating a classroom where the students feel encouraged, motivated and comfortable participating, of course, there are a lot of things that go into this, such as the way you teach the material and what you choose to teach, the way you maintain discipline in the classroom, how to create good rapport with all the students in your class, how to make the class "fun" and interesting for the students without trying to be TOO fun and derail from the point of the lesson, so I worry about a lot of these issues. Why is it necessary? Ideas to motivate students Setting up goals Establishing a positive atmosphere Knowledge race...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A highly motivated student is one who is goal-oriented, driven by passion and focused. He/she does things from the bottom of the heart. Motivation can be viewed as an internal impulse that brings us to complete an action. Without motivation, there is no action. Motivation is what moves or inspires the learner to achieve set objectives. It's the motor that drives the student to achieve pedagogical objectives. Hence it's an essential tool to equip students with, so that whatever they do it effectively and with perfection. Behavior and Motivation Efforts and Motivation Get to Know Your Students Get Your Students Involved Vary Your Activities Choose The Best Strategy Find Perfect Materials Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivation provides learners with an aim and direction to follow. According to Gardner motivation is the combination of attempt and desire to obtain the aim of learning the language and favorable attitudes toward learning the language. If students are motivated they will be excited about learning and willing to work hard. Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is a key factor in the success of students in all stages of their education, and teachers can play an important role in providing and encouraging that motivation in their students. The following are the different ways to motivate the students in an EFL classroom Motivation in teaching by using real objects, flashcards, creating and narrating Stories and songs Elicitation Correcting Mistakes...  [Read more]