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Pronunciation Problems in Ukraine - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
It is not a secret that pronouncing English sounds easily and correctly is a big challenge for non-native speakers. Of course, the complexity of English pronunciation consists not only of particular sounds but also of several other aspects such as intonation, stress, rhythm, and timing. I would like to analyze one of the biggest and most obvious pronunciation problems for Ukrainian speakers of English which, in my opinion, is sound differences and the way of pronouncing sounds.
Sound System
Articulation
Aspiration
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hanna H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
There are a number... [Read more]
Vietnamese Pronunciation Problems in English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Speaking like a native speaker is always expected from learners. However, they encounter many factors that prevent their success. Therefore, as an English teacher, I want to explore some common difficulties that Vietnamese students face when they learn to pronounce English so that I can teach effectively and help them communicate more confidently.
Problem with vowels
Problems with consonants
Word stress, sentence stress
Intonation and word connection
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Thuong L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Four major features can cause problems for them. Firstly, the... [Read more]
Problems for English Learners in Russia - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
People from different countries inevitably face problems when they are trying to learn English. Russia is no exception. Let's have a quick look at some typical problems that my fellow countrymen face.
Pronunciation
Grammar
Meaning
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sergei S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
As you may know, Russian is written using the Cyrillic alphabet, and some may think that it can cause problems. In reality, the Russians are fine with understanding the Latin alphabet and can easily pronounce each letter. However, the Devil is in the details. When it comes to speaking it... [Read more]
Problems for ESL Learners in Turkey - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I have started teaching English in Turkey, since 2018. If you are planning to start your teaching career here, I would like to mention several pros and cons and problems of learning English for the speakers of the Turkish language.
Expectations
Syntax
Usage of the First Language
Students' Efforts
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hanie s. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
First of all, learners expect teaching to be prescriptive rather than descriptive, which indicates, they tend to memorize the sample instead of learning through the examples and explanations. Secondly, students are... [Read more]
Problems for ESL Learners in China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The English language has become so essential in china because the country wants to successfully promote internationalism and keep the lines of communication open for trade and business matters. As one of the global powers, it's in the country's best interest to keep afloat of shifting trends in international matters.
Governmental decision
Spelling
Pronunciation
Singular / Plural Aspect
Gender
Articles
Lack of opportunities to practice
Word order
Individual differences
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ramy M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The government has recognized that English is now... [Read more]
Problems for ESL Learners in Malaysia - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Malaysia is located in South East Asia which occupies parts of the Malay Peninsula and some part of the Borneo Island. These two lands are separated by the South China Sea It was once colonized by the British from the 18th century until it gained its independence in 1957 as the Federation of Malaya and later on formed Malaysia with joining of the North Borneo, Sarawak in 1963. Bahasa Melayu commonly known as the Malay Language is the national language of the country while English becomes the second language.
English in the Malay History
Problem For Learners in Malaysia
1. Scenario
2. Problem
3. How to solve the problem?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification... [Read more]
Common Problems for English Learners in Morocco - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Morocco's official languages are classical Arabic, and Berber ( indigenous language in North Africa) Classical Arabic, and second unofficial language in Morocco is the French language taught in General educational curriculum from primary school, and Spanish taught in the north as a second unofficial language, Thus learning a third or even fourth language for a Moroccan learner is not a big challenge, however, there are some difficulties to learn a language efficiently and accurately.
Demand
Teaching Quality
Socio-economical situation
Huge classes
School types
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate MOHAMMED t. Please note that this blog post might not... [Read more]
Teaching in Japan: Problems of Local Learners - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
In this essay I will be discussing the problems for young Japanese learners of English, and what problems Japanese learners often encounter as well as explaining some of the reasons why teachers can run into problems while teaching in Japan. I will be referring to the book "The Smart Guide to Teaching English in Japan' by Charlie Moritz and Martin Bragalone, as well as drawing from my knowledge and experiences of studying and volunteering in Japan. Japan can be a challenging but rewarding country to work in, despite stereotypes of Japanese people being polite and studious so it is important to consider that reality can be different when teaching in Japan.
Eikaiwa
Juku
ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)
Kindergarten/International preschool
Do you want... [Read more]
Problems for Learners of English in Italy - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Learning a new language can be a wonderful experience. However, its success depends on several factors. Personal propensity above all. By this, I mean interest and passion for whatever language it is we have set our minds to learn. More often than not this propensity involves a sort of an innate talent which makes it easier for some students to master specific language skills. The right hint of motivation goes hand in hand with the environment. At a very early stage, this environment is represented by our teachers, masters, and tutors. Their ability to pass on the interest of another language will be crucial. How are we ever going to enjoy foreign language classes if they are carried out in a monotonous and dull manner? They have to be diverse and... [Read more]
The Common Problems for Learners in Turkey - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
It is an undeniable fact that English nowadays has become the most influential language in the world. Many throughout the world seek to learn it as knowing it is now a must to find a good job or find good opportunities in one's life, which is why we can find countries that are rife with various English courses. This is especially true in Turkey. Where English is in high demand as everyone in the country is starting to realize its importance. It is also worth noting that the vast majority of the country do not have adequate English skills, especially in speaking, mastering said skill is a dream for many Turkish people.
Students' Attitude
Issues in the Educational System
Unmotivated Teachers
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related... [Read more]
4 Main Problems of Building Reading Habits in EFL Students
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Even in the first language, it can be difficult to get children reading. There are many reasons they may turn their nose up at a book. In some way, I think most of those reasons can be boiled down to boredom.
Personal Experience
The Importance of a Good Example
Common Challenges
1. First, it's still, quiet activity.
2. Second, for very young children, the act of reading itself can present a challenge, and the content of the book must be worth the effort they made to understand the words.
3. Third, children must be presented with a variety of book topics.
4. Lastly, reading should not be used as a punishment if you can help it.
How do you instill a love for reading when the book is in a second language?
Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take... [Read more]
The 3 Problems For English Learners in Vietnam - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
With the Gross Domestic Product growing at the rate of about 6.88% per year, Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in Southeast Asia, as well as the world. The increase in disposable income has made extra language sessions outside of school much more accessible to middle- and lower-class families. Similar to other Asian countries, exposure to western cultures through the internet has made English the most desirable language to learn in Vietnam.
Listen to this blog post:
Opportunities
1. English Learning and Educational System
2. Non-native Speaking Environment
3. EFL in Early Childhood
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate... [Read more]
Systematic Problems for Learners of English in Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Next year, Japan will host the thirty-second Olympiad in the capital city of Tokyo. To correspond with the timing of the 2020 Olympics, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (hereafter MEXT) has laid out a plan for the reform of English education to meet the future needs of Japanese students in a globalized world. However, this plan presents several challenges for current and future learners of English in the Japanese educational system.
Education System Modernization
Demand in English-Speaking Professional Teachers
JET Program Peculiarities
International Examination for Japanese English Learners
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This post was written by our TEFL... [Read more]
Problems for Young English Learners in Public Schools in China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Since the opening of China to the Western world, Chinese society and economic prowess have both continued to grow at exponential rates. This has led to its status as a rising power, culturally and economically, and an international power increasingly interconnected with many parts of the globe. As Chinese educational infrastructure tries to match pace with the rapidity of the country's progress, one educational mandate that has persisted in importance over time has been that of English learning for all young learners across the country. The government sees English proficiency as a matter of national economic competitiveness, in fact requiring that English is taught as part of the public school curriculum as preparation for China's 高考 (gaokao),... [Read more]
TEFL Germany - page 1 - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL Jobs in Germany
As the most populous country in Europe with over 82 million people, TEFL jobs in Germany can be found year round and throughout the country. Obviously there is more demand for TEFL teachers in the more populous locations, but do not discount finding a position in smaller towns and even rural villages. Working conditions are favorable and the Germans willing students. The jobs listed here form a sample of typical TEFL jobs in Germany. Use the contact details to approach schools directly. If you can demonstrate an interest in German language or culture, you may find this is viewed positively. Consolidate your job search by checking online TEFL job sources frequently. Research where you would like to teach and the seek schools contact details in your chosen location. Web-savvy language... [Read more]
Problems for Learners of English in Mandarin Speaking China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Over the past three years, I've had the privilege of teaching English as a foreign language online for a company called Education First. The format would normally be an internationally diverse group in an audio-only platform. During these sessions, I found that my students from China would have specific challenges in pronunciation that many of my European and Brazilian students would not. I recognized their tendency to add an "a" at the end of words that clearly ended in a consonant. Unfortunately, I was not educated enough in the specific challenges that Mandarin speakers faced in their attempt to learn English. I'm scheduled to begin teaching in China later this year, and it has become clear to me that I need to drill into the specific challenges faced... [Read more]
Typical Problems Faced by Thai Native Speakers in English - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences
Currently living in Bangkok, Thailand, I am teaching English to Primary Six students and I am in a supposed international context. Juggling a body of students who are not entirely international and largely Thai can at times be like pulling teeth.
Losing Motivation
Grammar Confusion
Fear of Leaving a Comfort Zone
Lack of Proper Resources
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kavitha S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The students are generally driven at first but soon lack motivation mainly because they do not have enough exposure to the English Language. Though activities like word searches have... [Read more]
5 Big Problems for English Learners in Beijing, China - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
It is generally agreed that education is one of the most important issues in every country these days and China is no exception.
English is a must to enter better schools and find better jobs in China.
Overcrowded classes lead to nonexistent English practice.
The Chinese education system doesn't focus on English.
Mandarin Chinese and English have very few similarities.
The teacher student relationship isn't very close-knit.
Are you ready to teach English in China?
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Listen to this blog post
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ekaterina G.
It's a well-known fact that China is the most populated country in the world with a long and mysterious history, rich and varied culture. China recognizes 55 ethnic minority groups... [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.
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 say rice, for many... [Read more]
Most Common Problems for English Learners in Spanish-Speaking Colombia - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
For this assignment, I decided to research problems experienced by Colombian students learning English. I will be teaching English in Colombia and thought this subject would benefit me. My findings more generally reflect the difficulties of Spanish-speaking learners. The paper outlines the top ten difficulties for Spanish-speakers learning English (vocabulary, spelling/pronunciation, subject-verb-agreement, verb tense, dialects, subject omission, pronunciation, stress, slang, and literal translations) based on CCJK (2019). Where possible I relate this information to my experiences/examples and units in the TEFL course.
Vocabulary difficulties
Spelling and Punctuation Difficulties
Subject-Verb Agreement
Verb Tense
Dialects
The omission of the Subject... [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]
What are Some Common Linguistic Problems - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As we all know that the process of learning how to speak our first and second or third languages are different, we acquire the first language and learn second and third languages. When we speak our mother language, we can just say it automatically, we acquire our mother language from our environment, before we learn words and sentences, but when we learn a second language, we inevitably need to learn the vocabularies, clauses, sentences, grammar, etc first, then try to translate the second language to our mother language, which is complex. As far as common linguistic problems are concerned, I think there are a lot of problems to consider. Here are some of the most commoner linguistic problems.
Lack of environment
Grammar
Pronunciation
Low confidence... [Read more]
Problems for Czech Learners of English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I have moved to the Czech Republic with my girlfriend who is Czech after we met in New Zealand, where I am from. Teaching English here was a business idea that she came up with because she taught English here before for 8 years. In Czech people are more interested in taking English lessons from a native speaker and they also like New Zealand over here. So from this perspective, it makes a lot of sense for me to do this course. Since I am going to be teaching in Czech to begin with, I have already started to see some issues with the language learning that I will be faced with.
Grammar
Receptive Skills
Productive Skills
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in Spain Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
For non-native English student in Spain, specific difficulties may be encountered when learning English. A good English teacher will help a student address those difficulties including, but not limited to, pronunciation, listening, and grammar.
Lack in Listening Comprehension
"Unlearning" Mispronunciation
Regional Dialects Create More Difficulties
Grammar Patterns and Word Order
Are you ready to teach English in Spain?
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Listen to this blog post
A good English teacher to non-native English students requires a solid foundation in the knowledge of English as the student relies on the teacher as the main source of the language. The student looks to the teacher for guidance and direction in order to comprehend English. The... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in Russia Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Jon ITTT
Alumni Experiences
It is not a secret for anyone that native speakers of any language always easily identify "non-native" when they hear at least a few words spoken by them. Often native speakers are able to fairly accurately determine the country from which the person came, based on his pronunciation. This happens due to the fact that it is common for all of us to use the sounds of our native language in the pronunciation of words of a foreign language, as well as to use articulation models we know from childhood the position of the organs of speech (lips, tongue, etc.).
The "Russian mistakes"
Muting voiced consonants in the endings.
Replacing long vowels with short vowels.
Replacment of different English sounds
Using Russian intonation models instead of English ones.
Learn... [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.
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Differences in Phonology
Students' Reluctance to Speak
Class Size in Japanese Schools
Are you ready to teach English... [Read more]
What Are The Problems For English Language Learners In Saudi Arabia? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I was born in Saudi Arabia and I had to finish my education from kindergarten to high school in Jeddah and other cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The history of teaching English
English Level
Problems
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As a student and a resident for more than 12 years there, I think that I have some experience in the education system in Saudi Arabia. I will try here to explain English learners' problems in Saudi Arabia with my personal opinion and experience.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hesham Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
It started in 1927. Then, development spanned from 1944 to the... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in Mexico Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Most of the Mexican learners have difficulties with English due to a lack of the use of English in daily life. Most people in Mexico do not normally have real contact with English outside the classroom. They are usually only exposed to it through the media, such as online channels or music videos but most of them never listened to a real conversation in English or practiced a real-life situation (as asking for directions, ordering food, etc). If you are interested in teaching English in Mexico, this article will be very helpful as it highlights the most common problems students in Mexico face when learning English.
Lack of using English in everyday life
Lack of English Vocabulary
Problems with Reading Comprehension
Listen to this blog post
Are you ready... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in Laos Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Learning a second language is never easy but the problems that each learner faces are not all the same. Sometimes the grammar of your first language is completely different from your second language. There might be sounds you do not know how to make because your first language does not have them. You might have limited access to fluent speakers of the language you are learning. All of these are true for Lao learners trying to acquire English as a second language.
"Teaching students new vocabulary and how to pronounce it requires patience and creativity."
"Spoken and written grammar are huge hurdles."
"The Lao writing system is completely different compared to English."
"The exposure to English is very limited in Laos."
Are you ready to teach English... [Read more]
The Most Common Problems Students in China Face When Learning English - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
Learning a foreign language in any part of the world is a demanding task which requires dedication and long-term commitment. It, however, can be particularly difficult for Chinese students. From a completely different alphabet to the lack of professional foreign expert training due to a high demand, Chinese students face a number of problems in learning the English language.
Listen to this blog post
Few Opportunities to Practice Speaking Skills
Different Intonation Compared to Chinese
Inexperienced Teachers in the Classroom
Pronunciation Needs to Be Drilled
Are you interested in teaching English in China?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was written by our ITTT graduate Dovydas Z.
In recent... [Read more]
