Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
How to Help Chinese Native Speaking Students in Their ESL Practice - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
China is one of the leading countries in the world that has been in the search and quest to learn the English language. In recent years the demand to learn English has been on a rise. Every school tries to have a teacher who can teach the language to the learners. However, in this process of learning, many learners encounter a series of problems which make the language learning process not an easy task both for teachers and students. However, we are going to be looking at very common problems students learning English as a foreign language face in China.
First Language
Lack of Interest
Pronunciation Difficulties
Ways to Solve The Abovementioned Problems
1. Speak English to Students Only
2. Work on Building Students' Confidence
Do you want to teach... [Read more]
English language proficiency as a key to international opportunities for Chinese students - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
In today's interconnected world, English language proficiency has become a key factor in accessing international opportunities. For Chinese students, mastering the English language opens doors to a wide range of academic, professional, and personal growth prospects on a global scale. As the lingua franca of business, diplomacy, and academia, English proficiency is not just a valuable skill but a necessity for those looking to thrive in an increasingly competitive and interconnected world.
English proficiency is a crucial asset for Chinese students seeking to study abroad. Many of the world's top universities teach in English, and proficiency in the language is often a prerequisite for admission. By mastering English, Chinese students can access a wider range of academic programs, conduct... [Read more]
Teaching Vocabulary to Chinese Native Speakers - TEFL Blog
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]
How Mandarin Chinese Helps Me in Teaching English - TEFL Blog
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.
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 national language of... [Read more]
English Learning Problems For Chinese Native Speakers and Solutions - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Most teachers come to China to teach English with only a general idea about Chinese culture and language which they should have to deal with as soon as they arrive in China. The reason I chose this topic is that I am fluent in Chinese and have experienced Chinese culture in all its facets for over than seven years. But let's not beat around the bush and get down to the nitty-gritty.
Shyness/lack of confidence:
Grammar issues:
Pronunciation issues:
Th: /s/ instead of /th/
V: /w/ instead of /v/ (mostly with southern Chinese)
Lt: /t/ instead of /lt/
Intonation:
Lack of learning structure:
Do you want to teach English in China?
Related Articles:
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ruben M.
Chinese people often seem to be shy or... [Read more]
What is Grammar and How to Teach it to ESL Students? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Grammar plays a very important role in learning and teaching a foreign language. What is grammar? Crystal describes grammar as "the business of taking a language to pieces, to see how it works" (as cited in Bentsen, 2017).
Definition of Grammar
Explicit Grammar Teaching
Williams believes that meaning-focused instruction
Communicative Approach
Nunan defines communicative language teaching as
Larsen-Freeman's recommended that grammar teaching
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Meral B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
According to Swan ''grammar is essentially a limited set of devices for... [Read more]
The advantages of teaching English to Groups of students
Sarah Jennings
Teaching Ideas
Teaching a group or small class of students has many advantages. Students who are able to speak and practice English conversation will benefit from the small group and safe environment that comes from discussions at close quarters.
The advantages of teaching English to groups of students are numerous. Not only do collaborative learning projects foster an environment where 'two heads or more heads are better than one,' but they also provide opportunities for students to learn from peers and make friends. When students work together on problem-solving tasks, they are more likely to experiment with different techniques and learn faster from both positive and negative feedback. Moreover, engaging in discussions and questioning each other's opinions and... [Read more]
Teaching English to Adult Students Online - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Presently, I take care of my ninety-six-year-old father at home and have no immediate plans to teach overseas. Fortunately, I live in a community (Aurora, Colorado) that has over 140 different language groups and ethnicities. Aurora ranks as the tenth most diverse community in the United States. I have worked toward my TEFL certification for the future; however, I have plans to use the training now.
Personal Plan
Online Platforms
Requirements
Employment
Salaries
The Effective Online Teacher
Set Expectations
Correct Carefully
Relationship and Feedback
Project (Individual and Group)
Resources
Closing
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Roland A. Please note... [Read more]
What are the best ways to teach English writing skills to ESL students? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Teaching English writing skills to ESL students is crucial for their overall language development. Writing helps students express themselves, organize their thoughts, and communicate effectively. It also enhances their vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. Additionally, proficiency in writing is often required for academic and professional success. Therefore, educators must prioritize teaching writing skills to ESL students to ensure they become proficient English language users.
When teaching English writing to ESL students, it is essential to use a variety of strategies to cater to different learning styles and proficiency levels. Some effective strategies include modeling writing techniques, providing writing prompts, encouraging peer collaboration, and offering constructive feedback.... [Read more]
The Difference Between Teaching English to High School Students and University Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching English to high-school students and teaching English to university students are uniquely different and require different skills and teaching methods. High school students are in a period of development known as adolescence. One of the leading developmental psychologists, Erik Erikson, defines adolescence as a period of struggle between identity versus role confusion (Hutchison, 2013). During adolescence, high schoolers are going through many physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes (Hutchison, 2013). They are struggling to define who they are in this world not about their parents. They want to make their own choices in life based on their reasoning. A high schooler may choose on their own to learn English as a foreign language, but... [Read more]
How to Legally Teach English in Italy with a Student Visa - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Visa and Legal
The famous Italian culture, stunning landscapes and delicious cuisine are just a few of the reasons why Italy continues to be one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad. Unfortunately, obtaining a work visa to legally teach English in Italy can be a challenge for non-EU citizens. However, if you have your heart set on it, all is not lost as there are alternatives to explore. One popular option that suits many people is to apply for a student visa which allows you to study a course of your choice and work up to 20 hours per week as an ESL teacher in a local language school.
Listen to this blog post:
Application process for a student visa in Italy
Study Programs in Italy
Why learn Italian?
Where to study in Italy?
Are you ready... [Read more]
How to Legally Teach English in France With a Student Visa - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Visa and Legal Destinations
Europe is one of the most popular regions for teaching English as a foreign language for many teachers. However, it can often be difficult for non-EU citizens to secure a visa and work legally in Europe. If you are dreaming of living and working in France, don't despair. An attractive option for teachers from outside of the EU zone is to apply for a student visa. A student visa allows you to work a certain number of hours per week. Even though the legal working hours are limited, many teachers also take on private tutoring to supplement their income. If you are interested in teaching in France, read on to find out how to legally teach English in France with a student visa.
Application Process for a Student Visa in France
Accommodation in France... [Read more]
How to Legally Teach English in Spain with a Student Visa - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Visa and Legal
Spain is traditionally one of the most popular destinations in Europe for teaching English abroad due to the great climate, fascinating culture and large number of jobs on offer year round. However, as the process of obtaining a work visa for non-EU citizens can be a bit of a hassle, many employers choose to only hire teachers with an EU passport. If you are not from an EU country you can apply for a student visa which enables you to legally work as an English language teacher for a set number of hours every week.
Listen to this blog post:
Application process for a student visa in Spain
Study Programs in Spain
Why Learn Spanish?
Where to study in Spain?
The Cultural Ambassadors Program for Teaching English in Spain
Are you ready to start a new career teaching... [Read more]
What are the best ways to teach English idioms and expressions to ESL students? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Idioms and expressions are an essential part of the English language as they add depth and color to communication. Teaching ESL students idioms and expressions helps them understand the cultural context in which the language is used. Idioms are often challenging for non-native speakers to grasp because their meanings are not literal. By teaching idioms and expressions, you are helping students become more fluent and natural in their use of the language. It also aids in enhancing listening comprehension skills, as idioms are commonly used in everyday conversations, movies, and literature.
Integrating idioms and expressions into lesson plans can be done in various ways. Start by introducing a few idioms or expressions in each lesson, providing explanations and examples of how they are used... [Read more]
How To Encourage Your Students to Overcome Stress and Speak Out in English - TEFL Blog
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.
Ways to relief stressful situations
1. Motivate
2. Build self-esteem
3. Create the... [Read more]
Alumni Experience of Teaching Young Students Online - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Teaching English online has been a great experience for me. For the past two years, I have been able to provide English lessons to Chinese students between the ages of 4 and 14 through a platform called VIPKID. It is a platform that allows Chinese parents to partner their Children with North American English teachers via the Internet. The platform provides all of the lesson materials that are easy to follow after training and participating in workshops with more knowledgeable teachers. It is an impressive platform that has positively impacted my teaching experience.
Pros and Cons for Teachers
How to Solve Problems?
My Thoughts on Online Education
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
This post was written by our... [Read more]
Stories for Teaching English to Different Groups of Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Reading is one of the key elements for all English learners. By reading authentic stories and books, not only do we learn reading and understanding the text we are working with, but we also expand our vocabulary by discovering new authentic words you wouldn't be able to find in your course books, and more importantly, you can see it in context which makes it easier to remember and use those words and structures in the future.
Younger Students
Teens and Adults
Resources
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Julia P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
It's important to know which stories to choose... [Read more]
Top Tips for Teaching Reading to Younger Groups of Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are four basic skills in any language: receptive skills – reading and listening, and productive skills – speaking and writing. Usually, when we learn a new language, we tend to access our learning process and result by checking how our productive skills are and forget that before we can the product, we need to receive first. Data says that the production of every 100 words in writing needs a receipt of 1000 words in reading which means to be able to produce anything, one must get as much as 10 times receipt. Similarly in listening and speaking.
Receptive Skills: Writing vs. Reading
Decoding
Reading aloud for fluency
Learning how to read close
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
This post was... [Read more]
Will a TEFL certificate help me teach English to students with learning disabilities? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
2. Importance of TEFL Certification for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities
Teaching English to students with learning disabilities requires a deep understanding of the challenges they face. Learning disabilities can manifest in various ways, such as difficulties with reading, writing, spelling, or understanding information. These students may struggle with processing information, organizing thoughts, and staying focused. It is essential for teachers to recognize these challenges and tailor their teaching methods to support the individual needs of each student.
**Importance of TEFL Certification for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities**
Obtaining a TEFL certification is invaluable for teachers who wish to work with students with learning disabilities. A TEFL certification... [Read more]
Helping Students to Become Confident - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Being an educator means more than just simply teaching your students their daily lessons. To a large extent, children develop self-confidence in their abilities through their academic environment and that is developed on a daily basis since it does not happen overnight. When students acquire healthy levels of self-confidence, they are better equipped to face the stress of school and college education. Students with self-confidence pay more attention in class, get along better with their peers and generally have a more focused and inquisitive attitude. As a teacher, one can use a variety of activities and techniques to promote self-confidence in your students.
Feedback
Goals
Environment
Opportunities
Do you want to teach English abroad?
Related Articles:... [Read more]
How to Give Feedback to Your ESL Students - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
hey everybody it's lisa here and i'm glad to welcome you to a new itttt live stream uh so i'm going to wait for a while for some more people to join us uh but while doing so i'm going to change the slide uh just one sec so that you could see it um bigger so i'm going to zoom in and yeah i'm just going to present itttt right right straight away uh so itttt is a leading tefl and tesol training and we provide high quality tefl certification so if you are interested in becoming a teacher and you are willing to build on um a successful career tefl should be the first step uh in this journey uh so check us out we are presented on various social networks uh and yeah just go ahead and subscribe to our youtube channel or follow us on instagram so choose um that social media you like and let me get... [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]
Clothes Vocabulary - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ESL Worksheet For Beginners
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
This worksheet for beginner English language students is great to teach clothes vocabulary and sentences.
There are 8 items of clothing pictures with 8 Jumbled up sentences. Students should write the correct sentence about the item of clothing in the picture.
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
[Read more]
How to Keep Students Motivated When Teaching English Online ✅ - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
For many EFL teachers online teaching provides a convenient opportunity to earn a good income without having to leave your own home. For many others it is an unexpected reality due to recent global events. Whatever your reasons for teaching English online, you will probably find that your students are often tired and lacking in motivation due to too many hours in front of the computer screen and not enough variety in their learning. Unfortunately, the same also applies to many teachers. If you feel you are struggling to keep motivated when teaching online, don't worry as you are not alone. Take a look at our simple tips for maintaining motivation when teaching English online and you should see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Keep a... [Read more]
ESL teaching materials tailored for Chinese learners - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. Understanding the Needs of Chinese Learners
2. Tailored ESL Teaching Materials
3. Benefits of Using Customized Materials
4. How ITTT Can Support Your Teaching
When it comes to teaching English as a second language (ESL) to Chinese learners, it is essential to understand their unique needs and challenges. Chinese learners often face difficulties with pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary due to the stark differences between English and Chinese. Therefore, as an ESL teacher, it is crucial to tailor your teaching materials to address these specific areas of struggle. By recognizing and addressing these challenges, you can create a more effective and engaging learning experience for your students.
One of the key components of successful ESL teaching to Chinese learners is the use of... [Read more]
How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in Spain? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
To legally teach English in Spain as a non-EU citizen, obtaining a student visa is a viable option. Here is a step-by-step guide:
This method ensures you can teach English in Spain while also enhancing your language skills, offering a holistic experience in the country.
What is the application process for a student visa in Spain?
What should I do on arrival in Spain?
How easy is it to get a student visa for Spain?
To start the process you should visit your nearest Spanish Consulate at least three months before you plan to leave. At this visit you should verify the exact requirements, collect an application form, and make an appointment to submit your application. You also need to enroll on a government recognized study program in the area where you wish to live in Spain. The... [Read more]
How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in Italy? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
In some European countries including Italy it can be notoriously difficult for non-EU citizens to find teaching jobs. Language schools can be reluctant to undertake the often laborious task of obtaining a work permit when they can simply hire a teacher from within the EU who requires no documentation. One option open to non-EU teachers is to apply for a student visa that allows you to legally work in a language school for up to 20 hours per week. To supplement this income, many teachers also take on private students in their free time which should enable you to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while living and working in Italy.
What is the application process for a student visa in Italy?
How can I check that I have the right documents?
What should I do on arrival in Italy?
How easy... [Read more]
How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in Europe? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
For non-EU citizens who want to teach English in Europe it can be a frustrating experience when it comes to getting a work visa. Due to this frustration, many teachers decide to work with only their initial tourist visa in their passport. Although this is technically illegal, it is a widespread practice in some of the most popular destinations such as France, Italy and Spain, and it rarely causes any problems. However, if this approach does not appeal to you, a student visa might be the answer. By enrolling in a local language course, you get to learn French, Italian or Spanish, while also being free to legally work as an EFL teacher for a certain number of hours each week.
What is the application process for a student visa in France?
How can I check that I have the right documents?
... [Read more]
How do I apply for a student visa to legally teach English in France? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
To legally teach English in France as a non-EU citizen, one effective method is applying for a student visa. This visa permits a specific number of work hours each week, making it ideal for teaching opportunities. Here is how you can proceed:
By combining formal teaching and private lessons, you can enjoy a fulfilling experience teaching and living in France.
What is the application process for a student visa in France?
How can I check that I have the right documents?
What should I do on arrival in France?
How easy is it to get a student visa for France?
It is recommended that you allow a minimum of four weeks for the application to be processed. You should also ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip to France is completed. Documented proof... [Read more]
Strategies to Build Confidence in Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
When teaching students most of the time we mainly focus on just teaching them the language and having them pass some tests and that is how we measure if they have learned well or not. In reality, it is a bit different though. Knowing how to read, speak or write a language does not necessarily translate to the student excelling in the language. There is another often ignored factor called confidence. Confidence is necessary for success in many parts of life and it is no different when learning. One of the greatest gifts we can give our students is to instill in them a strong sense of confidence. In doing this, we enable them to be higher achievers.
Why Is Confidence important?
1. Mistakes are not bad
2. Saying Good Things is Great
3. Use Visual Aids
Do... [Read more]
