Tefl What Is It

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Lesson Planning: What is it and Why is it Necessary? Planning, planning, planning! Many things in life need to be properly planned, be it a summer holiday or a work presentation. It can be a plan that is formally written down or it can be a plan that you simply keep in your mind. Having some kind of structure in place before doing activities will help put you at ease because you know what to do next and what to expect. Planning will also make you more productive as there will be no 'guessing' time, you will know what to do and when to do it. Taking the time to plan your lessons will almost certainly save you time in the long run. Table of Contents What is a Lesson Plan? Constructing a Lesson Plan Added Benefits of a...  [Read more]

Thu, 16 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Student Motivation and Why is it Important? Motivation can be seen as the reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a certain way. Many people in the world today battle to find the motivation they need to achieve their goals, be it in the business sector, schools, or even in their day to day activities. Table of Contents Motivation is the driving force towards reaching your goal. For a class to learn effectively, the teacher must be able to ignite confidence in them. Using lots of examples during a lesson and also connecting them to real-life can spark interest in the students. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chéz-lynn M....  [Read more]

Mon, 08 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Classroom Management - What is it and how do I implement it? Many texts on this subject begin primarily by defining the term 'classroom management'. I equally think it is not out of place to begin a discussion on classroom management from the same perspective. Classroom management refers to the variety of skills employed by which teachers and schools to curtail disruptive behavior of learners so as to create a congenial environment for teaching and learning. It is the case from the definition that the classroom setting may not always be as well-ordered and peaceful for teaching and learning as it should be and may require certain organizational skills and the ability to create of a friendly and disciplined atmosphere in order for...  [Read more]

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Observed Teaching Practice and Why is it Important? The following essay will cover the value and importance of observed teaching practices, on both evaluating new teaching techniques and methods, as well as training purposes. How observation can help us curtail future lesson plans and curriculum will also be covered and discussed. Table of Contents Benefits of OTP Training Exchange Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chandler J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Benefits of OTP First of all, being observed by a trained professional during a new teacher's initial...  [Read more]

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 Sahil Gazi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences What is it like teaching English in Bangladesh? I was born in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. I had the privilege of being educated at some of the best private schools in town, all of whom followed an industry-standard curriculum for teaching English and other English language subjects. The British Council later adopted this with various examination boards from reputed Universities in the UK. Table of Contents As such, I would like to share a bit of it. The history of teaching English in Bangladesh The Level of English Learning for the new generation Limitations faced by the learners The new standard path for English learners and speakers The Future of English for Bangladesh Related Articles: Check out what our...  [Read more]

Wed, 20 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What is it Like Teaching English in China? I've been teaching for almost two years in China as an English teacher. At first, I was only assigned to teach preschool children, due to the sudden leave of their last teacher. I was nervous and didn't know whether I would be able to teach them. They were very young and were absolute beginners. I had to teach letters with paired vocabularies every lesson. But as soon as I got to know them, all my worries disappeared. They were supportive and eager to learn. Table of Contents Beginning of the lesson Elementary school To be honest, teaching in China is not easy. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 Lourien Prinsloo TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teacher Burnout - How Real Is It and What Can You Do About It? Teachers are usually seen as welcoming, empathic, and, more often than not - enthusiastic creatures. Ready to change lives with the power of education. Students and parents often idolize them, leading exemplary lives that show they have it "together." They radiate positivity, and for some people, teachers are picture-perfect, the epitome of a human being. Understatement of the year! Table of Contents Clarifying - Teacher Burnout The root of teacher burnout Setting the Stage for Teacher Burnout Overcoming power Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Although...  [Read more]

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Peer Learning and Why is it Good for ESL Classes? Understanding the main purpose of any language usage as a means of exchanging, obtaining information, rendering our emotions, feelings, desires, states, or transmitting ideas inevitably involves this process, other people. In other words, we use language to communicate with other language speakers. So why not use this peculiarity in the process of language studying? Thereby using peer learning techniques in an ESA classroom becomes an essential and inherent part of it. Table of Contents Where implementing Peer-to-Peer learning? Benefits Ideas for outside the classroom activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written...  [Read more]

Fri, 31 Aug 2018 Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas ESA Methodology - What Is It and Why Should You Use It in the Classroom? ESA is a common methodology that teachers use when teaching students another language. It is also a large part of your TEFL certification course. By using the layout of the ESA method to plan your lessons, they will be more structured, organized and effective. Table of Contents Listen to this blog post: What is ESA? The Engage Phase The Study Phase The Activate Phase Benefits of Using the ESA Method Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our ITTT graduate Casandra L. Listen to this blog post: What is ESA? ESA stands for engage, study, and activate. By...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences What is it Like Teaching EFL in a Kindergarten? The majority of children turning 5 years old attend kindergarten for two years in preparation for primary school. Some kids enter kindergarten earlier at the age of only four. This actually varies according from state to state and also from country to country. Table of Contents "Teaching EFL in a kindergarten is really challenging." "Teaching Kindergarten is like a Rollercoaster Ride!" Don't rely on Translations Preparation is key! Truly, teaching is a rewarding job. Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post In China, most kindergartens combine childcare with teaching so that the children will develop physically, morally, and intellectually in a...  [Read more]

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What is Rapport and Why Should You Establish it? Anyone can be a teacher but not every teacher is likable or caring. I found in my experience as a student, especially as a child, I would find myself dreading the classes with the teachers that had bad attitudes and would look forward to the ones who not only kept the class interesting but showed true interest in the student's lives. The truly talented teachers would take examples of scenarios people had discussed from their personal lives and use it as a tool in their teaching strategies. Table of Contents Teachers' types Classroom environment Competence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 Umber Sherjeel Destinations Alumni Experiences What is it like teaching English in Saudi Arabia? Being in the teaching field for more than a decade and having taught in Saudi Arabia for the last 7+ years, I will give some pointers about my experience here as an English Language teacher. Table of Contents A Booming Job Market Financial Aspects Fuel is cheap Multifaceted Culture Good news for English Native Speakers Tips for Teaching Arab Students Things to avoid during the lesson Duties to be fulfilled along with teaching Overall working environment Related Articles: A Booming Job Market The education industry in Saudi Arabia is very blooming. There are many international schools, colleges, and universities - and the English education field in Saudi Arabia...  [Read more]

Thu, 02 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching EFL in a Kindergarten - What Is It Like? Imagine what a child may feel when going to kindergarten for the first time. The new environment tends to be intimidating. EFL kindergartens are even more so due to foreign faces that speak foreign languages. In this essay, I'm going to talk about important aspects teachers need to embrace when teaching EFL in a kindergarten. I will refer specifically to the advantages of using play, establishing an environment of clear rules and the language enrichment that comes with oral storytelling. These ideas stem from my +5 years of teaching EFL in international kindergartens in China. Table of Contents Is it possible if you don't know the kids' mother tongue? Miracle of Play Rules are...  [Read more]

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Motivation and How does it Influence Students? A vast majority of people nowadays complain about motivation deficiency that does not allow them to progress in all spheres of life. They simply feel adhered to one spot and have no desire to act and realize goals and aims which later leads to frustration. This tendency also is quite cognizable among teachers, as they have to work with unmotivated students daily. The view that I tend towards is that to tackle a problem of motivation absence a competent teacher should comprehend several aspects such as what is motivation, why students do not have the enthusiasm to study, how to identify sources of motivation deficiency and finally, how to motivate and inspire students to study....  [Read more]

Thu, 13 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What Is ESA & How To Apply It In Class The teaching methodology Engage-Study-Activate, or ESA for short, is one of the most effective and popular methodologies teachers use when teaching students another language. Table of Contents PPP methodology Now, what are the benefits of using ESA? The Engage Phase The Study Phase The Activate Phase 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! PPP methodology Before the advent of the ESA methodology, many teachers used the PPP model of Presentation, Practice, and Production as the favored model of teaching. Although effective, it is inadequate when it comes to teaching more difficult...  [Read more]

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences What is Motivation and How Does it Develop in Students Student motivation is a student's desire to participate in the learning process. It is the meaningfulness, value, and benefits that an academic mission has to the learner. It is also defined as a student's drive from within which guides, activates, and continues a behavior over time. It is simply a student's willingness, need, desire, and compulsion to participate in and be successful in the learning process. Table of Contents What Factors Influence the Development of Students' Motivation? How Can Motivation be Adopted in School System? What Can be Done to Help Unmotivated Students? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Mon, 27 May 2019 Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Why is the English Language So Popular Worldwide and What is it Used For? In recent years, English has become an increasingly important means of communication that is used by people from many different backgrounds to interact with the rest of the world for a wide variety of purposes. But why has English become an international language, how is it used and applied in different situations and what are the advantages of being able to speak English? Table of Contents English Around the World International Use of English in Specific Fields Common Benefits of English Proficiency Are you ready to take your TEFL course? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Teacher Self-Analysis and Why is it Significant for Student and Teacher Relationships? Teacher self-analysis in the classroom is just as important as a critical self-reflection upon the unfolding of our lives. To know whether or not our students are getting the most out of our course, the first step must be to critically assess whether or not we are upholding our values and/or philosophical approaches to teaching. Without remaining mindful of our intentions for and approaches to teaching, it may be easy to lose sight of one's long term goals and could result in disorganization, a loss in student interest, and/or a poor student to teacher relationship. But being critical of the self is difficult due to our loyalties and...  [Read more]

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Grammar and How to Teach it to ESL Students? 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). Table of Contents 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...  [Read more]

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas What is Classroom Management and How Does it Affect the ESL Classroom? Classroom management can be defined as the ability or skill to organize the class. This will involve the use of the eyes, the voice, and different gestures. Classroom management will also involve group arrangements which can consist of the whole class, individuals or pair work. The use of student's names, desk arrangements, use of the board, giving individual attention, and teacher talk time also fall under the label of classroom management. Table of Contents The Basic Teaching Tools Student Arrangements in the Classroom Other Important Factors of Classroom Management Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: ...  [Read more]

Thu, 07 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Motivation and How to Increase it in the ESL Class? I think being a teacher it is not only to study. This profession includes so many roles such as being a friend, parent, psychologist, etc. It depends on many factors like age, nationality, size of the group of students, or individual student. One more very important factor is motivation. To find out why motivation plays a key role in building rapport between teacher and student first we need to define the meaning of it. Table of Contents Definition OBSERVE REVISE INVOLVE ENCOURAGE Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alina S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Mon, 10 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is Lesson Planning and How to Implement it in The TEFL Work? I believe it is very important to plan and write down lessons, for the benefit of the students, myself, relieving teachers, and especially while I am an inexperienced teacher. A lesson plan acts as a device for a singular lesson, helps create a series of lessons, and as a record of what has been taught. Self Evaluation Forms will be vital as a new teacher so that I can continuously self improve. Table of Contents Initial Assessment The Students The Classroom Parts of a Lesson Plan My additions to the lesson plan to include: Self Evaluation Self Evaluation Forms should be at the bottom or on the back of the lesson plan Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take...  [Read more]

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences What is Rapport and How Does It Affect the Dynamics of an EFL Classroom? Rapport in this context is the relationship between the students and the teacher, and among the student group within a classroom environment. Why is having rapport within a classroom important? Because without a friendly connection among the participants there is a real danger of disruption to the learning process. Table of Contents The Two-Way Road of Respect Finding the Right Balance The Three Common Scenarios of Classroom Rapport A Brief Example of How to Establish Rapport in a New Classroom Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Juri N. The Two-Way Road of...  [Read more]

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas What is “Observed Teaching Practice” and Why do You Need it in Your Classroom? Observation is an essential element in the teaching-learning process. It is a powerful tool that is underestimated by some teachers, the fact which in its turn hinders the progress of the students and slows down the teacher's professional development. Observation can be viewed from different aspects such as peer observation, self-observation, and observation of the students at the lesson. Table of Contents Peer Observation Self Observation Observation of the Students at the lesson Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alina S. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

What is the Schengen Area in Europe and how does it affect TEFL teachers? If you plan on teaching English in Europe you might have come across something known as the Schengen Area. This area is currently comprised of 26 countries with a combined population of over 400 million people. The area was set up in 1985 with the intention of removing border controls to make moving between countries hassle free. The Schengen Area should not be confused with the European Union which is a separate institution. Before its creation you would have to show your passport at every border to receive an entry stamp, while now anyone including TEFL teachers can move freely from one country to another without any restrictions. How long can I stay in the Schengen Area? Essentially, by entering a country that is...  [Read more]

What is the Schengen Area in Europe and how does it affect TEFL teachers? The Schengen Area, significant for those teaching English in Europe, encompasses 27 countries and hosts a population exceeding 400 million. Established in 1985, its primary goal was the elimination of border controls, facilitating seamless movement between member nations. Contrary to some beliefs, the Schengen Area is distinct from the European Union, representing a separate agreement. In its pre-Schengen days, travelers, including TEFL teachers, had to present passports at each border for entry stamps. Today, thanks to the Schengen agreement, there is an unhindered flow from one member country to another. Table of Contents How long can I stay in the Schengen Area? Once the 90 days is up, when can I re-enter the...  [Read more]

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why Troubleshooting TEFL is the Most Difficult and Most Mind-Expanding? Troubleshooting TEFL is the most interesting, culturally challenging, and socially difficult there is. It is as much a cultural and social exercise in communicating with and managing people, as it is an intellectual exercise in simply conveying language skills to academic students enrolled in an institution of learning. Furthermore, it is more complex and varied due to age differences, cultural diversity, and discrepancies in the motivation of students enrolling in TEFL classes. A teacher who teaches her/ his native language to native speakers of the same language, in her/ his native country will have it significantly easier when troubleshooting problem...  [Read more]

Sahil Gazi Sahil is an avid traveler, amateur photographer, and TEFL teacher. Originally from Bangladesh, he has been living, exploring, and teaching in Spain since 2016. Read my articles Lingo in Limbo - What does it mean for Teachers? | ITTT | TEFL Blog Sahil Gazi TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Lingos are of significant interest to linguists because they exist within the subsets of linguistics, by observing the significance of individual words or sentences through semantics and their meaning in a broader social context through pragmatics.In this scenario, the subject is in a particular group of lingos. They are a repeating phenomenon, and, as such, they are referred to as being in a "limbo." Linguistics for ESL Teachers | ITTT | TEFL Blog Sahil Gazi TEFL...  [Read more]

Tue, 26 Mar 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences What is the best thing I've learned from my TESOL course and how it reinforced my will to become a teacher As far as I can remember, I always wanted to become a teacher in a foreign country. The most thrilling part about it was to convey knowledge to others and extend my own cultural awareness. Table of Contents "Teachers abroad need to be mindful of cultural differences in the classroom." "You cannot create a culturally responsive classroom if you don't take the time to get to know your students." Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post When I heard about TEFL online courses after graduating from university, I immediately thought it would be the best option for me in order to achieve my...  [Read more]

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How Does Learning Motivation Impact Students' Learning? Learning a second language such as English is a process that requires practicing output and also input language, however, there must be challenges for the student during the learning process, especially when they are not yet able to express ideas or not being able to communicate with others through the second language. Students may be demotivated in their learning when they find failures using the second language, another possible reason to cause low-motivation is that they are not tentatively willing to join the course, as they may be required to join the course by their workplace. Table of Contents The Problem of Low Motivation How to Find out Students' Level of English? The...  [Read more]