Tesol Theories

  This presentation is going to focus on the theories, methods and techniques of teaching and we're going to start with a quote. This is an interesting quotation because it contains within it a philosophical argument and it's a philosophical argument in the way in which we learn. Basically, this one is saying that the intelligence of their own children comes about due to a natural process. So this one could be said to be due to nature. This is exactly the opposite of this one, which is saying that they're teaching the environment that we create, creates that intelligence. So this one can be said to be due to nurture and this argument 'nature versus nurture' has been going on for thousands of years. These two viewpoints are two ends of a scale, or a continuum if you like, and every...  [Read more]

  The purpose of grammar translation then is to basically translate between L1 and L2 and vice versa. So, we could take a simple example. Let's imagine that our native language was English and our target language was French and let's assume that we want to translate a document from French into English. Let's take a simple sentence. Here's a sentence in French "Ouvre la fenêtre" and we'll add "s'il vous plaît" at the end. What we want to do is to take this L2 and translate it back into English. Now, if we have a reasonable knowledge of French then we may well know that this particular verb "ouvre" "to open" translates directly and this female form of the and finally the fenêtre "Open the window" and this polite form of "please". This is all very well if the two structures that...  [Read more]

  Our next methodology is called the silent way and it's accredited to Caleb Gattegno and was developed in or around the 1970s. This particular methodology moved on from the behaviorist stimulus response to what's called a theory of constructivism and this constructivist approach was very very different, very radical to anything that had been tried before. The background to this particular methodology was that there was a French mathematics teacher who found that his students were finding it very difficult to understand particular concepts. What he realized was that what they needed was a more visual representation of the information. So he came up with a series of colored rods to help with those concepts in mathematics. He gave his name to those rods and they're called Cuisenaire...  [Read more]

  Before we move on to the final methodology for today, let's just recap and see where we are at this point in time. We're looking at different learning methodologies. Each of those methodologies takes its premise from being somewhere on this particular spectrum of ?nature versus nurture? and where we are on this spectrum gives us a starting point for the background or theory to that particular methodology. So, we?ve had a look starting in the 17th century and the classical method and moving on as the ideas of psychology developed to various methods, such as audiolingualism, the silent way, Suggestopedia and TPR. Each of these showing a development as knowledge about learning increased and each of these takes a different starting point on our English spectrum. Below you can read...  [Read more]

  Before looking at the methods or approaches themselves, there are some terms that we need to define. These are the approach, the method or the technique. Basically, these are hierarchical. The approach is an overriding set of principles that a method can actually make use of, whereas the technique are the things that we actually do in the classroom to approach that method. So, these three words are going to appear during the presentation. Again, for each of either the approaches all the methodologies we're going to ask four questions. So be it an approach or a method for each of those things: Where did it come from? What's its background? What does it involve when we're talking about actually in the classroom, in other words techniques? What is positive about it? What appears to...  [Read more]

  Also in the 1970s la señal came up with a new methodology called "Suggestopedia". As psychological theory was developing, one of the ideas that came up was something called ?the effective filter?. Basically, the effective filter is a barrier to learning. It's the reasons why we inhibit our learning of a particular language. There are two main elements to the effective filter, two sets of factors, if you like, those are known as internal and external factors. The external factors to learning, the reasons why we have barriers to learning, may be just simple things such as external noise. So, people talking to us while we're trying to learn and so on and so forth. Perhaps more important are these internal factors and the internal factors one of the main things here is our previous...  [Read more]

  "In terms of the things that are negative about it, we've already said that it doesn't develop speaking but perhaps the biggest negative point about this particular methodology is that it's very unnatural. Ok, so despite the criticisms of this particular method, and particularly the fact that is unnatural, this particular methodology was in use all the way through the 17th, 18th and 19th century and indeed it's still in use today. However, Gouin in the 1880s and Berlitz in the early 1900s decided that this particular methodology was so unnatural that they wanted to come up with something new. The method that they came up with, they called the direct method. You will also sometimes see it as the natural method. What these two people were saying is that if we wish to learn a language...  [Read more]

  Our final methodology is accredited to Jeremy Harmer and it's known by the letters ESA. Around 1998, Jeremy Harmer produced a book called "How to teach English" and basically what Harmer did, is a background to this book is to do what we have done today and to work through all of the different methodologies that have come about over the last 300 years. He highlighted for each of those methodologies what was good about it, what was positive and what didn't appear to work and then put all of the positive things into a melting pot and came out with this methodology, which he called ESA. It's a three-stage methodology, where each of the letters represents a particular phase of the lesson. The first one being called the engage phase, the second the study phase and the final one the...  [Read more]

  So what we're going to do is to run through a series of methodologies that were created mainly in the 1900s that adopted the idea that language learning should be much more communicative, much more natural. The first one is called audiolingualism and it's also called the army method because of where it was developed. Basically, psychology, during the 1950s and 60s, was building up new theories about behaviorism. Perhaps the most famous experiments that were done in this particular area were by Pavlov, where he was showing that most animals undergo a stimulus response mechanism and he had a series of famous experiments, where by ringing a bell, he could cause a dog to salivate, that would be his response, in the expectation of getting some food. This behaviorist idea of stimulus...  [Read more]

  So let's take an example of what those drills might involve. So here is an example of a repetition drill. I will model the language and then my class will repeat after me. So "This is a cup." "Spoon" ? "This is a spoon." "Knife" - "his is a knife." Thank you. The reason that it's called or also called the army method is that it was the method adopted by the United States military who had personnel stationed around the world at the end of Second World War and they realized that they needed those personnel to pick up the language very quickly and one of the positive things about this particular methodology is that you do very quickly learn vocabulary. Another positive thing about it is that you quickly learn the correct pronunciation of that vocabulary. However, there are some...  [Read more]

  Our next particular methodology is accredited to James Asher around 1965 and is called total physical response. Asher looked at the way in which we learn our native language and he saw that most children, before they even went to school, have picked up a very large percentage of both the grammar and the vocabulary that they would use in their native language before any type of formal schooling. So Asher started to have a look at ideas of how to use the whole of our brain in language learning in the way that we do when we're very young. It's accepted that within our brain there are two hemispheres, one is the left hemisphere the other is the right hemisphere, and one of the functions of the left hemisphere is language learning. One of the major functions of the right hemisphere is...  [Read more]

The generally recognized acronym for the field of teaching English is ELT which simply means: English Language Teaching. Within this huge field there are a number of specialisms. One such specialism is the teaching of English to learners for whom English is not their first language. Three common acronyms that are often used when applied to this scenario are TEFL, TESL and TESOL. By defining the terms we will show that the idea of comparing one versus the other, i.e. “TEFL vs TESOL” is not particularly useful. So what do they mean? When the English teaching is to non native speakers and takes place in a country where the first language is not English. Examples would be teaching English in Peru or teaching English in Taiwan. TESL applies when teaching English to non native speakers in a...  [Read more]

Date posted:2016-08-29 | Writer: Newcollege Tutor | Email: [email protected] Newcollege Tutor is a social enterprise based out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and founded by tutors at the University of Alberta. We value our success by offering students the best opportunity available at reaching their full potential. No experience is required to become a tutor and in fact most of the tutors listed on our website started off with none whatsoever.  This is an ideal opportunity for TEFL graduates starting out on their career or for those with experience. As long as you know the subject you are teaching and you have the patience to teach it you will be successful in instructing students. Most of the nervousness you might have about teaching will go away after the first session....  [Read more]

  Linda updates us on her progress with ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. In the ninth part of her TEFL review video journal, Linda tells us about her progress with units 9 and 10 on the course. As Linda points out these two units are closely related with unit 9 covering lesson planning while unit 10 looks at two very different lessons, one good and one bad, taught by the same teacher. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Register now & get certified to...  [Read more]

Date posted:2018-02-26 | Writer: BFI Education Services | Email: [email protected] BFI Education Services operate 4 main campuses and 4 kindergartens in Myanmar. Our campuses are located in Yangon, Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. We are now recruiting qualified teachers for its summer program in Yangon and Mandalay. The program begins on March 12, 2018 and ends on May 11, 2018. We are looking for native level English speakers with a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, and prefer to hire those who have CELTA, TESOL, or TEFL certification and at least two years of teaching experience. Teaching in our summer program gives you a unique opportunity to exchange language and culture with a bright, amazing group of students. Our program is well structured and even offers you a week of paid holiday...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings TEFL Information Learning a new language differs whether it occurs during early childhood or later in life. Nevertheless, in both scenarios, breaking a language barrier is essential for the student's progress and success. So, how do we break it so students can efficiently communicate in English? Sarah Jennings TEFL Information Whether you want to make it your full-time job or teach English on the side, teaching one-to-one lessons will allow you to have access to additional employment options. Sarah Jennings TEFL Information Parents are the initial educators in every child's life. Their involvement significantly influences a child's success in school, leading them toward a life enriched with knowledge. Parents demonstrate to children how to develop independence...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Alina tells us that he graduated from ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. Alina is from the Ukraine and thought that the course was very well structured and the information is precise. She also appreciated the great tutor support she received throughout the course.  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Unlock a world of opportunities in Business English education with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to get certified, refine your resume, find the best teaching jobs, and succeed as a freelance teacher. Join us as we explore the dynamic field of Business English instruction. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore the dynamic world of online English language learning for children. Discover effective strategies to engage young learners, navigate challenges, and create an enriching virtual classroom experience. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Unlock the complexities of teaching English grammar with insights into parts of speech, verb tenses, voices,...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Discover effective strategies to enhance your language learning journey. Explore the importance of reading skills, context clues, and authentic materials. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Unlock the secrets of effective language teaching with the ESA methodology. Learn how structure and engagement boost student learning. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Unlock doors to a world of opportunities through language learning. Explore its impact on culture, education, and personal growth. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences EFL teachers come from a variety of backgrounds and it is often surprising just what experiences the people who enter the profession have. There are...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Within the teaching of English as a second language (ESL) there are several classifications of learner scenarios. You have probably heard of graded classes versus mixed ability classes as an example. Another major classification is monolingual versus multilingual classes. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Second language acquisition is the name given to an educational theory of how we acquire a second language. It is similar to the way we pick-up our native language and is often contrasted with the term ‘language learning’, which is a formal process of instruction in a language. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas One of the most important differences is that whilst the...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Patrick tells us that he graduated from ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. Even though Patrick is a native speaker of English, he was surprised how much he learned from the course. He was very satisfied with the amount of material provided during the course and recommends it to anyone wanting to teach English abroad.  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Discover why mastering grammar is essential for language learners. Explore how it bridges linguistic gaps, elevates fluency, and unlocks the nuances of language. Uncover the five compelling reasons to make grammar the cornerstone of your language journey. Tho Nguyen TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Exploring ADHD in children and effective strategies to improve their focus, engagement, and performance in school. Discover how meditation, exercise, engaging activities, and rewards can make a significant difference in their lives. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In general you will get what you pay for. This is true for most things and a quality, well designed and...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Discover the enchanting power of stories in early childhood English learning. Uncover the motivation, real-life examples, and lifelong benefits they bring. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Discover how a teacher's evolving role and nurturing relationships impact students' learning journey and future success. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Discover proven strategies to engage every student in large classrooms, from personal connections to group activities. Sara Stojanovic TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore Gardner's 8 intelligences and tailor your teaching methods to tap into students' unique strengths for effective...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Discover effective strategies to enhance your language learning journey. Explore the importance of reading skills, context clues, and authentic materials. Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Discover the adaptable and student-centered ESA method, a proven framework for teaching English as an L2 effectively. Learn how it enhances real-life language use and promotes interactive learning. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Unlock the secrets of effective language teaching with the ESA methodology. Learn how structure and engagement boost student learning. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Unlock doors to a world of opportunities through language learning. Explore its...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Unlock the secrets to inspire young ESL learners! Discover proven strategies for a vibrant classroom, fostering confidence, and embracing diversity. Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Unveil the realm of learning difficulties. Discover insights into causes, strategies, and resilience against challenges. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore the pros and cons of one-to-one language teaching. Personalized learning vs. limited peer interaction. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Unlock the power of English sounds! Learn how to enhance pronunciation and listening skills across different age groups. Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore the pivotal role of...  [Read more]

Sara Stojanovic TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore Gardner's 8 intelligences and tailor your teaching methods to tap into students' unique strengths for effective learning. Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Explore key differences in teaching children and adults. Adapt your methods to enhance learning for all age groups. Sara Stojanovic TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Unlock the power of language education! Explore effective techniques for teaching reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching English online requires all the same knowledge and skills required for teaching in a regular face to face classroom and so there is no specific training...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, we will look at ten commonly used free applications for ESL teachersDiscover a comprehensive guide to free ESL teaching tools like Zoom, Google Docs, Miro, Canva, Calendly, WeTransfer, Microsoft Loop, Teacheroo, and Pinterest. Explore how these resources revolutionize lesson planning and boost student engagement. Minh Huy Hoang TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore how Artificial Intelligence revolutionizes English language learning for foreign students. Discover personalized learning, interactive tools, efficient assessments, and the synergy between AI and human instructors in reshaping language education. Minh Huy Hoang TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas ...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, ITTT course graduate Artem from Russia shares his thoughts on taking online TEFL courses with ITTT. Even though he has been teaching general English and IELTS preparation classes for a while, he still learned a lot of new things from taking the TEFL course. It's also a nice addition to any portfolio and it also gives you the chance to look at your own teaching style from a different perspective. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Karah tells us that she graduated from ITTT’s 120-hour online TEFL course. After a week of researching the best TEFL course options, she decided to take a TEFL course from ITTT due to the great reviews. To her, ITTT takes teaching teachers very seriously and she feels very prepared to teach her own lessons. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

The certificates gained by completing a training course with ITTT are the only 100% online TEFL/TESOL certificates available that are validated, accredited, and credit-bearing from an internationally recognized university. The credits earned from ITTT courses have been transferred successfully to universities all over the world. 550-hour Expert Package (120 + CTBE + CTEYL + Diploma + CTEO + Practicum) 9 credit Bachelors 6 credit Masters 250-hour Diploma in TESOL Course 6 credit Bachelors 3 credit Masters 220-hour TEFL Master Package (120 + CTBE + CTEYL) 6 credit Bachelors 3 credit Masters 170-hour TEFL Certificate Course with Online Specialization (120 + CTEO) 5 credit Bachelors 3 credit Masters 120-hour TEFL/TESOL Certificate Course 3 credit Bachelors 1 credit Masters 50-hour...  [Read more]