The Student Becomes The Teacher

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences In the ITTT course, I was able to learn about the many different roles a teacher may use to assist learners of English in the classroom. However, as more and more teachers are learning, a lot of the students' ability to learn is based on factors external to the classroom. Some of these include positive relationships at home, extracurricular activities, time spent studying, explorative self-learning and so on. Nonetheless, teachers can affect the choices the students go on to make outside of the classroom. In this way, it is important to think about what type of role might be impactful from a student's perspective. This paper will argue that a wide range of roles may have a positive effect on a student's interest in a foreign language, and in turn, may...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When a student walks into any classroom, his outlook on the class has a lot to do with how a teacher may present themselves, and the qualities that make up that outward presentation. This concept proves itself to be true as the course goes on, and key concepts are taught. The student's perspective on the material is largely dependent on the specific qualities of the teacher that make him or her a dependable source of information. This essay will explore how patience, listening, and empathy are important qualities for English teachers to have and maintain, and how those qualities are vital in the teacher and student learning equation. Patience Listening abilities Empathy Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This...  [Read more]

Becoming a TEFL teacher in the UK demands a combination of qualifications and experience. Firstly, you will require a bachelor's degree and a TEFL certification. Given the UK's stringent teaching standards, prior teaching experience is often essential to make your application competitive. For non-UK citizens, it is crucial to be aware of visa and work permit requirements before embarking on this career path in the UK. What are the difficulties of teaching English in the UK? How can I get a work permit to teach English in the UK? Can I get a working holiday visa and teach English in the UK? Can I earn a comfortable living teaching English in the UK? What should I do if I can't find a job teaching English in the UK? Teaching English in the UK presents unique challenges despite the evident...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Throughout one's schooling, it is not uncommon to come across that particular teacher that resolves every type of altercation, or moment of class disturbance, with excessive shouting and loss of temper. Although these are the teachers we tend to recall the most when we are swapping stories with friends of our bygone school days, I feel that the number of "louder", "loss-of-temper-type" teachers, however, is heavily outweighed by the number of easier going, mild-tempered teachers. Generally, teachers tend to have an understanding of younger learners' behaviors and therefore occasional bouts in student behavior are expected and dealt with methodically and effectively. Explaining the reasons and consequences My solution of the problem Empathic approach...  [Read more]

Empowering students to become independent and lifelong learners in the English language is crucial in TEFL for several reasons. By fostering independence, students develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and self-confidence. These skills are not only essential for language acquisition but also for success in various aspects of their lives. Empowered students take ownership of their learning journey, leading to higher motivation levels and engagement in the classroom. Moreover, promoting independence in language learning helps students become more resilient and adaptable, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the language more effectively. In TEFL, there are several strategies that teachers can employ to promote student independence in learning English. One...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences As a native English speaker, my first major foreign language experience began in 8th grade, where I had the option of studying either Spanish or French. I chose Spanish, as I'd always been drawn to the language and Latin American culture, and hoped to one day live in a Spanish speaking country. I studied the language throughout high school, but in the years afterward, it wasn't much of a priority and wasn't something I used on a regular basis. Our language classes were mainly structured around learning grammar and following the textbook. I recognized a lot of the same lack of interest in learning as I saw during my own high school language class days. I was afraid of making mistakes. I learned from my mistakes the first time around. Are you ready to...  [Read more]

Becoming an English teacher in the United States requires a combination of education, training, and certification. Aspiring educators must follow specific steps to meet the requirements set by state education departments and school districts. This guide outlines the necessary education and qualifications to pursue a career as an English teacher in the US. 1. **Bachelor's Degree in Education** 2. **Teacher Preparation Program** 3. **Obtaining State Certification** 4. **Continuing Education and Professional Development** The first step towards becoming an English teacher in the United States is earning a bachelor's degree in education. Prospective teachers typically major in education with a focus on English or obtain a degree in English with a teacher certification program. During their...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas As the function of a tutor is that of a teacher, the certification requirements for EFL tutors are the same as that for EFL teachers. There are generally three different certification routes to obtaining the main qualification required, namely, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification. They both involve a course which typically has a minimum of 120 hours of training. There are three typical types of courses which result in this certification. 1. Onsite TEFL/TESOL certification 2. Online TEFL/TESOL certification 3. Combined TEFL/TESOL certification TEFL Course Costs and Opportunities Teaching one-to-one Ready to teach English as a Foreign...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas As a teacher of English as a foreign language, or any subject really, you have to consider the seating arrangement in your classroom. Studies have shown that seating arrangements where the teacher can see the faces of all of the students at all times increase student engagement and are therefore beneficial for their learning. Considering this, here are the best desk arrangements for EFL students that you should try out in your classroom! Single Rows U-Shape Double Rows Clusters More things to consider regarding desk placement: Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Setting up the students' desks in single rows is great for teacher demonstrations and independent table work. While this arrangement is very formal and...  [Read more]

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]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The role of a teacher is constantly changing throughout the day. The teacher's role can be influenced by: the lesson, the students, and the circumstances that might arise during a classroom session. Teachers frequently perform various roles when teaching students, some of these roles include: instructor, facilitator, mentor, psychologist, counselor, and policeman. Listen to this blog post: A teacher can act as an instructor. A teacher can act as a facilitator. A teacher can act as a mentor. A teacher can act as a psychologist. A teacher can act as a counselor. A teacher can act as a policeman. 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 TEFL...  [Read more]

Student participation is key in a TEFL classroom as it enhances language learning by providing opportunities for students to practice their speaking and listening skills in a real-life context. Active participation also increases student engagement, motivation, and confidence in using the language. Moreover, it helps create a dynamic and interactive learning environment where students learn from each other's ideas and experiences. As a TEFL teacher, promoting student participation should be a priority to ensure effective language acquisition. There are various strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to promote student participation in the classroom. One effective method is to incorporate group activities and pair work, which encourage students to interact with their peers and practice...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences An essential role of the teacher in the classroom is to build a relationship with his or her students to help them learn the subject being taught. There are many ways to set up a situation in which students can and will learn effectively. Teacher's Roles Teaching Skills Lesson Flow Feedback Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Peter O. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. A teacher must be a leader, a manager, an administrator, an organizer, a designer, and an assessor. Above all, they must be a motivator to give their students a desire to learn, which is vital to mastering new concepts and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Deciding what role will be held as a teacher as many variables. Teachers can be anywhere from instructors to policemen and many things in between on any given day. Being aware of which role is necessary and when will have an impact on the teacher and students. Let us begin with the role of the instructor This takes us to the next role of facilitator When in front of the classroom the teacher becomes the mentor to the learners Time to focus on the role of a psychologist The counselor Now onto the policeman Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Johnelle M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. When...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There is an ancient Chinese quote which says: "Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I." - We can apply this old quote to our days, even though our challenges may be more extensive. Modern Problem Skill to Involve Game Changer Listen to this blog post Do you want to teach English to ESL students all over the world? Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rodrigo O. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Today anyone can go through the web and seek information; this made the task of teaching a bit harder since we have to deal with an immediate gain of information. It is easy to open a Wikipedia article and just read what happened 100...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In the world, there are many different professions that people dream of. If you ask someone to name some of them, they probably would say something like a doctor, teacher, singer, and so on. When I was a child, my dad wanted me to become a teacher. He thought that becoming a teacher was a great job. Not just him, but many other people also thought so. It has always been like that. Back then, I was too young to understand the reason. But now that I have become a teacher, I am starting to realize why my dad and everyone else liked it. When Do You Become a Teacher? Many Responsibilities Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! ...  [Read more]

The average age of students in TEFL classes can vary significantly depending on various factors. One of the main factors influencing student age is the type of institution where you are teaching. For example, in language schools catering to adults, the average student age is typically higher compared to schools that focus on children or teenagers. Additionally, in countries where English is a compulsory subject in schools, TEFL teachers are more likely to teach younger students. Teaching different age groups requires different approaches and strategies. When teaching young learners, it is essential to incorporate games, songs, and interactive activities to keep them engaged and motivated. On the other hand, teaching adults may require a more structured and formal approach, focusing on...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching is a profession that calls upon a teacher to embody many different characteristics and qualities for them to be able to perform in their role successfully. Among other things, an argument can be made that it is essential, or at least beneficial, for a teacher to be someone who is or can become comfortable in their role for their students. A key component of achieving this goal is to be confident in their ability. Careful examination suggests that a greater level of self-confidence on the part of the teacher in the classroom positively affects the learning experience for students and the teaching experience for the teacher. What is Confidence? Research Data Learners' Benefits Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences 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. "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 greatest dream. After the completion of this course, I will move to Tokyo with the strong will to teach English to all different types of students,...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information I founded an English training center in China in 2017 and have been teaching a wide variety of English classes since then. I teach both one-to-one and groups, and I find them to be very different. Do you prefer small groups or bigger classes? Do you like pair projects or independent student work? Do you have the patience to keep a large student group in line? Advantages of a one-to-one teaching environment Advantages of a larger student group Listen to this blog post Which type of class suits you best? Related Articles: Prospective TEFL teachers may want to consider: which kind of class fits you best? Below I would like to compare my experiences in teaching and managing these two types of class, and also give some suggestions for prospective TEFL...  [Read more]

Student engagement is a critical aspect of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). The average student engagement level for TEFL teachers is often influenced by various factors such as teaching methods, classroom environment, and student motivation. High levels of student engagement can lead to improved learning outcomes, increased participation, and a more positive classroom atmosphere. TEFL teachers should strive to enhance student engagement to create a dynamic and effective learning environment. TEFL teachers can employ a variety of strategies to increase student engagement in the classroom. These may include incorporating interactive activities, using multimedia resources, encouraging group work, and providing opportunities for student-led discussions. By catering to different...  [Read more]

In TEFL, student progress refers to the advancement students make in their English language skills over a period of time. This progress is typically measured in terms of improvements in speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities. The average student progress level for TEFL teachers can vary depending on several factors. Several factors can influence student progress in TEFL. These include the students' motivation levels, their prior knowledge of English, the quality of teaching, the learning environment, and the amount of exposure to the language outside the classroom. Teachers play a crucial role in facilitating student progress by adapting their teaching methods to suit the needs and learning styles of their students. TEFL teachers can employ various strategies to enhance...  [Read more]

In TEFL, students' proficiency levels can vary widely depending on factors such as age, prior exposure to English, educational background, and motivation. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a widely used tool to assess language proficiency levels, ranging from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). It's essential for TEFL teachers to have a good understanding of these levels to tailor their teaching methods and materials accordingly. Various factors can influence a student's proficiency level in English. These include their exposure to the language outside the classroom, their learning environment, access to resources, and individual learning styles. Additionally, cultural differences and language transfer from their native language can also impact how quickly a...  [Read more]

In TEFL teaching, student class levels can vary widely, depending on the context and location of the teaching. Typically, students are grouped into different levels based on their proficiency in English, ranging from beginner to advanced levels. These levels are often determined through placement tests or assessments conducted by the language school or institution. It is crucial for TEFL teachers to have a good understanding of these levels to effectively plan and deliver lessons that cater to the specific needs of their students. Once the class levels have been identified, TEFL teachers need to tailor their lessons to suit the proficiency of their students. For beginner-level classes, it is important to focus on basic vocabulary, grammar, and language skills. Visual aids, games, and...  [Read more]

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

In TEFL classrooms, student participation levels can vary depending on various factors such as the teaching approach, classroom environment, student motivation, and language proficiency. The average student participation level for TEFL teachers typically ranges from 30% to 70%. It is essential for teachers to create a supportive and engaging learning environment that encourages students to actively participate in class activities. To increase student participation in TEFL classes, teachers can implement various strategies such as group work, pair work, role-plays, class discussions, and interactive activities. Incorporating multimedia resources, games, and real-life scenarios can also enhance student engagement. Providing positive reinforcement, giving clear instructions, and creating a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I believe that volunteering as a concept is a worthwhile activity, especially if the volunteer is helping a charity. In the field of volunteer teaching, the volunteer can also gain valuable teaching experience which can provide a great start to their teaching career. My Story Reasons to Volunteer How it Influences Your Experience? Are You Ready to Teach English Abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This follows my personal experience. I started my teaching career as a volunteer teacher of sixteen to twenty-year-old pupils at CDC (the Children's Development Centre), which is a school for Burmese migrants in Mae Sot, Thailand. I had no previous teaching experience at all, and the position allowed me to gradually gain teaching experience....  [Read more]

Teaching English online provides numerous benefits for both teachers and students. For teachers, it offers flexibility in terms of working hours and location. This means that teachers can work from anywhere in the world and create their own schedules. Additionally, online teaching often pays well and can provide a stable income. For students, online classes offer convenience and the opportunity to learn from native speakers without the need to travel. This can be particularly beneficial for students who may not have access to English classes in their local area. While teaching English online can be a rewarding experience, there are certain requirements that teachers need to meet. Firstly, most online teaching platforms require teachers to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign...  [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? Native vs Second Language Roleplay Games in ESL Social Networks Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? When we learn our native language, we are fully immersed in that language. It surrounds us from the minute we are born, and our brains begin making associations immediately. We don't put much thought into it. It just happens. The same occurs with children who acquire two or more languages simultaneously, in parents who speak different languages. When you are thrown...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Teaching Ideas So you have got your TEFL certificate in hand and are about to set foot into your very own classroom abroad. You have planned your lessons, created your teaching materials and marked the right pages in your textbook. There's only one more thing to consider: challenging students! Here are the 5 common types of EFL students and how to deal with them in the classroom. 1. The Dominator 2. The Class Clown 3. The Silent Student 4. The Translator 5. The Arguer Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Every teacher loves students who are eager to learn and enthusiastic about your lesson. However, there's often a student in a class that demonstrates his/her eagerness in a destructive and disruptive way. This...  [Read more]