The World's Hardest Language To Learn

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Roots of Motivation to Learn a Second Language Motivation has long been a major concern for most English teachers. There is no doubt that it is a potent force in language acquisition. Motivation, both intrinsic and extrinsic, is a key factor in the success of students at all stages of their education, and teachers can play a pivotal role in providing and encouraging that motivation in their students. All students are motivated differently and it takes time and a lot of effort to learn to get a classroom full of students enthusiastic about learning, working hard, and pushing themselves to excel. Table of Contents Reasons for Learning Teaching Materials Choice of Activities Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!...  [Read more]

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How to Motivate Students to Learn a Foreign Language The study of a foreign language is not an easy road, it is determined by a set of factors, such as previous knowledge in this field, skills, ways of learning, exposure to the target language, etc. However, in my opinion, the most important role in this process is played by people's MOTIVATION to learn a new language, because it is the key element that makes students persevere through tough moments and it keeps alive the desire to discover and know new things. Every student who steps for the first time into an EFL classroom comes already with a certain degree of motivation, either because they need it for their jobs or because they want to study or work abroad, the reasons are...  [Read more]

Mon, 06 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 1st Language vs. 2nd Language Acquisition: How and TEFL Instructors Must Learn from the First to Better Teach the Second The contrast between primary language acquisition and second language learning interests professional linguists, language pedagogues, and ordinary students alike. To say that the processes are distinct and involve very different learning processes, as well as even altogether different spheres of the brain is an understatement: these are indeed different functions (Limacher, Ute "Language Acquisition Versus Language Learning" ). Table of Contents Differences between the two types of acquisitions Language structure and learning process Personal experience The Consciousness of language acquisition Classroom...  [Read more]

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Am I Too Old to Learn a New Language? If you're a native language speaker, you've likely heard the phrase, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". There has been little evidence found to support this claim, but the belief persists. Many adult learners believe that it is too late for them to learn a new language. If you are teaching English as a Foreign or Second Language you may find yourself teaching a class of adult learners. Adult learners differ in many ways from young learners, and one such issue you may encounter is a doubt from the learners that they are capable of picking up a new language now that they are no longer children. Though the style of learning and the issues encountered will inevitably differ from those of...  [Read more]

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 Hadassah Roberts Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Strategies On How To Learn A Language From Scratch: Tips For the English Teacher Learning a second language is something many English teachers need to undertake. Having good strategies to use is key to learning successfully. Table of Contents How to Learn a Second Language from Scratch Start at the very beginning. Ways to Learn Your First Vocabulary Strategies On How to Learn to Use Vocabulary in Practical Ways Final Steps in Learning A Language Conclusion Over to You Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! The need to learn a second language is a growing need as international travel and living increases. This is especially true for English teachers. An estimated...  [Read more]

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning to Read, Reading to Learn: How Reading Can Influence Language Acquisition There has been a wide body of research regarding the positive effects that reading has on a student's literacy levels. Introducing more reading material, and, even cultivating a love of reading in the classroom, can thus improve a student's fluency in a new language. Table of Contents How does Reading help? Acquiring a Language through Constant Motivation Developing Fluency The Level of Exposure to a New Language Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sher L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. How...  [Read more]

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This Is Why Parents Say It's Vital to Travel To Learn A Language Travel had benefits for all of us. Particularly for our children. Our twin baby boys are mixed-race and mixed-cultured and equal importance will be placed on both sides of their heritage while maintaining a truly international worldview. We plan to raise them as true world citizens. Table of Contents Developmental Plan Cultural Exposure Holidays Final Thoughts Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mingke R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Developmental Plan We plan to focus on a few areas to strengthen their...  [Read more]

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English as a Global Language: What Motivates Students to Learn English? As an international study major in college, I learned that the United Nations, a non-governmental organization, officially recognizes six world languages: every meeting, written document, and speech are translated into these languages. English is one of them. It is spoken and written by billions of people around the world. Having traveled in eight countries myself, I was surprised to have seen how commonplace it was for countries to translate directional signs in both the official language and in English. A student's mastery of the English language, or in any language, can be a difficult journey to venture. Therefore, this essay will explore what factors may...  [Read more]

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 3 Reasons Why Students Get Motivated to Learn a Foreign Language Increasing student motivation in the classroom is closely tied to student-teacher rapport. Throughout my career as a classroom teacher and lacrosse coach, I have found that students perform better for teachers they "like". I use quotations on the word "like" because I believe it is a student's way of expressing a strong relationship built on trust and respect with their teacher. Students will also perform better in classes they "like" as well. In this sense, I believe students are attempting to explain that the class they "like" is engaging and relevant to them. As a high school and middle school lacrosse coach, I have had the unique opportunity to talk with my...  [Read more]

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 Tho Nguyen Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas How to Learn English Outside of the Classroom Learning English outside of the classroom can be a great way to practice and improve your language skills, especially if you don't have access to traditional language schools or classes. Whether you are a visual learner who benefits from colorful illustrations and pictures, an auditory learner who thrives on listening to spoken English, or someone who prefers the support and encouragement of friends, there are many different ways to learn and practice English at home. Table of Contents IN CLASS VS AT HOME KNOW YOUR LEARNING STYLE DON'T UNDERATE A FRIEND ENVIRONMENT MATTERS PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out...  [Read more]

Sun, 29 Apr 2018 Linda Dunsmore Destinations TEFL Information Top 5 Tips: How to Learn a New Language When Teaching English Abroad Teaching English abroad is an exciting adventure for many and it offers plenty of opportunities for traveling, exploring a new culture and making new friends from around the world. While you do not need to speak any language other than English to be a successful teacher, many people choose to embrace the opportunity to learn a foreign language while teaching English overseas. Table of Contents 1. Take Language Classes 2. Participate in Language Exchanges 3. Learn Verbs! 4. Go Exploring on Your Own 5. Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes Listen to this blog post Are you ready for your adventure abroad? Related Articles: Being able to speak the language of...  [Read more]

Mon, 16 Jul 2018 Linda Dunsmore Destinations The 5 Best Places to Learn French When Teaching English Abroad It's no secret that one of the best ways to immerse oneself into a new culture is by learning the local language. Teaching English abroad is the perfect way to learn a new language, which will also come in handy when looking for a job back home if you decide to return. Table of Contents 5. Geneva, Switzerland 4. Quebec, Canada 3. Antananarivo, Madagascar 2. Mons, Belgium 1. Montpellier, France Listen to this blog post Are you Ready to Live and Teach English In a French-Speaking Country? Related Articles: French is widely spoken in parts all across the world and is ranked the sixth most spoken language worldwide after Mandarin Chinese, English, Hindi, Spanish and Arabic....  [Read more]

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 2 Great Reasons for People in the D.R. of the Congo to Learn English Change is something that does not come naturally to us human. It requires us to go through the process of learning. It is especially hard for us to assimilate anything that is not so much used in our environment. I grew up in the French-speaking country that is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have gone through the entire process of learning English not as a second, nor a third, but as a fourth one. And that is the case for most Congolese as well. Although it came quite naturally to me. Most of my classmates seemed to have been introduced to another world. It is easy to assimilate a new language when it is widely spoken in the area you live in. However,...  [Read more]

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How the English Language Can Help to Change the World Lately or, it is better to say, since the "boom" of the globalization processes in the middle of the 1990s the world is facing many profound changes in different aspects of life: the way people communicate, the way people buy and sell things, new services and professions has emerged, the way people travel, the way people move from one place to another in their day by day activities, the way people know new cultures and so on. And all of these changes are also true to companies and their business, to the development of new technologies, to governments and to the way heads of states rule their countries. Table of Contents General Overview Modern Issues The Importance of English...  [Read more]

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Thu, 26 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The Global Power of English: Why Do So Many People Want to Learn it? One might be forgiven for thinking that English is a ubiquitous language. From the movie industry in the United States to the vast expanse of the internet, it appears that its global standing is exponentially growing year after year. Needless to say, it owes its current position to a British empire that dominated and conquered foreign lands which resulted in countless dominions that spoke the mother tongue on both hemispheres. Its proliferation has ensured that although it might not be the main lingua franca of every region that hosted a queen's flag, it has certainly been used as a secondary language in areas as far away as Asia. In India this is empirically...  [Read more]

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How to Teach Peculiarities of the English Language Peculiarities in the English language can be quite difficult and challenging to explain to students but are certainly very rewarding. Table of Contents General Ideas 1) Illustrations 2) Vocabulary Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Monique E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. General Ideas If we look at the word "Peace" – in English this word could refer to "peace between family, neighbors, and friends" or it could mean "peace of mind" or "peace" etc. We also have the same word spoken in the same way, but spelled...  [Read more]

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Reading as the Influential Key to Language Acquisition Learning a foreign language is quite challenging and reading has crucial importance in learning the vocabularies of the language and also learning vocabulary can affect reading texts. Knowing vocabulary is an important factor in language acquisition. Although grammar is very important too but to understand the meaning of the text, the students need to know the meaning of the words first. So reading offers the learner a wide range of words, different grammar and makes them more successful in speaking a language compared to those who don't read much. Table of Contents Reading has another impact on learning a language and it is about syntax. As reading has a very important role in...  [Read more]

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Native Language Experience in Second Language Acquisition A language is a tool for people to communicate, so there must be some connections among different languages, include similarities and differences. If we can use their similarities properly and pay attention to differences, different languages can be interlinked. Therefore, the first language not only has a positive impact but also hurts second language acquisition. We call these effects 'language transfer'. There are two kinds of language transfer, positive transfer, and negative transfer. Table of Contents Benefits and Drawbacks Research in the Field Anticipated Problems Results Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was...  [Read more]

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Games in the Classroom - The Antidote to Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety When an English speaker is traveling in the Philippines, it is not uncommon for a friendly conversation with a local to end with the local stating they have a nosebleed and escape from the conversation. In Filipino culture, nosebleeds indicate that the brain is too stressed. Although Filipinos pride themselves in being fluent in English, many are not as confident to speak it when the time requires. Table of Contents BACKGROUND: Too Anxious to Speak INTRODUCTION: Work VS Play MOTIVATION SETTING CONFIDENCE CONCLUSION Are you ready to teach English in an ESL or EFL classroom? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Fri, 15 May 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Reading as the Most Important Skill to Acquire Reading is a skill that people should acquire from early childhood. A book is a treasure that produces inspiration, strong knowledge, morality, and pleasure. This activity stimulates people to shape their personality, to nurture their character, and to create a particular set of precious values and principles that will guide them in life. Reading books continually determines people to discover themselves better, to perceive appropriately the environment they live in, and to understand the people, events that happen around them. It makes people rich spiritually and contributes to the formation of a healthy and solid personality. Once they comprehend the circumstances of their living...  [Read more]

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 Minh Huy Hoang TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 10 Tips for Adults to Learn English During Office Break Time Learning English during break time at the office can be an effective and enjoyable way to improve your language skills. Table of Contents Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Here are 10 hacks to make the most of your time: Utilize Language Learning Apps:Use language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone. These apps offer quick lessons that you can complete during short breaks. Listen to English Podcasts:Podcasts are a great way to improve your listening skills. Find podcasts that match your interests, and listen to them during...  [Read more]

Thu, 09 May 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How do you bring language to life in the classroom? When teaching in the classroom, it is very important to branch away from the traditional method of teaching, known as the "chalk and talk" method. This typically involves the teacher dictating the lesson, with students sat listening and writing down the words of the teacher. Not every student is programmed to be able to sit, listen intently to every word you say, write down everything important and absorb the information sufficiently to be able to go on and use the language in a productive way. Table of Contents Differentiate classroom activities Help to memorize language points in an unusual way Give more freedom even when you are teaching grammar Mind your students' language...  [Read more]

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Why English is Referred as a Global Language Over the years, the English language has reached the status of a global language and is considered to be characterized as lingua franca or the language which is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different. The English language is spoken by millions of people all around the globe. It is spoken by people as their native language, it is taught in almost all schools around the world as a second language and is also used as a first language for international communication. The English language has become a global language for many reasons: Table of Contents British Colonization American Expansion International Relations Do you want to teach English...  [Read more]

Sun, 31 Mar 2019 Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Common Factors that Affect 1st Language and 2nd Language Learning Language is everywhere. It plays an essential role in our life. We use it as a tool to communicate with the people around us. But do we understand how the brain processes the language and the many factors that influence language learning? Table of Contents The difference between language acquisition and language learning The difference in language learning for children and adults The process of language learning and acquisition The difference in expectations for children and adults 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 difference between language acquisition...  [Read more]

Top Tips for Teaching English to Young Learners 02/18/2023 hi welcome Linda here from ITT back this week with another live session I hope you're doing well thank you so much for joining me today I'm happy to see you if you can see me and if you can hear me clearly if everything's working please just leave a high in the comment section and uh maybe also let me know where you are right now where are you watching from today what time is it there how are you doing let me know in the comments we are live on Facebook and on YouTube at the same time and we also always turn our live sessions into podcast episodes so if you're listening to this as a podcast thank you so much for the download and thank you so much for listening we really appreciate that don't forget to like And subscribe um so...  [Read more]

Wed, 19 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How I Was Introduced to the World of Foreign Language Teaching My interest in ESL began without the intention of becoming an ESL instructor in the first place. It was mostly born out of curiosity and interest in relocating to a foreign country which at the time (2009) was China. At the time I had been deeply contemplating a career living abroad. The contemplation came more from a cultural motivation than from a financial or career-minded motivation. Throughout my childhood and beyond, my parents were both avid travelers. Both my Mother and Father had spent considerable periods traveling in Asia, East Asia and Central Asia in particular. Table of Contents Parental Supervision Real Inspiration Chinese Experience Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Peculiarities of the English Language Every ESL Teacher Needs to Know A language is a tool that allows us to organize our thoughts as well as to communicate. Since language is unable to be separated from our conscious thought, it can be difficult to imagine how another language can function without the use of the core elements that we employ in our own native language. Likewise, it can be difficult to comprehend the function of a language element completely foreign to us. As a teacher, it can be important to understand the peculiarities of English to understand which language elements may be more difficult for the student. Some elements that may be completely new to English learners are the number system, verb tenses, and...  [Read more]

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Why is reading the perfect way to acquire a new language? When we are born, our first contact with our native tongue is one hundred percent oral. Our mother is the first one to speak to us in her native language and as we grow we are constantly exposed to words, expressions, and conversations that we take in and start to understand in our everyday life. Once we reach a proper school age everything starts to change because we are introduced to a new way of communication that goes beyond body language and oral expressions. We are introduced to written language. This rite of passage is as normal as it´is expected to be, but we must take into account something that in the last couple of decades has become part of this experience; the...  [Read more]

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas First Language Acquisition and How it Informs Our Approach to Teaching Second Language This topic, in particular, is of great interest to me as someone who managed to acquire two languages (Mandarin Chinese and English) at a high level. For me the journey was completely painless and the word 'acquired' is fitting since I personally never felt I had to actively undergo a 'study' to learn either language, but this statement is dependant on how we define studying and learning languages, and in turn: teaching languages. People often use the phrase 'It's like learning a whole new language' when trying to express how difficult and confusing it is to learn something, yet learning new languages shouldn't be harder than learning any other...  [Read more]