What Is Functional Language

Mark Crocker TEFL Information Alumni Experiences 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? 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 Alexander C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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. 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. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of...  [Read more]

The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. While this term is used for the physical act of actually teaching English abroad, it is also commonly used to refer to the training courses that many prospective teachers complete before heading overseas, as well as the qualification they receive upon successfully graduating from the course. By gaining a TEFL certificate it is possible to find work as an English language teacher in almost any country of your choice worldwide. TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages ELT - English Language Teaching TEFL Qualifications Choosing a TEFL Certificate Course Online or In-Class TEFL Course Finding a Teaching Job Teaching Hot...  [Read more]

TEFL, or Teaching English as a Foreign Language, is a certification that enables individuals to teach English to non-native speakers. It equips teachers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English in a foreign language context. TEFL certification is often required by language schools, both online and offline, to ensure that their teachers are qualified to deliver high-quality English language instruction. When choosing a TEFL course for teaching in language schools, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, accreditation is crucial. Look for courses that are accredited by recognized bodies such as the British Council or Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). Additionally, consider the course content and duration. A comprehensive...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences 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: British Colonization American Expansion International Relations Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The English language is complex, but it becomes even more so when we consider the differences informality. In most classrooms for second language learners, the 'formal' version of English is taught. This is important so that students learn the grammar and vocabulary necessary for proper speaking and writing skills. However, the use of 'informal' language with slang and idioms is just as common in everyday life and can vary depending on the region. Both offer unique benefits to the learner, but only the formal style is generally taught in class. Formal Language The Importance of Casual Language Slang and Idioms Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: More often than not, language lessons focus on the formal use and...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas 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. What is a Lesson Plan? Constructing a Lesson Plan Added Benefits of a Lesson Plan Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post ...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Language is amazing. It is not only a skill essential to human communication but also an instrument of thought. Every day, and from a very young age, we use language to express our feelings, needs, and frustrations. We also use it to bond with others and create connections, thus making life more meaningful. So how do we learn this beautiful thing called language? Is it an innate ability that we are born with or do we have to learn it from scratch? These questions have always divided linguists and elicited a great number of theories. The Theory of Universal Grammar by Chomsky The Principles of Learning a Language Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sara B....  [Read more]

If you are bored with the everyday grind and want a new life that is full of travel and adventure, TEFL could be the perfect option for you. First you need to choose the right TEFL course to suit your situation and then work your way through the training. Once you have completed the course and you have your TEFL certificate in hand you will be ready to head overseas to start work as an English language teacher in the country of your choice. What does TEFL and TESOL stand for? What are the technical differences between TEFL and TESOL? What qualifications do I need to teach EFL? How do TEFL courses differ? Which TEFL course provides the most comprehensive training? Is an online TEFL course sufficient for teaching English abroad? Do I really need a TEFL certificate to teach...  [Read more]

EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. It is a term widely recognized in the English language teaching industry, renowned for its many acronyms like TEFL, TESOL, ESOL, and ESL. Specifically, EFL refers to the teaching or studying of English by non-native speakers. While it has distinctions, it is often used interchangeably with other similar acronyms in the context of English education. What is the difference between EFL and ESL? What is EFL in the classroom? Who are EFL students? EFL, or English as a Foreign Language, pertains to students learning English in a country where English isn't the primary language, such as a Spanish-speaker studying English in Mexico. They predominantly communicate in their native language and study English occasionally, like attending weekly lessons....  [Read more]

TEFL certification is the qualification that new English language teachers require to be eligible to apply for most teaching jobs, no matter where they are located. However, as there are no official guidelines governing TEFL certification, it can be a difficult task sifting through the many options available. An internet search will bring up a wide array of courses with huge variations in study time and cost, making the choice even harder. How many study hours should I look for when researching TEFL certification? In-class TEFL certification Online TEFL certification Combined TEFL certification Other types of TEFL certification TEFL course packages One simple way to categorize different TEFL certification courses is to look at the average amount of study hours, which are usually...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas 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. 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 by our TEFL certification graduate Mariia M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad is a great way to see the world and get paid while doing it, but what does it actually involve? Before you buy a plane ticket and jet off across the world it is a good idea to research as much as possible about TEFL qualifications, the possible restrictions you might encounter when applying for jobs, and the long term prospects this path might lead to. Here we look at the answers to all these questions and more. What does TEFL and TESOL stand for? What are the technical differences between TEFL and TESOL? What qualifications do I need to teach EFL? How do TEFL courses differ? Which TEFL course provides the most comprehensive training? Is an online TEFL course sufficient for teaching English abroad? Do I really need a TEFL certificate to teach abroad?...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a fun worksheet to practice telling the time in English with your ESL/EFL students.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Online TEFL and TESOL courses are a fast and easy way to become an internationally certified English teacher. At International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT), we offer a variety of online options for new teachers and those who are already qualified and looking to enhance their professional portfolio. We understand that the process of becoming a teacher abroad can be a little overwhelming, which is why we'd like to help you choose the right online course for your career. For New Teachers 120-hour Online TEFL/TESOL Course 60-hour Introductory Course Observed Teaching Practice Course For Certified Teachers 50-hour Teaching Business English Course 50-hour Teaching English to Young Learners Course For Career Seekers 250-hour Diploma Course What about In-Class...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Most people consider English to be a global language because it is the one language that is spoken and understood by the majority of the population in almost every region of the world. What is a global language? While there is no official definition, it refers to a language that is learned and spoken internationally by native and second language speakers (Mastin, 2011). There are approximately 360 million native English speakers and almost twice as many speaking it as a second language, making English one of the topmost spoken languages in the world (Klappenbach, 2019). English is undoubtedly in just about every sector whether it is in education, medicine, business, technology, tourism, communication, and so on. It is perhaps this worldwide...  [Read more]

Amanda Stern Alumni Experiences Globalization has been changing our world. Once foreign cultures have become more and more familiar, and some even hit the global mainstream, such as Bollywood film and the recent wave of K-pop. One thing aiding in bridging this gap would be the rise of interest in bilingualism and multilingualism. Canada: Fluency and Productive Skills Language Fluency Productive Skills Japan: Accuracy and Reception Skills Accuracy Reception Skills Balacing Fluency and Accuracy Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Many children are in education systems where a second language is mandatory to study from a young age. For example, In Canada, my home country, French is taught in the Anglophone provinces from grade 4 (about 10 years of...  [Read more]

In the wake of globalization and a rising demand for English proficiency worldwide, ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers emerge as vital educators. They instruct English Language Learners (ELLs), individuals whose first language isn't English, aiming to elevate their spoken and written English fluency to specific standards. How is an ESL teacher different from a foreign language teacher? What age groups do ESL teachers work with? Where do ESL teachers work? How do I become an ESL teacher? What are the benefits of being an ESL teacher? How do I get my first job as an ESL teacher? While both teach languages, ESL educators are specialized in teaching English to non-native speakers, often without sharing a common first language. Their teaching approach emphasizes...  [Read more]

Across the globe, there are five widely accepted levels of EFL learners, which are represented in the teaching materials and book series available for students and teachers. These levels are commonly referred to as: Note: Any levels above these are typically termed 'advanced' and aren't usually taught in standard settings. Please note that different curricula may categorize these levels in various ways. For instance, the Touchstone series from Cambridge uses a four-level scale, which, however, covers the same content as a conventional five-level scale. Another series, "Cutting Edge," encompasses six levels, including an advanced level, along with the standard five. Let's examine some representative syllabus content for each level from the "Cutting Edge" series, 3rd Edition, published by...  [Read more]

More and more employers now expect their English teachers to have a minimum of a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Gaining a TEFL certificate shows your commitment to the profession and gives you an introductory preparation to the knowledge and skills needed to teach English. Types of TEFL course Course content Which course is best for you? There are three main routes to a 120-hour TEFL certification. There are two main areas covered in a TEFL course, 1) Teaching skills 2) Language awareness A good TEFL course will give you a solid grounding in the basics of the English language. You will learn how English grammar works and how you can explain it. Topics covered will typically include; Depending on which type of course you undertake, onsite, combined or online, the topics presented throughout...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas During the grammar lessons of learning English, the aspect of tenses is inevitable. Tenses could be passed, present or future which could further be broken up into simple past, simple present or future continuous just to highlight a few. The past tense is important because it gives one some background information about an event when such an event is assessed. What is testing? What is evaluation? Why is it important for students and teachers? Course review Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate David K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Testing is a process that can be done using a particular scale...  [Read more]

First we need to define what TEFL means before looking at the various ways in which it can be examined to provide a teaching certificate. There are various locations in which a TEFL exam can be taken and different methods of instruction, these will also be considered. What does TEFL stand for? What does the TEFL certificate involve and how is it examined? Where can I take the exam? Which type of TEFL exam does ITTT offer? The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it can be used in any situation where the English language is being taught to non-native English speakers. Technically speaking, TEFL refers to teaching English in countries where English is not the native language. It is a term used mainly in the UK and is used interchangeably with the equivalent USA...  [Read more]

TEFL Level 7 represents one of the pinnacle qualifications in the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Equivalent to a master's degree, a Level 7 TEFL qualification, like the esteemed DELTA, stands out distinctly from other TEFL courses. It is an ideal choice for those aspiring to establish their own language institutions or train upcoming TEFL educators. While entry-level TEFL courses may suffice for some teaching roles, a Level 7 qualification opens doors to advanced opportunities and is recognized globally for its rigor and comprehensive training. Check out our course levels page for more details. What is a level 7 TEFL qualification? What do you get with the 550-hour Expert Package? Who is eligible for a level 7 TEFL course? At ITTT we have a course-level framework that...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The lesson plan is every teacher's road map to effective learning. An effective lesson plan should pre-answer, what to teach and how to teach. So, how do we create an effective lesson plan that will pave the way to a successful teacher-student interaction? In the next few paragraphs, we will be looking at guidelines on how to prepare a lesson plan and discuss the importance of lesson planning. Learning objective Learning activities Assessment Why is important to have a lesson plan? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Woinshet A. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are numerous ways teachers...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I have been teaching for almost 5 years now. My teaching career, I should say is at the beginner level. But I rather call it the aspirational level. At this level, I am in the stage of acquiring different qualifications to have more advantages and gain a wider scope in teaching. But as I seek more qualifications, I slowly understand what is important for early-career teachers like me. My Start Setting up Goals Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chiedizberg J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In my 5-year teaching career, it wasn't an easy road. In the first year of my teaching career, after...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The native language -or L1-, is the language a person has been exposed to from birth. It can also be called the first language and it is usually referred to as the language one learned as a child. It is part of the cultural identity of a person. The second language -or L2-, is the language that is not the native language and it is learned later, usually as a foreign language. Language Structure Language of Business Communication Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Natália S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. According to English at Ethnologue (22nd ed., 2019), English is the most widely...  [Read more]

The field of English language instruction is teeming with acronyms, and ESP is a fairly common one. ESP stands for English for Specific Purposes, a niche within TEFL that you may end up teaching in the future. But what does English for Specific Purposes entail? What is English for Specific Purposes? Who needs English for Specific Purposes? How to teach English for Specific Purposes Who can teach English for Specific Purposes? Resources for teaching English for Specific Purposes English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is an approach to English language teaching that focuses on the specific linguistic needs of learners in a particular professional or academic field. Unlike general English courses that cover everyday communication, ESP courses zero in on the specialized vocabulary and structures...  [Read more]

The British Council estimates there are 1.55 billion English language learners around the world, and at least 10.2 million English teachers. www.theguardian.com/education/2013/nov/07/tefl-for-british-language-learners A fair proportion of these learners will be taught in language schools and through private lessons, including online teaching. There do not appear to be any official figures as to the number of TEFL and TESOL training centers worldwide, but it would be a fair guess to say they number in the thousands. Most countries in the world control education through government regulation and oversight. This is also true of private education provision. This means that each country's government tends to make the rules and regulations concerning the training standards required of ESL...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Let's take a look at how to use MUST and SHOULD correctly in sentences.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   "For" and "since" are prepositions used when talking about time. Let’s look at the difference between the two words.   For and Since are prepositions. Let’s look at the difference between these two words.   "For" is used with a period of time. This is often a number plus a time word. "For" is used when we measure the duration of something or how long it lasts. It has a start point and an end point and can be used in different tenses.   "Since" is used with a starting point or a time or date. It refers to something that started in the past and continues until now. "Since" is mostly used with the present perfect and perfect progressive tense. For example:   Register now & get...  [Read more]