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Teaching Grammar Through Student-Centered Games - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
As a new teacher, grammar was initially very difficult for me to teach. It was difficult to demonstrate grammar patterns succinctly. Luckily, the school that I work for has provided help by having an established curriculum. The key to teaching grammar, however, has been teaching variable inputs in otherwise unchanging structures as part of student-centered games.
Strategies on how to teach positive patterns
How to teach negative patterns?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Stephen W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
If I were to teach the pattern, "What does Billy like?/ He likes _____", then I... [Read more]
What are the benefits of student-centered approaches in English language teaching? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Student-centered approaches in English language teaching have gained popularity in recent years due to the numerous benefits they offer both teachers and students. These approaches focus on placing students at the center of the learning process, encouraging active participation, collaboration, and critical thinking. By shifting the focus from the teacher to the students, these approaches create a more engaging and interactive learning environment that can lead to improved language acquisition and overall learning outcomes.
One of the key benefits of student-centered approaches in English language teaching is the enhanced student engagement and motivation they promote. By involving students in decision-making, goal-setting, and the learning process itself, these approaches empower students... [Read more]
What are the benefits of using interactive and student-centered teaching methods in TEFL lessons? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Interactive teaching methods in TEFL lessons offer numerous advantages for both teachers and students. By incorporating activities that engage students actively in the learning process, teachers can enhance comprehension, retention, and motivation. Interactive methods such as group discussions, role-plays, and games provide opportunities for students to practice language skills in a meaningful context, leading to improved fluency and confidence. Additionally, interactive activities promote collaboration and communication among students, fostering a supportive and interactive learning environment. This approach also helps teachers to gauge student understanding in real-time, allowing for immediate feedback and adjustment of lesson plans as needed.
Student-centered teaching methods... [Read more]
What is Student Motivation and Why is it Important? - TEFL Blog
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!
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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]
What can I do to make my TEFL lessons more student-centered? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Student-centered teaching is an approach in which the focus is on the students rather than the teacher. This method encourages students to take an active role in their learning process, promoting autonomy, critical thinking, and collaboration. In a TEFL context, student-centered teaching involves creating opportunities for students to engage with the language in a meaningful way, such as through discussions, group work, and hands-on activities. By shifting the focus from the teacher to the students, you can create a more dynamic and interactive learning environment that caters to diverse learning styles and preferences.
There are several strategies you can use to make your TEFL lessons more student-centered. One effective approach is to incorporate group work and pair work activities,... [Read more]
TEFL courses with student-centered approaches - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. What are TEFL courses with student-centered approaches?
2. Why are student-centered approaches important in TEFL?
3. How do TEFL courses incorporate student-centered approaches?
4. Tips for implementing student-centered approaches in TEFL classrooms.
Student-centered approaches in TEFL are crucial as they focus on the learner's needs, interests, and abilities. By placing the student at the center of the learning process, teachers can create a more engaging and effective learning environment. This approach encourages active participation, critical thinking, and independence in language learning. Students are more motivated to learn when they feel that their needs are being met and their voices are heard. Additionally, student-centered approaches help build confidence and autonomy in... [Read more]
How do I implement student-centered teaching methods in a TEFL classroom? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
IV. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Student-Centered Teaching in a TEFL Classroom
Student-centered teaching methods prioritize the needs and interests of students, making them active participants in their learning process. In a TEFL classroom, this approach shifts the focus from the teacher to the students, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By understanding the principles behind student-centered teaching, educators can create a more engaging and effective learning environment for language acquisition.
Incorporating student-centered teaching methods in a TEFL classroom involves various strategies such as collaborative learning, project-based assignments, and differentiated instruction. Teachers can empower students by giving them more autonomy in... [Read more]
Is it possible to teach English as a foreign language using a student-centered or inquiry-based pedagogy? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Student-centered pedagogy is a teaching approach that focuses on the needs and interests of the students rather than on the teacher or the content being taught. In the context of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), this approach involves creating a student-centered classroom where students take an active role in their learning. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through the learning process and providing support as needed. This approach promotes student engagement, motivation, and autonomy in language learning.
Inquiry-based learning is a teaching method that involves posing questions, problems, or scenarios to students and allowing them to explore and discover the answers on their own. In the TEFL classroom, inquiry-based learning can be implemented by incorporating... [Read more]
What are the best ways to teach vocabulary in a student-centered approach in a TEFL classroom? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
In a TEFL classroom, using a student-centered approach to teach vocabulary is essential for engaging learners and enhancing their language acquisition. This approach shifts the focus from the teacher to the students, encouraging active participation and autonomy in the learning process. By incorporating student-centered strategies, educators can create a more dynamic and interactive environment that promotes vocabulary retention and application in real-life contexts.
When adopting a student-centered approach to teaching vocabulary, it is crucial to utilize a variety of strategies that cater to different learning styles and preferences. Some effective techniques include interactive activities such as vocabulary games, role-plays, and group discussions. Encouraging students to create their... [Read more]
New Trends in EFL Teaching: When Grammar is Not What Your Students Really Need - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
hello everybody is anyone there so while um i'm waiting for uh more people to join let me know if you can hear me clearly and see me clearly okay so when you're joining please let me know if you hear me well hello hello welcome to uh the weekly live session uh we're just about to start but we need to wait for some more people to join us and while we're waiting please let me know if you hear me clearly and see me clearly so there is a chat box you can use for interaction with myself so please um leave me a comment if you see me clearly and hear me clearly so that i know that everything works smooth okay and uh today's live session um will be devoted to some new trends in efl teaching last week i took part uh in a teaching conference and i learned a lot of interesting uh facts about um efl... [Read more]
New Trends In Efl Teaching When Grammar Is Not What Your Students Really Need - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Are you stuck teaching with all those old-fashioned methods? Don't you see your EFL students' progress? In this live session, Liza will share several great ways to boost your lessons and help your students live English, not struggle with it! These tips will work both in a real classroom and online âœ”ï¸ #TEFL#BestTEFL #TeachEnglishOnline Are you ready to teach English abroad or online? Click here and get started today: https://bit.ly/37gs5vO Free Teaching Resources: https://bit.ly/39N36T9 What is TEFL Certification? Where is it valid: https://bit.ly/36ma2Fg Check out our wide range of TEFL Courses: https://bit.ly/3ltqt73 Teach English online from anywhere you want: https://bit.ly/3ltqEPL
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
[Read more]
The Effectiveness of the ESA Method in Teaching English as an L2 - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction faces the significant challenge of effectively helping non-native speakers grasp the multi-layered intricacies of English. Many approaches to ESL instruction have been developed over the years, each with its own unique strengths and issues. Among these approaches, the Engage-Study-Activate (ESA) method stands out for its adaptability, student-centeredness, and focus on real-life language use.
The ESA Method
Flexibility and Adaptability
Elicitation
Student-Centered
Interaction-Driven Learning
Real-Life Language Use
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
Disclaimer: The views and opinions... [Read more]
What is TEFL teaching? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
How Teaching Groups is Different from Teaching Individual Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
A TEFL teacher will encounter a lot of different things throughout their career and the sizes of the student population are no exception. There are two different types of lessons, group and one to one. While group and one to one lessons are no better than the other, one may excel in some areas where the other one isn't as strong at or the teacher may have to adapt their teaching style. The number of students in the classroom will affect how the lesson is carried, creates challenges and opportunities for the teacher, and affect student development. The teacher must consider these points to create an effective teaching and learning environment for all included.
Planning Lessons
Anticipated Problems
Learning Opportunities
Do you want to teach English... [Read more]
What is Motivation and How Does it Develop in Students - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Student motivation is a student's desire to participate in the learning process. It is the meaningfulness, value, and benefits that an academic mission has to the learner. It is also defined as a student's drive from within which guides, activates, and continues a behavior over time. It is simply a student's willingness, need, desire, and compulsion to participate in and be successful in the learning process.
What Factors Influence the Development of Students' Motivation?
How Can Motivation be Adopted in School System?
What Can be Done to Help Unmotivated Students?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yvonne C. Please note that this blog post might not... [Read more]
What is a Beginner EFL Student and How Do You Teach Them? - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Teaching Ideas
When you decide to take a TEFL certification course with the intention of teaching English abroad, in your home country, or online, it is difficult to know who you will actually end up teaching. Once you have finished your training you could end up teaching primary aged children, teenagers, or adults. They could be from any country worldwide and they could be at any level of English language from beginner to advanced level. In many ways it is a bit of a lottery, so you should ensure you are ready to deal with all types of environments. After a while most teachers develop a preference for the type of student they prefer to teach, however, the beginner EFL student is often the most feared.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Why is a... [Read more]
Can I teach English in student-centered classrooms with a TEFL certificate? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Student-centered classrooms are environments where students take an active role in their learning process. Teachers in these classrooms act as facilitators, guiding students through activities and projects that promote critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. In student-centered classrooms, the focus is on the students' needs, interests, and abilities, rather than on traditional methods of teaching.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification equips educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively to non-native speakers. A TEFL course covers various teaching methodologies, lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and language assessment strategies. Holding a TEFL certificate demonstrates to employers that you are... [Read more]
How can TEFL teachers tailor their lessons to meet the needs of individual students? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
In the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), it is crucial for educators to tailor their lessons to meet the diverse needs of individual students. Each learner comes with a unique set of strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and cultural background. By customizing lessons to address these individual differences, teachers can enhance student engagement, motivation, and overall learning outcomes. Tailoring lessons also helps create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment where each student feels valued and supported in their language learning journey.
To effectively tailor lessons in TEFL, teachers can employ various strategies to differentiate instruction. One key approach is to conduct needs assessments at the beginning of the course to identify students'... [Read more]
What is Grammar and How to Teach it to ESL Students? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Grammar plays a very important role in learning and teaching a foreign language. What is grammar? Crystal describes grammar as "the business of taking a language to pieces, to see how it works" (as cited in Bentsen, 2017).
Definition of Grammar
Explicit Grammar Teaching
Williams believes that meaning-focused instruction
Communicative Approach
Nunan defines communicative language teaching as
Larsen-Freeman's recommended that grammar teaching
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Meral B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
According to Swan ''grammar is essentially a limited set of devices for... [Read more]
What is the average student age for TEFL teachers? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
How can I create a student-centered learning environment in my TEFL classroom? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
Student-centered learning is a crucial aspect of TEFL as it focuses on the students' needs, interests, and abilities. By shifting the focus from the teacher to the students, it promotes active engagement, critical thinking, and autonomy in the learning process. This approach helps students develop essential language skills such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a more meaningful and effective way. Additionally, student-centered learning fosters a positive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel motivated, empowered, and valued, leading to better learning outcomes.
There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can use to create a student-centered learning environment in their classrooms. One effective strategy is to incorporate group work and collaborative... [Read more]
What is the Importance of Teaching Productive Skills? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Productivity could be described as what someone or something creates or in other words produces. In the world of education, and reference to students, most tangible progress can be seen and heard through two specific means of production, the productive skills of speaking and writing. However, it is important to ask, how important are these productive skills? From the perspective of the teacher, they must understand that in the instances that individuals wish to converse with one another there is a cause, they have a purpose, a need to say something, a need to listen to something, or they are interested in what is being said. (ITTT, 2011) When a teacher can understand this, they can conjure and create a meaningful reason for a student to want to... [Read more]
What is ESP in Relation to ESL Teaching? - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a niche within the realm of English language teaching that offers a unique and tailored approach. While many English teachers focus on general language proficiency, ESP educators direct their attention to students with specialized needs, whether it be in medical, aviation, business, or various other professions.
What is ESP?
What language level are ESP students?
What age are ESP students?
How does ESP differ from general ESL teaching?
What resources are available to teach ESP classes?
In summary:
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This specialization not only requires distinct... [Read more]
What is it like teaching English in Bangladesh? - TEFL Blog
Sahil Gazi
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
I was born in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. I had the privilege of being educated at some of the best private schools in town, all of whom followed an industry-standard curriculum for teaching English and other English language subjects. The British Council later adopted this with various examination boards from reputed Universities in the UK.
As such, I would like to share a bit of it.
The history of teaching English in Bangladesh
The Level of English
Learning for the new generation
Limitations faced by the learners
The new standard path for English learners and speakers
The Future of English for Bangladesh
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
As a student, I experienced many... [Read more]
What is Easier: Group Teaching or Individual Classes? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
As we all know, teaching a one-on-one class and a group class can be very different in terms of students' needs and interests, teaching methods, class arrangments and feedback.
Individual Lessons
Teaching Approach
Arrangement
Feedback
Speaking activities
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Liz M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
For one to one classes, it is beneficial to students who have personal goals that are different than other students, for example, the students could be a tour guide who needs some tour language or the student could need more practice on pronunciation other than... [Read more]
What is the average student engagement level for TEFL teachers? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
What is the average student progress level for TEFL teachers? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
What is the average student proficiency level for TEFL teachers? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
What is the average student class level for TEFL teachers? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
What is the average student motivation level for TEFL teachers? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
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]
