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Sample ESA lesson: Patchwork ESA - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
When using the ESA methodology, there are a number of lesson formats available. In the third of this series we look at a Patchwork lesson. What does a Patchwork lesson look like and for what level of student is it most appropriate?
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Lesson aim: For the students to be able to discuss holidays using vocabulary and conducting a role-play.Student Level: Intermediate (Due to the complexity of Patchwork lessons they should only be used for Intermediate level and above)
We start by reminding ourselves of the form of a Patchwork ESA lesson.
We start with an engage as always and... [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.
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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 Is Missing In School English Lessons?
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
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More often than not, language lessons focus on the formal use and... [Read more]
Lesson Planning: What is it and Why is it Necessary? - TEFL Blog
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
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... [Read more]
6 Questions About Teaching Abroad - TEFL Blog
Jon ITTT
TEFL Information
Whether you want to teach as a volunteer in the depths of the jungle on the Thai-Myanmar border or as a business English instructor to corporate high-flyers in São Paulo, Brazil, you will need most likely need to meet some form of minimum requirement to get the dream job you are looking for.
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What teaching qualifications will I need?
Do I need a degree?
Do I need teaching experience?
Do I need to be a native speaker of English?
Is there an age limit on becoming an English teacher?
Do I need to speak the local language?
Are you ready to teach English abroad?
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A TEFL qualification of at least 120 hours is becoming a minimum requirement for many teaching positions around the world. Even those places that do not require... [Read more]
Top Differences when Teaching Multilingual versus Monolingual Classes - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information
Before we start to look at the differences between teaching monolingual and multilingual classes, we should first define what these terms actually mean.
Advantages of teaching a multilingual class
Disadvantages of teaching a multilingual class
Advantages of teaching a monolingual class
Disadvantages of teaching a monolingual class
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Multilingual classes will have a range of first languages, so they have different L1's. An example here may be the teaching of English to a group of students from a range of countries, in an English speaking country. An example could be a class of Europeans from different countries,... [Read more]
ITTT - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Question: What is TEFL?
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]
What is TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is EFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is TEFL certification? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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]
What TEFL course is most useful? - TEFL Blog
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]
What is Peer Learning and Why is it Good for ESL Classes? - TEFL Blog
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
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mariia M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily... [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]
What time is it? Worksheet - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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]
What is the best platform to teach English online? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
For those aspiring to teach English from the convenience of their homes or while traveling, several online platforms stand out in the TEFL world. Among the top platforms are Cambly, Italki and EF Education First. Just like traditional classroom educators, online English teachers are expected to meet specific criteria, ensuring quality and professionalism in this booming sector.
Requirements for teaching English online
Preply
EF Education First
Cambly
iTalki
SkimaTalk
StarKid
Protostar
LatinHire
The requirements for teaching online vary from one employer to the next, but there are a few common factors that many look for. Most online employers will expect you to have completed a TEFL course of at least 120 hours as this is the minimum level needed to cover all the most important areas of... [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
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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]
How to Implement TEFL if You're a Non-native Teacher - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As a non-native English speaker, I was very scared of teaching English or even thinking about teaching English at the beginning of my teaching career. But some months later I realized that I have a huge advantage compared to the native speakers: I still remember the difficulties of learning English and I know what might cause problems to my students.
Advantages of Non-native Teachers
How I Design My Lessons
Are you ready to teach English all over the world?
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Listen to this blog post
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gabriella S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
So I can always emphasize and slow down when it is needed without being impatient.... [Read more]
What is an ESL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is a TEFL curriculum? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is a TEFL course? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
Evaluation and Testing: What is the Necessity? - TEFL Blog
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!
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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]
What is a TEFL exam? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is TEFL level 7? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
What is an Effective Lesson Planning Strategy? - TEFL Blog
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!
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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]
What is Important for Early Career Teachers? - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
Why is the English Language So Popular Worldwide and What is it Used For? - TEFL Blog
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
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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]
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]
What level of English is required for TEFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
For those aspiring to teach English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), especially non-native speakers, a high level of English proficiency is essential. Specifically, you should have an English language proficiency that aligns with at least the C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). TEFL primarily involves teaching English in regions where English is not the predominant language, so instructors need a deep understanding and command of the language.
Who can be a TEFL teacher?
Why is TEFL certification important?
Do you have to be a native English speaker to teach EFL?
The profession of teaching is regulated throughout the world, although the level of regulation varies from country to country. This is also true of the EFL teaching sector, however, there... [Read more]
Teaching English abroad with TEFL certificate - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT TEFL & TESOL
1. What is TEFL?
2. How can I get a TEFL certificate?
3. Where can I teach English abroad with a TEFL certificate?
4. What are the benefits of teaching English abroad with a TEFL certificate?
TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a certification that provides individuals with the skills and qualifications needed to teach English to non-native speakers. TEFL courses cover a range of topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language analysis, and teaching methodologies. The goal of TEFL is to equip teachers with the necessary tools to effectively teach English to students of all ages and proficiency levels.
There are various ways to obtain a TEFL certificate. Many institutions offer in-person courses, which can range from a few weeks to several months in... [Read more]
What is English for Specific Purposes? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
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]
