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When a Teacher Becomes a Student: Reflecting On Your Teaching Practice - TEFL Blog
Wed, 10 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
When a Teacher Becomes a Student: Reflecting On Your Teaching Practice
During the second half of my undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to serve as an English Language Assistant (LA) at the English Language Institute (ELI) at my alma mater, the University of Florida. In this role, I worked with another LA and one faculty member (often a Linguistics professor) in leading a class of roughly 15 students every semester. One of the first pieces of information the first professor I worked with gave me was on the importance of assessments at the ELI. Students at the ELI were placed in classes based on their proficiency level in the language, which included evaluations in speaking, listening, reading and writing. The most beginner... [Read more]
How Taking a TEFL Certification Course Has Improved My Online English Teaching - TEFL Blog
Wed, 06 Mar 2019 Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences
How Taking a TEFL Certification Course Has Improved My Online English Teaching
When I was young, I dreamt about thousands of different jobs, but being an online English teacher was never one of them. However, I've had the opportunity to work with Chinese students ranging from 5 to 13 years old and it has been one of the best experiences of my life so far. How am I going to communicate with them? Am I ready to be a teacher? How will I transmit what I want to teach? These are some of the questions that went through my mind before accepting the job, but when I finally decided to take it and started to be an ESL teacher I knew I was doing what I love the most, transmitting knowledge.
Table of Contents
Starting at the bottom and working... [Read more]
My Personal Teaching Experience - The Different Roles of an ESL Teacher - TEFL Blog
Fri, 22 Feb 2019 Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
My Personal Teaching Experience - The Different Roles of an ESL Teacher
Each of us has our own story to tell especially with the different experiences that we have with the different people, classes, and countries we have been to teach. In this blog post, I am discussing some of the topics related to my personal teaching experience, including teaching classes containing a wide variety of ages. It will also touch on teaching styles, roles of the teacher in the classroom and how I motivate students to make the learning more fun and engaging.
Table of Contents
Teaching is learning twice.
Are you ready to start teaching English abroad?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate... [Read more]
Preschool ESL Curriculum Components with VIPKID - TEFL Blog
Tue, 06 Jul 2021 Anna Domiczek
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Preschool ESL Curriculum Components with VIPKID
English language learners at the preschool level comprise a significant percentage of all online.
Table of Contents
Close Look at VIPKID's Curriculum
Level 1 VIPKID Curriculum Topics
Level 2 VIPKID Curriculum Topics
ESL Curriculum Objectives and Teaching Preschool Students
Conclusion
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
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The number of ESL students is going to continue to increase in the coming years, and teachers who are interested in teaching ESL online/abroad need to be prepared to offer quality, age-appropriate English instruction. According to the data... [Read more]
Is there a level 6 TEFL course? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Is there a level 6 TEFL course?
At ITTT our course-level framework runs from level 3 to level 7. At level 6 we provide our 370-hour Diploma in TESOL course which is the highest level individual course you can complete with us. The Diploma in TESOL is a great option for first-time teachers who want to start their careers with a bang, as well as teachers who already have some classroom experience and are looking to move up the employment ladder. With a level 6 qualification on your portfolio you will have access to a wider range of teaching jobs, many of which could potentially include a higher rate of pay and greater responsibility than the majority of entry-level positions.
Check out our course levels page for more information on our framework.
Table of Contents
How does the Diploma in... [Read more]
Is there a level 6 TEFL course? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Is there a level 6 TEFL course?
At ITTT our course-level framework runs from level 3 to level 7. At level 6 we provide our 370-hour Diploma in TESOL course which is the highest level individual course you can complete with us. The Diploma in TESOL is a great option for first-time teachers who want to start their careers with a bang, as well as teachers who already have some classroom experience and are looking to move up the employment ladder. With a level 6 qualification on your portfolio you will have access to a wider range of teaching jobs, many of which could potentially include a higher rate of pay and greater responsibility than the majority of entry-level positions.
Check out our course levels page for more information on our framework.
How does the Diploma in TESOL course work?... [Read more]
The Problem of Mixed-Ability ESL Classrooms in TEFL Teaching - TEFL Blog
Mon, 15 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The Problem of Mixed-Ability ESL Classrooms in TEFL Teaching
It's almost impossible to avoid the situation where all students will be at the same level. Different people have different learning curves. Most of the schools have a level testing procedure, but, despite this fact, within one classroom, we can meet fast learners and slow learners. A good teacher should know how to work with any type of student. So, in my essay, I'm going to discuss how to teach mixed-ability classes.
Table of Contents
Learning Process
Extra Activities
Homework
Outside The Classroom
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
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This... [Read more]
What is the highest TEFL qualification? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
What is the highest TEFL qualification?
When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK.
Examples of actual UK qualifications at each level are given below:
Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, G
Level 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, C
Level 3: A level
Level 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE)
Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE)
Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) hons
Level 7: Master’s degree, for example Master of Science (MSc)
Level 8: Doctorate, for example doctor of philosophy (PhD or DPhil)
Depending on which National... [Read more]
Internationally TEFL - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Internationally TEFL
Check out tefl tesol about Internationally TEFL and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad.
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This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned:
Check out ITTT's Blog Posts
C.R. - Korea said:
Things I wish I had known before starting the courseWhen I first started teaching English here in korea, I had no previous teaching experience. My very first teaching was with elementary school students at an academy for 2 years. Since it was a private English academy, my top priority and responsibility was to finish the course books on time. I was always pressed for time and had no time to play games or do activities other than studying. So, all I needed... [Read more]
5 Strategies of Teaching Mixed Ability Classroom - TEFL Blog
Wed, 17 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
5 Strategies of Teaching Mixed Ability Classroom
Although students may be in the same class, they may not necessarily have the same ability level. This can be seen in all classes; however, this can become very noticeable in a class designed to teach a language to someone who is not a native speaker. It is up to the teacher to notice these differences in ability levels and restructure their lessons accordingly. There are a few different strategies that will help with gaps in ability levels, which consist of the use of different materials, providing the same materials with a different task, paring weak and strong students together, and even doing nothing.
Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
1. Differentiate materials
2.... [Read more]
Learning to Read, Reading to Learn: How Reading Can Influence Language Acquisition - TEFL Blog
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!
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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]
Is a level 5 TEFL the same as a CELTA? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Is a level 5 TEFL the same as a CELTA?
A Level 5 TEFL course and CELTA are both classified as level 5 qualifications, indicating they share a similar degree of rigor and difficulty. However, it is crucial to note that while they are on the same level, they aren't synonymous. ITTT's Level 5 TEFL is designed to give new teachers a significant advantage in the job market, broadening their employment opportunities. Yet, even though it is on par in terms of level, the content, methodology, and delivery of a Level 5 TEFL and a standard CELTA course can differ considerably. So, while both credentials are highly respected, they cater to different aspects of English language teaching.
Table of Contents
How are the different course levels decided?
Level 5 TESOL courses at ITTT
What is the CELTA... [Read more]
What a Year at Beijing Normal University Taught Me - TEFL Blog
Fri, 21 Jun 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
What a Year at Beijing Normal University Taught Me
Near the end of my senior year at Oberlin College in America, I was selected to participate in the Oberlin Shansi Fellowship at Beijing Normal University. The main goals of the fellowship were to increase my Chinese language proficiency and to teach English to master's students in the department of Chinese Language and Culture. Reflecting upon the experiences that I had this past year has illuminated many things that I would like to improve upon as a teacher next year and has reminded me of some of the key moments that inspired me to continue teaching.
Table of Contents
Start of My Career
Change of Approach
Why I Decided to Stay
Listen to this blog post
Do you want to teach in... [Read more]
My Experience Taking a TEFL Course with ITTT - TEFL Blog
Fri, 15 Feb 2019 Jon ITTT
Alumni Experiences
My Experience Taking a TEFL Course with ITTT
The course was informative and comprehensive. Since I had a good grasp of the language, initially I thought I would go to the classroom and teach. But after deep pondering, questions crept up in my mind: What if I run out of ideas in the middle of the class? What if my students are not motivated? What if the lessons I provide are not effective? There is so much more to teaching. The list of my apprehensions went on, and that was when I decided to enroll in a course. After doing some research, I found ITTT with its internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL program.
Table of Contents
Teaching methodology
Lesson planning
Video lessons
Receptive and productive skills
Course books
Student assessment
Are... [Read more]
What is the highest TEFL qualification? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
What is the highest TEFL qualification?
When it comes to ranking educational qualifications by their difficulty level, many countries have their own ranking system. For example, there are 9 different levels that courses can be classed as within the UK.
Table of Contents
Examples of actual UK qualifications at each level are given below:
The four routes to a PhD
Examples of actual UK qualifications at each level are given below:
Level 1: GCSE - grades 3, 2, 1 or grades D, E, F, GLevel 2: GCSE - grades 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4 or grades A*, A, B, CLevel 3: A levelLevel 4: Certificate of higher education (Cert HE)Level 5: Diploma of higher education (Dip HE)Level 6: Degree with honors - for example bachelor of the arts (BA) honsLevel 7: Master's degree, for example Master of Science... [Read more]
Article archive: 2022, 06 - from: 1
Archives for June 2022
Sample ESA lesson: Patchwork ESA
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?
ITTT Course Graduate: My Personal Experience Teaching in Turkey
Najwa Sabih
Destinations Alumni Experiences
Are you interested in teaching English in Turkey? Read this blog post written by an ITTT course graduate about her experience teaching English in Turkey.
The ESA Methodology of Teaching - Sample ESA Boomerang Lesson
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
When using the ESA methodology, there are a number... [Read more]
My Experience Taking the 50-hour Teaching English to Young Learners TEFL Course from ITTT - TEFL Blog
Tue, 18 Dec 2018 Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
My Experience Taking the 50-hour Teaching English to Young Learners TEFL Course from ITTT
To begin with, I had completed my TEFL onsite course with International TEFL and TESOL Training in Paris, France before starting my CTEYL online course. After practicing teaching both to adults and young learners, I decided that I am more interested in teaching English to young learners. That's why I chose the 50-hour specialized course Teaching English to Young Learners.
Table of Contents
What is a "Young Learner"?
The role of the Teacher
Professional teacher development
Are you ready to teach English abroad?
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Listen to this blog post
After successfully completing all the units of this course, I can say that my experience of... [Read more]
Personal Teaching Experience in a Chinese Training School - TEFL Blog
Wed, 20 Nov 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Personal Teaching Experience in a Chinese Training School
I have been an English teacher in China for roughly 3 years, one of the biggest challenges I face every day is the look I get from the children when they see me for the first time. I stand out a mile away (blonde hair and blue eyes) so they are either very eager to speak to me or they are petrified.
Table of Contents
Responsibilities
Benefits
Drawbacks
Classes Structures
We have 3 levels:
Age Groups
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jeanne H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Responsibilities
As a training school... [Read more]
The best thing I've learned from my TEFL/TESOL course - by Samantha M. - TEFL Blog
Tue, 04 Dec 2018 Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
The best thing I've learned from my TEFL/TESOL course - by Samantha M.
Before making my way through these certificate programs, I have had very minimal teaching experience, especially regarding teaching language. I have taken language classes, and I am a coach for Speech and Debate at a high school. I previously thought I would be able to handle teaching English as a foreign language without very much training or though. How much could really be beyond what I was seeing as a student and coach? I could definitely handle it. Well, I soon learned I was extremely wrong. I thought to take these courses on a whim because it would not hurt to have the training, even if I knew what was being taught. I quickly learned that there was a whole... [Read more]
Establish Rapport or Teaching's a Bore - TEFL Blog
Wed, 12 Aug 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Establish Rapport or Teaching's a Bore
Establishing a rapport with my students has been the most 'natural' part of my teaching experience. When I started my teaching career about ten years ago, ideas like classroom management and lesson planning were alien to me. I struggled immensely trying to learn strategies to excel in that area of education. Establishing relationships with my students was easy and always seemed to just happen for me. As the years have passed, I've been able to reflect on my time in the classroom and I've discovered some common denominators relating to me why exactly students are drawn to me (and me to them!). I think other people can learn from my interactions with the students who have passed through my... [Read more]
Which is the best age group to teach English? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Which is the best age group to teach English?
Teaching English abroad can offer an array of age groups to choose from, depending on your destination. Choosing the right age group largely depends on individual preferences as every teacher has their unique teaching style. Some teachers might opt to work with younger kids, attracted by the high energy level and fun-oriented environment that typically characterizes this group. Conversely, others might gravitate towards adult learners who usually prefer a calmer, more scholarly environment.
Table of Contents
What are the different age levels you can teach English?
The pros and cons of teaching English at kindergarten level
Pros:
Cons:
The pros and cons of teaching English to young learners
Pros:
Cons:
The pros and cons of teaching English to... [Read more]
My Vietnamese Experience: Challenges for English Learners in Vietnam - TEFL Blog
Fri, 19 Jun 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
My Vietnamese Experience: Challenges for English Learners in Vietnam
I have traveled throughout Asia for some forty-five years, Vietnam is now my home. I always found the younger generations had a thirst for knowledge, particularly English as a second language. The difficulties of acquiring the knowledge under what was a repressive regime have diminished somewhat, but the major stumbling blocks to acquiring good English are the lack of experienced Vietnamese teachers, interaction with English natural speakers, and knowledge of the outside world in general.
Table of Contents
The Importance of English
Elementary levels tend to be more difficult to teach, as they usually consider the class as a social event, more of a relief from a... [Read more]
Advanced TEFL Center - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Advanced TEFL Center
Check out tefl tesol about Advanced TEFL Center and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad.
You could also be interested in:
This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned:
Check out ITTT's Blog Posts
A.A. - Korea said:
Why Complete a TEFL CourseWhen I first began to research the idea of teaching English internationally, I had this sudden vision of myself being this fun, interactive teacher, but only envisioned an introduction to the class. For the most part, I had no other knowledge of teaching ideas. Although the close-relations of family members as educators taught me the importance of an education, the skills to teach a student, much less abroad were rarely provided.... [Read more]
Personal Teaching Experience: How I started as a Multiple Intelligences Practitioner - TEFL Blog
Wed, 08 Jan 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
Personal Teaching Experience: How I started as a Multiple Intelligences Practitioner
The popular saying which states: never judge a book by the cover has once again reminded me to always be optimistic about a new experience. Before I entered the school I had already concluded what a bad experience it would be in this new environment which I would pass on numerous occasions and hear different external noises coming from inside of the school, I imagined how hard the job of a teacher could be.
Table of Contents
My First Day at School
Using Resources
Multiple Intelligences
Evaluation
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Chantal S. Please... [Read more]
The Significance of Good Teaching Skills in The EFL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Tue, 30 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The Significance of Good Teaching Skills in The EFL Classroom
hy is learning proper teaching skills necessary, you ask? I'll tell you why!
Table of Contents
Personal Teaching Experience
The Benefits of Professional Development
Teacher-Students Relationships
Promotion
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
Related Articles:
Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joshua D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Personal Teaching Experience
At the moment, I am teaching at a training school in Changsha, Hunan, China. I came to China with no previous... [Read more]
Is a level 5 TEFL the same as a CELTA? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Is a level 5 TEFL the same as a CELTA?
In order to allow potential trainees to compare different courses, many countries, organizations and TEFL course providers have developed their own course-level framework. At ITTT our framework currently runs from level 3 to level 7, covering our full selection of TEFL certification courses. On this scale it is generally agreed that a level 4 course is the minimum level expected by employers who are trying to fill vacancies for mainstream entry-level EFL teaching jobs. However, many trainees choose to start their teaching career with a higher level of training. A level 5 TEFL course will give you a genuine headstart on most other first-time teachers and allow you to apply for a wider range of jobs. A level 5 TEFL course on the ITTT scale is the... [Read more]
Games and Their Influence on English Acquisition - TEFL Blog
Thu, 12 Mar 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Games and Their Influence on English Acquisition
Diane Ackerman coined the phrase "play is our brain's favorite way of learning" and we have discovered tough various studies and examples of how play in and out of the classroom improves learning skills and encourages involvement.
Table of Contents
Motivation Level
Learning Experience
Types of Games
Games for Different Age Groups and Levels
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rebeccah G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Motivation Level
Within the classroom teachers have discovered that using games can increase motivation and... [Read more]
How has TEFL Affected my Personal Teaching Experience: TEFL Alumni Shares Their Story - TEFL Blog
Wed, 17 Jul 2019 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
How has TEFL Affected my Personal Teaching Experience: TEFL Alumni Shares Their Story
My teaching career started fifteen years ago. It began as a whim. I left a very successful career in the healthcare corporate business sector to teach on the university level. Teaching and advising students has been my dedicated profession since then.
Table of Contents
Listen to this blog post:
My Teaching Experience
Teaching Non-Native Speakers
Understanding Foreign Cultures
ESA Methodology
Teaching Business English
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Betsy R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [Read more]
4 Incredible Ways to Build on Your TEFL Teaching Confidence - TEFL Blog
Tue, 30 Mar 2021 Elizaveta Pachina
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
4 Incredible Ways to Build on Your TEFL Teaching Confidence
There are many things I have learned over my thirty-plus years teaching students full time in classrooms, ranging from primary grades 2-5 and in junior high and high school. However, one of the most crucial things a teacher needs in the face of young and older learners is confidence! If the students suspect that the teacher has no idea what they are doing, it can be detrimental to the lesson and the teacher's ability to control the classroom situation. Having a confident teacher brings positivity to the classroom and comfort among the students that they are going to learn something valuable. Throughout my career, I wore many hats to grow... [Read more]
The Problems That Japanese Elementary Schoolers Face Studying English - TEFL Blog
Tue, 25 Feb 2020 Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The Problems That Japanese Elementary Schoolers Face Studying English
In the wake of the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Japan, there has been an increase in elementary school level English classes. As an assistant language teacher half into my fourth year, I have had the rare chance to work the entirety of my time in one elementary school where I have had many great memories. However, being present every day I began to notice that some students were struggling or in some cases, not even trying when it came to English class. Talking with my peers and colleagues from other elementary schools as well as my own, there are some common problems that many students seem to experience in an English class. These problems include learning in a... [Read more]