Why Learning English Is Difficult

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Thailand is famously known as " the land of smiles". In some situations, smiling is the way to save face or to avoid conflicts. This often includes the time when Thai people have to communicate with foreigners in English and have no idea what the other meant. They simply smile to get out of a situation instead of making the best out of it by practicing their English speaking skill. On the other hand, they build up a fear of making mistakes and avoid being in that particular circumstance in the future. As English today plays important roles in tourism and the Thai economy as a whole, still, Thai people struggle to communicate effectively. Here are some areas suggested why it is difficult for Thai learners to improve their speaking skills. Cultural Aspects...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are many potential problems when teaching is considered. With the teaching of a foreign language, especially in a culturally reserved country such as Turkey, the possible issues become bigger or more. I do not believe it would be very useful or beneficial neither for the teacher nor the students to put people with big age differences in the same class, trying to learn the same subject from the same teacher. There are many disadvantages as opposed to weak advantages in doing so. Level of Motivation Learning Goals Interaction Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nalan F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As an aspirant teaching English to Chinese children, I chose 'Pronunciation problems of Chinese people' as the most attractive and the most useful topic for my summative task at this moment. So let's begin from the very beginning. The Second difficulty in pronunciation is so-called dark L or L's with no vowel sound after them. How can the teacher help students to correct this? Different Approaches Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: As resources of this joyful and useful research on the internet, I have used three videos on Youtube made by the three experienced teachers of the English language. Only one of them works with children. And only one of them (accent coach from London, Luke Nicholson) gave a lot of live...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Pronunciation problems in El Salvador is very common, as many know Spanish is the main Language in this country, people in El Salvador tend to speak their native Language all the time because this is what they feel more comfortable with, as there is not any other dialect, other than Spanish, they are taught English in school, English Is the only language taught in El Salvador in public schools, but only for those that can attend one, this is because there are many people that can't attend a school due to economic matter, family problems or due to the work that is done in their household many don't have time to study and there are kids that can't attend school because they have to work, but there are many that do go to school and take English classes....  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Some may conclude that the correct usage of English grammar only matters to teachers and have no real relevance in day to day life. We have to conclude that this is incorrect because grammar, disregarding the country or the language, is the infrastructure of communication. For instance, in the simplest of examples, when a message is delivered with the correct usage of grammar, it is much more understandable and precise to comprehend the intent and meaning of that message. Knowing proper grammar use is key Grammar in writing Grammar to cultivate habits Improving grammar at its best Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rosendo D. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Language is a medium of communication that helps to express our feelings, desires, and queries to the world around us. The ability to use language distinguishes humans from other animals and when we know a language, we can speak and be understood by others who know that language. Effective communication requires an understanding and recognition of the connection between a language and the people who use it. The ability to use a language requires profound knowledge that most speakers don't know that they know. Language is considered to be an infinite set of well-formulated sentences and it can be deduced by the grammar. Hence grammars are the theories of language composed of hypotheses of the structure of some part of the language. In Layman's terms,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Modern society demands high-quality teaching and learning from teachers. Teachers have to possess a great deal of knowledge and skills about both teaching and assessment practices to meet those demands and standards of quality education. Benefits for Teachers Teaching Success Work with Students Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vivian M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Effective teacher learning and professional development are important for student's achievement. Teacher learning skills are a continuous process that promotes teaching skills, master new knowledge, develop new proficiency which...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Over the past two years, as part of an international community, I've had the pleasure of meeting people from all over the world. We share the common experience of learning an L2. I've spoken to nearly 100 people now, and what I've learned about learning L2 is, well, it's hard. So why is learning L2 so much harder than L1? L2 is challenging to learn, especially for older adults. This makes L2 very hard to use spontaneously in certain situations. As you can see, this lack of necessity is quite damaging to L2. Why? Maybe I just don't possess a natural ability to learn. Our L1 learning is so gradual. This has become very apparent to me throughout my TEFL course. Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Arranging seats in your classroom can be an important task, though it may not seem like it when you first are thinking about it. There are so many different options when it comes to how you can arrange seats. There is the full circle, semi-circle, giant square, U-shape, grouping tables in several desks, two desk pairs all facing forward, or the single file rows facing forward, just to name some of the many you can choose from. Pros and Cons of Different Types of Seating Arrangement Other Things to Consider Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brandie K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. All...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In any language, grammar is the collection of structural rules that properly arrange the configuration of phrases in a speech, oral or written (syntax). It is the guidance of a language, describing how we are supposed to work with the structure of the words (morphology) to accurately communicate what we want or need. In other words, it provides the rules for the common use of a language, allowing us to better understand each other. The Essence of Grammar Grammar Within the Communication User Experience Grammar and Fluency Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Júlia F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As a former teacher of English as a foreign language, I have some experience teaching business English. Majority of my classes were for general English conversation. However, as I continued teaching, my workload increased to include a few business-focused classes. At first, I was intimidated and nervous about teaching these students. Did I have enough knowledge about business to teach them? Would I have the information they needed? After a lot of preparation and a few lessons, I realized that business classes are not much different than regular English classes and I need not know much about business to be a successful business English teacher. Businessmen Are Ordinary Learners Teacher's Responsibilities My Experience Are You Ready to Teach Business...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences British English (BrE) and American English (AmE) are two of the main varieties of the English language. There are other different varieties of English that exist such as Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, South Asian and African English. Language Structure 1. Vocabulary and Spelling 2. Grammar Historical Prerequisits Diplomatic Relationships Globalization Do you want to teach English in Japan? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: Although English was introduced to America through the colonization period by the British, the two varieties of English have evolved to be quite different from each other in certain areas. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shanique H. Please note that this blog post might...  [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]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Language is the key to communication, and grammar is the foundation that unlocks its potential. Often viewed as a daunting challenge, mastering grammar is an essential step in language acquisition. Beyond the complexities lie five compelling reasons why grammar should be at the core of every language learner's journey. 1. Building Strong Foundations 2. Bridging the Gap for New Concepts 3. Achieving Native-Like Fluency 4. Uncovering Language Nuances 5. Realizing the Role of Grammar in Language Proficiency Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Unlike learning a first language, learning a second language is a task that can sometimes seem frustrating and at times even impossible. There are many reasons for this as learning a second language is very different than learning your mother tongue. Firstly, there are biological factors involved and the fact that normally children tend to assimilate things more easily than adults. Secondly, it is often harder to get the same level of exposure to the language than it is when learning a native language where repetition from parents etc. is constant. That is why when you sign up for an English class, or any other language for that matter, teachers will try to replicate that scenario with endless repetitions and fun games, because the most crucial thing is...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Most would say it's an almost impossible task, one that requires a lot of patience and repetition. How are you supposed to keep their interest? How do you communicate to them efficiently despite not being physically present? Teaching children may not be an easy task, however, I believe it would be a most rewarding one. Teaching online is something that I have been keen on and would like to venture into after completing this course. We are moving into a digital world where we will all soon be connected over the internet. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to reach and enrich the lives of children globally. Is it a good choice? Cultural exchange Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As with all living languages, English is constantly evolving, slangs and idioms is an example of that. Slang and idioms are an integral part of written and spoken English; often it is employed by native speakers and has a deeper meaning than the literal phrase. Some might argue that slang and idioms are not 'proper' English and should not be part of the syllabus but people around the world are increasingly getting exposed to Western media. Students might encounter slangs and idioms when consuming authentic materials such as English films and books, where the characters would interact using normal lay speech. Perhaps the students are interested in all these words and phrases that are nonsensical when taken literally and would like to learn about it. The...  [Read more]

The difficulty level of the TEFL exam can vary depending on individual factors such as prior teaching experience, language proficiency, and preparation. Here are some key points to consider regarding the difficulty of the TEFL exam: The main areas covered in the TEFL exam typically include: Yes, there are various study resources available to help you prepare for the TEFL exam. Practice Tests:  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information When compared to the requirements to become a regular subject teacher in a state school in most countries throughout the world, entering the TEFL/TESOL market is relatively easy. In a state school a teaching degree is normally required. Gaining a teaching degree (B.Ed) usually takes three or four years of study dedicated to gaining subject knowledge and teaching skills. Whilst the same two areas are covered in any TEFL or TESOL certification course, the time taken to complete the course is greatly reduced. The typical TEFL or TESOL course may only take 120-hours. The teaching of EFL therefore offers you the opportunity to enter the teaching profession in a very short time, compared to the regular teacher training process. Onsite courses: Online courses:...  [Read more]

Is TEFL / TESOL Certification challenging? How tough is the exam / course? A comprehensive TEFL / TESOL course parallels the depth of a university-level class, demanding a committed investment of time and effort. Through thorough review of course materials and adherence to deadlines, students typically excel. Most TEFL / TESOL courses offer flexible timelines, ranging from 6 months to a year for completion. If online TEFL / TESOL study feels overwhelming, ensure your chosen course includes tutor support. With this feature, experienced TEFL / TESOL professionals assist and guide you, ensuring clarity and comprehension throughout your learning journey. How challenging is the TEFL exam? Typical TEFL / TESOL online course content. Video Testimonials. Contrary to common belief, there isn't a...  [Read more]

The difficulty level of an in-person TEFL course can vary depending on the individual's prior experience, learning style, and commitment. Here are some factors to consider when determining the level of difficulty of an in-person TEFL course: The typical workload for an in-person TEFL course can vary depending on the program and institution, but generally, it includes a combination of class hours, teaching practice, lesson planning, assignments, and assessments. Here is a breakdown of the typical workload for an in-person TEFL course: Yes, there are typically prerequisites or qualifications required for in-person TEFL courses. These requirements may vary depending on the course provider, but some common prerequisites include:  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences We now live in the age of globalization where competition and challenges are on the rise. Economies, cultures, technologies and businesses are all part of this worldwide progress. People are demanded not only with a higher level of education, but also with skills. One of the most essential skills that a person should possess is the ability to communicate in English. According to Harvard Business Review, English is now the medium of global business communication. Numerous multinational companies are now using English as the common corporate language to facilitate communication and performance across business endeavors. So, the question is how can non-native English-speaking professionals keep up with globalization? So how do students learn from Business...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English, like any language, is first and foremost the mother tongue of a person. Languages often are influenced by or entirely derive from migratory groups of people. The original native tongue of France, for example, was Gallic. The Latinized French we know today was only born after centuries of Roman occupation and assimilation. More confusing still, the nation takes its name from the Franks, who were themselves a Germanic tribe which conquered the territory from Rome. Despite this, their native German tongue had an only minor influence on French, as Roman Gaul had a quite large population. From the history of English English in teaching Germanic Group Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written...  [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]

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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Lesson planning means that the teacher establishes his/her credibility. It shows that you are organized, structured, have thought about what you are going to do, and understand your area of expertise. Is lesson planning a 100% sure thing? The hidden benefit of lesson planning Lesson Plan Example Topic Aims Age group Level Time Materials Introduction Procedure In order to build background information try the following: The strategies are as follows: Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Roberto G. Like all things in life that involve a group of human beings, 100% success is almost impossible. Improvising due to unforeseen circumstances is a skill a...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Establishing rapport with students is important as it encourages higher motivation. Building Rapport is An Important Factor in Teaching A Good Rapport Increases Student Engagement Rapport Makes it Easier To Identify Weaknesses Identifying Rapport between the Students Are you ready to teach English Abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post When students generally feel rapport with their teachers and feel that their teacher's personalities are similar to their own, motivation is higher. This will lead to an enhanced understanding and sometimes trust is necessary for rapport to develop. The teacher has a wealth of techniques and tools at their disposal to develop and maintain excellent rapport with their students. This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas As a teacher you are in charge of a classroom of children, it can be relatively hard to meet all students needs and maintain control. A lot of teachers develop alternative ways to manage students. This can be by establishing classroom rules right from the start and to maintain these rules right throughout the year. Popular discipline techniques are positive discipline, these techniques use positive reinforcement to encourage students to behave, this is a much better way, rather than negative reinforcement, with punishment and humiliation. The teachers turn to problem-solving and then use classroom discussions, so opinions are heard and self-awareness which resolves the problem or issues at hand. Make decisions on some basic classroom...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As a foreigner in a foreign country, cultural sensitivity is important. As a teacher being culturally sensitive in the classroom is of more importance. As a foreigner, there is the ability to interact with people of various ages, occupations, and other demographics in foreign countries. In foreign countries, there are different ways in which society treats certain age groups, occupations, and other demographics. As a teacher, there could be the goal of interacting with native people and groups appropriately. As an English teacher one may have the opportunity to interact with students that vary in ages. As a teacher, the interactions that one would have would be with students, schools, and school faculty. As a teacher one may have roles or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom management is one of the most important aspects of teaching. This is because students need a learning-friendly environment to feel safe, which makes the students more willing to actively participate and learn. This learning-friendly environment can be achieved in many ways such as, how the teacher gives instructions, maintains discipline, establishes rapport, arranges the classroom, groups students together, the way they talk to the students, and so on. I am only going to touch on a few of these topics that I think are the most important in managing a classroom. Classroom arrangements Instructions Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Emma V. Please...  [Read more]