8 Barriers Of Listening

Improving English listening skills is crucial for language learners to enhance their overall communication abilities. There are several effective methods and strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to help students develop their listening skills. Firstly, it is essential to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable and motivated to listen actively. Using a variety of authentic audio materials such as podcasts, songs, news clips, and videos can make the learning process more interesting and relevant for students. These materials expose students to different accents, speech patterns, and vocabulary, helping them improve their listening comprehension skills. Incorporating listening activities that focus on specific listening sub-skills such as...  [Read more]

  This video diary entry outlines Chantelle?s experience of studying unit 8 of her online TEFL course. Unit 8 is another tense unit, this time looking at the future tenses. These include the future simple, future continuous, future perfect, future perfect continuous and the ?going to? future. It also covers how the present simple and present continuous can be used to talk about the future. In this unit you will learn how the tenses are formed and used and what some of the most common errors students make. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design...  [Read more]

  Just to finish off this particular section on lesson planning, we're going to go through a couple of procedures that should take place during the study phase periods, particularly when we're doing the activities. It is quite important that before we actually go into a study activity that we go through a process of showing how that activity is going to work and one acronym that is often used for this is D-E-GO. The D part of this stands for a demonstration of the activity. Now, it's very important that you don't try to explain how the activity is going to work but rather you actually demonstrate the process. An example of the demonstration of the process of the activity could be something as simple as taking the first question and using it and writing it on the board. This will...  [Read more]

If you are looking to find TEFL teaching jobs in countries where there may be language barriers, there are several strategies you can employ to increase your chances of success. First and foremost, it is essential to have a strong grasp of the English language as this will be the primary language of instruction in most TEFL positions. Additionally, having a TEFL certification can make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers, especially in countries where English is not the native language. One of the best ways to find TEFL teaching jobs in countries with language barriers is to utilize online job boards and websites that specialize in international teaching positions. Websites such as Dave's ESL Cafe, TEFL.com, and ESLemployment are popular resources for finding TEFL jobs...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in a multicultural classroom, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, it's essential to have a strong understanding of the diverse backgrounds and cultures of your students. This will help you tailor your teaching approach to meet the needs and preferences of each individual learner. One important aspect of preparing for a multicultural classroom is to familiarize yourself with the various learning styles and preferences that may be present among your students. Some learners may respond well to visual aids, while others may prefer auditory or kinesthetic learning activities. By incorporating a variety of teaching methods into your lessons, you can ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed. Additionally, it's crucial to...  [Read more]

Living in a non-English speaking country can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges. Here are some tips on how to prepare for living in a non-English speaking country: First and foremost, it's essential to have a basic understanding of the local language. Even if it's just a few key phrases, knowing how to greet people, ask for directions, or order food can go a long way in helping you navigate your new environment. Consider taking a language course before you move or using language learning apps to familiarize yourself with the language. Research the culture and customs of the country you will be living in. Understanding the social norms, traditions, and etiquette can help you avoid cultural misunderstandings and make a good impression on the...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Claire from Taiwan talks about her experiences completing ITTT's 120 hour TEFL/TESOL online course. She successfully completed the course with the tutor support option. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This section provides a quick overview of possible approaches for introducing learners to grammar and vocabulary with 3 main methods for engaging, activating, and studying according to the function. There are a variety...  [Read more]

  Fernando is originally from Buenos Aires but spent the past 12 years working in the United States. As he has now returned to Argentina, he wants to become an English teacher. In his TESOL review he shares his thoughts on the center in Buenos Aires. He learned a lot regarding teaching techniques and lesson planning. He is confident that he can now lead his own classroom and is excited to start working as an English Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. ...  [Read more]

  Akira took the 120-hr online TEFL course with tutor support and videos from ITTT. In this TEFL review video he talks about what he learned on the course, including better ways to plan his lessons and activities he can use in his classes. ITTT's TEFL/TESOL courses are not only well suited for students who have never taught before but are also a great way to refresh old skills for working teachers. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Unit XI was...  [Read more]

  The online component of the combined course provides admin support but no support for course content related questions. There is an option however to purchase tutor support whereby a trainee can contact a tutor for course based assistance. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit was particularly helpful in breaking down why a lesson plan is essential. It also helped me realize the importance of monitoring one's lessons. Usually I would...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, Munki tells us about his experience studying with ITTT. Munki found the course to be an interesting and enriching experience. One of the main things Munki learnt from the course was the ESA methodology that he was able to implement in his own class while taking the course. His students really benefited from his new knowledge and also enjoyed the class. The course also helped Munki to better manage his classes and understand how to deal with difficult students. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of quantifiers to his students in Florida. After talking about quantifiers, Richard is playing another game with his students. The students need to come up with 2 foods each that are a) too sweet, b) too sour and c) too salty. ITTT's Observed Teaching Practice courses (OTP) are ideal for teachers wanting to improve their teaching skills remotely from anywhere in the world." Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving...  [Read more]

  Cameron from the USA moved to Mexico and started teaching English before taking her TEFL course with ITTT. In this TEFL review Cameron tells how she decided to take the course to help her improve her teaching skills as she had no prior teaching experience before moving to Mexico. Cameron took 23 days to complete the 20 modules of the course and the ability to study at her own pace was something that really suited her study style. One of the main benefits of the course for Cameron was the tutor support. During the course she was able to contact her tutor with any questions that she had and receive helpful feedback and explanations in a timely manner. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our...  [Read more]

  Semi-modal auxiliary verbs can cause a lot of confusion with English students. These auxiliary verbs differ with true modals in that they change their form depending on the pronoun the follow. An example of a semi-modal auxiliary verb is "need to". Watch the video for the complete explanation. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This was entirely new material for me. I wasn't aware of the phonetic alphabet. I found the videos very helpful for my...  [Read more]

  Moving further down our list of the parts of speech, we have our prepositions. Prepositions show a relationship between a noun or a pronoun and the rest of the sentence. We have three main categories: time, place, movement as well as a miscellaneous category that doesn't fit the other three. Here, we can have prepositions of time: before, during, in, at or on. If I said, "I work at eight o'clock," I'm sharing a relationship between the time "eight o'clock" to the rest of the sentence. We have our prepositions of place: in, at, on, under, in between. If I said, "The book is under the table," I'm showing a relationship between the table and the rest of the sentence. Then, we have our prepositions of movement. These show movement: towards, from, to or through. I could say, "He...  [Read more]

Yes, TEFL teachers can work in language access programs. Language access programs are designed to help individuals with limited English proficiency to access important services and information. TEFL teachers are well-equipped to work in these programs as they have the necessary skills to teach English to non-native speakers effectively. These programs can be found in various settings such as government agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, and community organizations. TEFL teachers play a crucial role in helping individuals improve their English language skills, which in turn enables them to fully participate in society. TEFL teachers working in language access programs often create customized lesson plans based on the needs and proficiency levels of their students. They may focus on...  [Read more]

  When choosing a TEFL certification course one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to complete it online as a distance learning course or in-class by attending a training center. Both have their pros and cons so it is down to the individual to decide which best suits their own personal situation. So what are the main differences to consider between an online TEFL course and an in-class TEFL course? Probably the most significant difference is the inclusion of Observed Teaching Practice (OTP) in classroom based courses. Throughout the four-week course you will spend many hours practicing your teaching skills in a real classroom with genuine English language learners. These practice lessons are observed by an experienced course trainer who will provide instant...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL video journal entry, Chantelle talks about unit 11 of her online course. Unit 11 deals with the two receptive skills reading and listening. The unit discusses the different reasons we have for reading or listening and outlines the different ways we do this such as skimming, scanning etc. The unit also outlines ways to overcome problems students may have with reading and listening and provides a sample receptive skills lesson plan. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before...  [Read more]

Creating a supportive learning environment in your TEFL classroom is essential for fostering a positive and effective learning experience for your students. Here are some key strategies to help you achieve this goal: Establish clear expectations: Start by setting clear expectations for behavior, participation, and academic performance. Clearly communicate these expectations to your students and consistently reinforce them throughout the course. Encourage open communication: Create a safe and inclusive space where students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and ideas. Encourage open communication by actively listening to your students, providing constructive feedback, and fostering a sense of mutual respect. Promote collaboration: Encourage collaboration among your students by...  [Read more]

  This presentation is going to cover the teaching of productive skills. To start with, if we think about the way in which you learnt your first language, most of us go through a particular process. Firstly, we listen to those around us, after that first silent period of listening to other people, then we start to make utterances. Having learned to speak to a certain extent at least, we then go on to learn how to read and to write and this process that we go through is actually covering the four skills that we're trying to teach our English students. So, we have listening, speaking, reading, and writing. If we group those skills into their different types, then the two skills of reading and listening are known as receptive skills, whereas the skills of speaking and writing are...  [Read more]

  Also in the 1970s la señal came up with a new methodology called "Suggestopedia". As psychological theory was developing, one of the ideas that came up was something called ?the effective filter?. Basically, the effective filter is a barrier to learning. It's the reasons why we inhibit our learning of a particular language. There are two main elements to the effective filter, two sets of factors, if you like, those are known as internal and external factors. The external factors to learning, the reasons why we have barriers to learning, may be just simple things such as external noise. So, people talking to us while we're trying to learn and so on and so forth. Perhaps more important are these internal factors and the internal factors one of the main things here is our previous...  [Read more]

Preparing for TEFL exams can be a daunting task, but with the right strategies and resources, you can increase your chances of success. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively: 1. **Understand the Format**: Before you start studying, familiarize yourself with the format of the TEFL exam you will be taking. Knowing the structure of the exam will help you tailor your study plan accordingly. 2. **Gather Study Materials**: Invest in quality study materials such as textbooks, practice exams, and online resources. These materials will help you cover all the necessary topics and practice different types of questions. 3. **Create a Study Schedule**: Plan out your study schedule based on the time you have available before the exam. Break down the topics into manageable sections and...  [Read more]

In today's digital age, technology plays a crucial role in education, including TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) classrooms. Integrating technology into lessons can enhance language learning, engage students, and provide opportunities for interactive and dynamic teaching. TEFL teachers can effectively incorporate various forms of technology to create a more immersive and effective learning experience for their students. One way TEFL teachers can integrate technology into their lessons is by using interactive whiteboards or smart boards. These tools allow teachers to display multimedia content, interactive activities, and online resources to engage students visually and audibly. Teachers can use interactive whiteboards to present language exercises, videos, audio clips, and...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, ITTT course graduate Claire from the US shares her thoughts on taking online TEFL courses with ITTT. She recently completed the 120-hour online certification course and she thought the materials provided in the course were very thorough and appreciated the helpful tips on topics like cultural differences and language barriers in the EFL classroom.  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. TEFL teachers work with students who may have varying levels of English proficiency, different cultural backgrounds, and unique learning styles. This diversity can present challenges in the classroom that require patience, flexibility, and creativity to overcome. Some common challenges faced by TEFL teachers include language barriers, classroom management issues, cultural differences, and adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse learners. In this article, we will explore these challenges in more detail and provide tips on how to effectively address them in the TEFL classroom. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) comes with a unique set of...  [Read more]

To prepare for a TEFL certification exam, it is essential to take a structured approach that covers all aspects of the exam. Here are some tips to help you succeed: First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the format of the exam. Understand the different sections, such as grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and the percentage of marks allocated to each section. This will help you allocate your study time effectively. Next, assess your current level of English proficiency. Take practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you focus your studies on areas where you need improvement. Create a study schedule that allows you to cover all the material before the exam date. Break down the topics into manageable sections and allocate...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers can definitely work in educational outreach programs, providing valuable language learning opportunities to diverse communities. These programs are designed to bring educational support to underserved populations, such as refugees, immigrants, or low-income families, who may not have access to traditional language learning resources. As a TEFL teacher in an outreach program, you would have the chance to make a real difference in the lives of those who are eager to improve their English language skills. One of the key benefits of working in educational outreach programs as a TEFL teacher is the opportunity to work with a diverse range of students from different cultural backgrounds. This experience can be incredibly rewarding as you help students overcome language barriers and...  [Read more]

TEFL teachers can absolutely work in educational access programs, which are designed to provide educational opportunities to underserved or marginalized populations. These programs aim to break down barriers to education and create pathways for individuals to improve their lives through learning English, among other subjects. As a TEFL teacher in an educational access program, you would play a crucial role in empowering students with the language skills they need to succeed in school, work, and society. One key benefit of working in educational access programs is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of your students. By teaching English to individuals who may not have had access to quality education before, you can help open doors to new opportunities and empower them to...  [Read more]

  Yes, although you will need to do plenty of research and planning to ensure that you find the right environment for you and your family. But if you are determined to teach English abroad, having children does not need to be a barrier to fulfilling your dream.  [Read more]

  Tori is an American living in Japan. Tori took the 120-hour online TEFL course and in this TEFL review, she discusses her experience of Teaching English in Japan and studying with ITTT. Teaching English in Japan has challenged Tori to think about the English language in ways she may not have previously considered and by taking the course with ITTT she has been able to better understand ways of explaining things to students in a clear and simple manner. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each...  [Read more]