Building Rapport With Students

  Our next consideration is going to be building and maintaining rapport. The importance of rapport is that within our communicative activities, we're asking the students to talk to each other. If they feel comfortable with each other and with us, then that interaction is much more likely to be useful. So how do we actually build and maintain rapport? Well, it's easiest if we consider two stages of the course itself. What we can do at the start of the course and what we can do throughout the course to help build and maintain that rapport. So at the start of the course, it's very useful if we ask the students to create a name card and to make that name card visible to everyone. Secondly we need to try to do some ice breaking activities that will allow the students to interact with...  [Read more]

To improve your TEFL classroom management skills, you can focus on several key strategies that will help create a positive and productive learning environment for your students. First and foremost, it is essential to establish clear expectations and rules from the beginning of the course. This includes setting guidelines for behavior, participation, and respect within the classroom. By outlining these expectations early on, students will understand what is expected of them and will be more likely to follow the rules. Another important aspect of classroom management is building rapport with your students. Get to know them on a personal level, show interest in their lives and cultures, and create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. When students feel valued and respected, they are more...  [Read more]

Effective classroom management is crucial for creating a positive and productive learning environment in a TEFL classroom. Here are some common techniques that TEFL teachers can use to manage their classrooms effectively: Establishing clear expectations: Setting clear and consistent rules and expectations from the beginning helps students understand what is expected of them and reduces the likelihood of disruptions. Creating a positive classroom environment: Building a positive and supportive atmosphere where students feel safe and respected encourages active participation and engagement in the learning process. Using positive reinforcement: Acknowledging and praising good behavior can motivate students to continue behaving positively and can help build a strong rapport between the teacher...  [Read more]

  Irina took our 120-hour TEFL course to enhance her professional portfolio. She is working as an English teacher in Russia and is able to use the learned techniques in her classroom to improve her teaching style. 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. I've learnt that different classroom layouts suit different purposes when teaching a class, and that there are many ways to balance TTT and STT, while also building rapport between yourself and the...  [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]

  Linda updates us on her progress with ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. In the ninth part of her TEFL review video journal, Linda tells us about her progress with units 9 and 10 on the course. As Linda points out these two units are closely related with unit 9 covering lesson planning while unit 10 looks at two very different lessons, one good and one bad, taught by the same teacher. 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. Knowing the different...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL/TESOL review, trainee Pam describes her experience with ITTT's four week in-class course in Phuket, Thailand. She outlines the program of the first week of the course. Pam talks about why she chose to do the course in Phuket and she gives a brief synopsis of the week's program. 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. A very difficult unit - I may need to check for more information from resources regarding learning phrasal verbs and...  [Read more]

  So, let's take a common game that's been played over the years, which is called Noughts and Crosses or Tic-Tac-Toe. What we're going to do is to adapt this game for classroom use. So, we've taken the normal Tic-Tac-Toe or Noughts and Crosses grid and we've just numbered out each of the particular squares. What we can then do is to form teams and those teams can then be asked a series of questions and they get to choose which question they want from 1 to 9. So, let's say, for example, they choose question 1. That could be on anything that they have studied ,the grammar or vocabulary. If they get that question correct and say they are the Noughts or the zeros then they get to put their mark here. What the next group will probably do is to try to block them in some way by choosing...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a diverse environment can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. To prepare for teaching in such a setting, there are several key steps you can take to ensure that you are well-equipped to meet the needs of your students and create a positive and inclusive learning environment. First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the cultural backgrounds and languages of your students. This will help you better understand their perspectives and tailor your teaching approach to meet their specific needs. Take the time to learn about the customs, traditions, and communication styles of the cultures represented in your classroom. Additionally, it is important to be sensitive to the diverse learning styles and abilities of...  [Read more]

Becoming an effective TEFL instructor is a process that requires time, dedication, and continuous learning. While there is no set timeframe for how long it takes to become proficient in teaching English as a foreign language, there are several factors that can influence the timeline. First and foremost, obtaining a TEFL certification is a crucial step in becoming an effective instructor. This certification typically requires completing a course that can range from 120 to 150 hours of study. Some programs offer intensive courses that can be completed in a matter of weeks, while others are more flexible and allow you to study at your own pace. Once you have obtained your TEFL certification, gaining practical experience is essential for honing your teaching skills. This can involve...  [Read more]

  This video looks at the difficulties students have when learning modal auxiliary verbs. The number of usages and the modal auxiliary verbs that can be used for various usages often bring about problems for the students. Also, the structure of sentences with modal auxiliary verbs can be confusing. Watch this video to understand all the difficulties students face with modal auxiliary verbs. 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 an extremely...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a culturally diverse setting can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure effective communication and understanding among students from different backgrounds. Here are some tips to help you prepare for teaching English in a culturally diverse setting. First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the cultural backgrounds of your students. Take the time to learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs to better understand their perspectives and avoid unintentional misunderstandings. This cultural awareness will help you adapt your teaching approach to be more inclusive and respectful of the diversity in your classroom. In addition to understanding your students' cultures, it is important to create a welcoming...  [Read more]

  So speaking activities will come in many different forms but we can generalize them into three basic types. Control activities tend to be used in the study phase and here, the teacher will be helping the students in terms of what they need to say and how they go about saying it. So, there's a high level of structure within a controlled activity. A guided activity has slightly less structure than this and it can be used in either the study or the activate stages themselves. The final type of activity or class of activity is called creative activity and this one would be used in the activation phase. In a creative activity, we're giving a scenario or a very small amount of structure and we're asking the students to actually create their own answers to this particular question....  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard holds his demonstration lesson about the second conditional. In his activate phase, he does a worksheet exercise with his students to check the understanding from the study phase. 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 onto the next. Over the course of this unit, I refreshed...  [Read more]

  The teaching idea for the past perfect continuous tense covered in this video is an adaptation of a present perfect continuous idea. The past perfect continuous is rarely used so it can be quite hard to think up original and interesting ideas for it so adapting ideas for other tenses where suitable is useful. For this idea students are given situation that was happening in the past and the other students having to say what they think had been happening before that event to cause it. For example: Yesterday you were crying (because you had been watching a sad film). If you are thinking about becoming an English teacher you should consider getting yourself properly qualified. In addition taking a TEFL certificate course will open up a large number of ESL jobs to you. Take a look...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in a developing country, there are several key steps you can take to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience. First, it is important to research the specific country where you will be teaching. Learn about the culture, customs, and educational system to gain a better understanding of the context in which you will be working. This will help you adapt your teaching approach to better meet the needs of your students. Next, familiarize yourself with the language levels and learning styles of the students you will be teaching. This will help you tailor your lessons to their specific needs and abilities. Additionally, it is important to be flexible and adaptable in your teaching methods, as resources and technology may be limited in developing countries. It...  [Read more]

Teaching English to non-native speakers can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Whether you are a seasoned TEFL instructor or new to the field, there are several key strategies and approaches you can employ to effectively teach English as a foreign language. First and foremost, it is essential to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for your students. Building rapport and establishing a positive relationship with your students can help foster a sense of trust and collaboration in the classroom. Encouraging open communication and respecting cultural differences can also enhance the overall learning experience for non-native English speakers. When planning your lessons, it is important to consider the language proficiency levels of your students. Tailoring your...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a low-resource setting can be a rewarding but challenging experience. To prepare for this type of teaching environment, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready to make a positive impact on your students. First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific needs and challenges of the community where you will be teaching. This may involve conducting research on the local culture, educational system, and economic conditions. Understanding the context in which you will be teaching will allow you to tailor your lessons to meet the unique needs of your students. Additionally, it is important to be flexible and adaptable in your teaching approach. In low-resource settings, you may not have access to the same materials and...  [Read more]

When considering the best TEFL course for teaching in remote locations, it is essential to focus on specific factors that will enhance your ability to teach effectively in such environments. Here are some key aspects to consider: 1. **Accreditation**: Look for a TEFL course that is internationally recognized and accredited by reputable organizations such as the British Council or ACCET. This will ensure that your certification is accepted worldwide, including in remote locations where standards may vary. 2. **Practical Training**: Opt for a course that offers practical training components such as teaching practice sessions or classroom observation. These hands-on experiences will better prepare you for the realities of teaching in remote locations where resources may be limited. 3....  [Read more]

TEFL teachers can indeed work in correctional facilities, providing valuable educational opportunities to incarcerated individuals. Teaching English in these settings can be both rewarding and challenging, as it requires a unique set of skills and approaches to address the specific needs and circumstances of the learners. Here are some key points to consider for TEFL teachers interested in working in correctional facilities: First and foremost, it is essential for TEFL teachers working in correctional facilities to have a deep understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of their students. Many incarcerated individuals may have limited access to education and face various barriers to learning, such as language difficulties, low literacy levels, or learning disabilities. As a...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a post-conflict area can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. To prepare for this unique opportunity, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready to make a positive impact in the community you will be working in. First and foremost, it is essential to research and understand the cultural and historical context of the post-conflict area you will be teaching in. This will help you gain insights into the local customs, traditions, and sensitivities, which will be crucial in building rapport with your students and the community. Additionally, familiarize yourself with the specific challenges faced by the education system in post-conflict areas. This may include limited resources, infrastructure damage, trauma-affected students, and a lack of...  [Read more]

To enhance your TEFL classroom management skills, there are several strategies and techniques you can implement. These methods will help you create a positive and productive learning environment for your students while also maintaining control and fostering engagement. Here are some key tips to improve your TEFL classroom management skills: Establishing clear expectations from the beginning is essential in creating a well-managed classroom. Clearly communicate your rules and expectations regarding behavior, participation, and academic standards. Make sure your students understand what is expected of them and the consequences for not following the rules. Developing a positive and respectful relationship with your students is crucial for effective classroom management. Show genuine interest...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can certainly be a valuable asset when teaching English to marginalized communities. Here are some ways in which it can benefit you in this context: First and foremost, a TEFL certificate equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English as a foreign language. This includes understanding language acquisition principles, lesson planning, classroom management techniques, and assessment strategies. By having a solid foundation in these areas, you will be better prepared to support marginalized learners who may face additional challenges in their language learning journey. Moreover, many TEFL programs include specific training on teaching English to learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. This cultural competence is essential...  [Read more]

Teaching English in an underfunded school can present unique challenges, but with proper preparation and a positive attitude, you can still make a significant impact on your students' language learning journey. Here are some tips to help you prepare for teaching English in an underfunded school: 1. **Understand the Challenges**: Before you begin, take the time to understand the specific challenges that come with teaching in an underfunded school. This may include limited resources, large class sizes, and students with varying levels of proficiency. 2. **Create a Plan**: Develop a flexible lesson plan that takes into account the limitations of the school's resources. Focus on activities that require minimal materials and can be adapted to different learning levels. 3. **Utilize...  [Read more]

  Japan has been a popular destination amongst English language teachers for many years due to its widespread job opportunities, good salaries and fascinating culture. Whilst there are other countries in the region where the cost of living may be lower and the wages a little higher, nowhere provides such an incredible mix of modern development and ancient traditions as you will find in this extraordinary country. If you are looking for excitement and adventure, look no further than Japan. In order to work legally you will need to be eligible for a work visa. The good news is the criteria is not as tough as many other countries as you simply need to possess a degree in any subject. The only other qualifications you need are a fluency in the English language, a professional approach...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in a transitional society, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready for the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this experience. First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the cultural and social context of the society where you will be teaching. Understanding the history, traditions, and current events of the country will not only help you connect with your students on a deeper level but will also allow you to tailor your teaching approach to their specific needs and interests. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the educational system in the country where you will be teaching. This includes understanding the curriculum, teaching methods, and assessment practices that are commonly used....  [Read more]

  There are some other classroom management issues that we need to consider and they may include issues such as writing on the board, giving students individual attention, the use of teacher talk time, the way in which we should give instructions to our students, the building and maintaining of rapport with our students, and finally the one that perhaps most new teachers particularly spend a lot of time worrying and thinking about, is the issue of classroom discipline. So what we'd like to do is to take each of these in turn and look at some of the major issues surrounding these classroom management issues. 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...  [Read more]

When considering the best TEFL course for teaching in economically disadvantaged areas, it is crucial to prioritize certain key factors that will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in such environments. First and foremost, look for a TEFL course that includes modules or specializations focused on teaching English to learners with diverse backgrounds and varying levels of proficiency. Understanding the specific challenges that students in economically disadvantaged areas may face, such as limited access to resources or lack of prior exposure to English, is essential for effective teaching. Additionally, opt for a course that emphasizes practical teaching experience through teaching practicums or volunteer opportunities. This hands-on experience will...  [Read more]

Preparing to teach English in a non-profit organization can be a rewarding experience. Here are some steps to help you get ready for this role: First, familiarize yourself with the organization's mission and goals. Understanding the purpose of the non-profit will help you align your teaching methods with their objectives. This will also help you tailor your lessons to meet the needs of the learners you will be working with. Next, assess the needs of the learners. Non-profit organizations often serve specific populations, such as immigrants, refugees, or low-income communities. Consider the language proficiency levels of the learners and any specific challenges they may face in learning English. This will help you design effective and relevant lessons. It's also important to brush up on...  [Read more]

Teaching English in Myanmar can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to understand the requirements before embarking on this journey. The requirements for teaching English in Myanmar vary depending on the type of institution you plan to work for, whether it's a language school, international school, or university. Generally, the following are common requirements for teaching English in Myanmar: 1. **Education**: Most language schools in Myanmar require a bachelor's degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. Some institutions may also prefer candidates with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. 2. **TEFL Certification**: While not always mandatory, having a TEFL certification can...  [Read more]