Foreign Language Teaching

  One of the major ideas here when writing on the board, is that we need to be aware that whenever we're using the board to write down information, we should not be talking and whenever we are talking we should not be writing on the board. This will inevitably lead to what's known as dead time when nothing is being said as we're putting information on the board. This dead time is not a problem but we can actually minimize it by using a number of techniques. We could use pre-prepared material. So we put information onto large pieces of paper and then instead of writing on the board, we actually stick those materials onto the board as we go through the class. Another idea is to actually ask students to write on the board for you. Another thing is that we could actually put work up...  [Read more]

  When considering Teacher Talk Time, we can perhaps look at the major advantage and disadvantage of the teacher actually talking. The major advantage is that you as the teacher are usually the only real model for the language, the source of correct English. So at some stages, your talking time is very important to the students. So when you?re modeling language, that use of Teacher Talk Time can be very advantageous. There are major disadvantages to overusing Teacher Talk Time, however, and perhaps the major one is that whenever the teacher is talking, the students are listening and if the students are listening, then they themselves cannot be talking. So, Teacher Talk Time reduces the opportunity for Student Talk Time. So, we should try to minimize the use of Teacher Talk Time...  [Read more]

  This training video from one of ITTT's Teaching English as a Foreign Language courses reviews the usage of the future perfect tense. This is used to talk about actions that will be completed by a point in the future. "I will have finished my TEFL course by the end of the year" If you are interested in Teaching English as a Foreign Language the first thing you should think about is getting qualified. Many EFL employers require their teachers to have some form of teaching qualification and a 120-hour TEFL certificate meets that requirement. Follow the link above to browse the selection of TEFL courses that ITTT has to offer. 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...  [Read more]

  Our next consideration is going to be how we actually group our students. There are perhaps three types of grouping arrangements that we can consider and within those we'll have a look at the potential positive and negatives of those particular arrangements. So firstly, what arrangements can we use? We could arrange our group as a whole class so all of their activities will be done as a whole class. They could be working as individuals and the final grouping arrangement we'll consider is that of small groups or indeed the use of pair work. So for each of these types of arrangements what are the potential positive and negatives with that type of arrangement? For the whole class certainly one of the main positive features is that it gives that class a sense of belonging. Secondly...  [Read more]

  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]

  So now we'll consider the actual classroom arrangements themselves in terms of the physical desk layout. There are possibly three main types of arrangements that are used within classrooms and we're going to indicate the desks here as being boxes and the arrangements of the students within those desks will be blue crosses. So here we have the desks ranged in rows and the students sitting within those rows. The second arrangement could be the use of horseshoes or semi circles and finally the use of individual desks. So for each of these arrangements what are the potential advantages and disadvantages of arranging our seating in this way? Let's take the rows first of all. One of the potential advantages is that it does give the teacher the opportunity, if it's arranged correctly,...  [Read more]

  Our next consideration is that of giving instructions to our students. In order for those students to effectively carry out an activity, we need to make sure we have given clear and unambiguous instructions. It's also very important to check that the students understand the activity before you start. If you've done that work correctly then the teacher shouldn't need to say anything once an activity has started because the students are very clear about what they're supposed to be doing. So some ideas when giving instructions. As we've mentioned use simple language. Secondly, rather than trying to explain an activity, then do a demonstration which is visual. Thirdly, try to use wherever possible common words that come up within every activity. These would be things like ?look?,...  [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]

  The dynamics of classroom interaction is often dictated by the arrangement of the classroom itself and the way in which the classroom is arranged could depend upon a number of factors and they might include things such as the age of the students, so for example we're unlikely to have the same arrangement for adult learners as we would have for young learners. It could also depend upon the actual physical space available. The physical space may determine how we have to arrange our classroom to maximize the opportunity for interaction and so forth. It will also depend on what material is available and by material in this case we're talking about the actual desks and chairs and so on and so forth. Perhaps the final thing we might put here is that it could also depend upon the...  [Read more]

  This presentation is going to focus on the section of classroom management. We could start with a definition of classroom management as being the skill of organizing the class individual students within that class and what takes place within the class. Perhaps one of the most important resources for achieving these things is you and in terms of you there are a number of things that you can use to help with the classroom management and they include though they're not limited to the use of your eyes the use of your voice and the use of gesture. So let's take each of these in turn and see how they can be used to help with their management of the classroom. So starting with our eyes. First of all the eyes can be used in a number of ways and they can certainly be used to hold...  [Read more]

  This video from one of ITTT's teach English as a foreign language courses covers three teaching ideas for the future perfect tense. The future perfect is used to talk about things that will have been completed by a certain date in the future. The first idea involves asking students the following question "What will you have done by ...?" with an appropriate time in the future. For example: "What will you have done by the time you are 25?" "I will have become an English teacher". The second idea involves giving students monthly calendars to complete and asking them to say what they will have done by the end of the month. The last idea involves asking questions about a famous person and what they will have achieved in the future. "How many awards will she have won by 2025?"...  [Read more]

  It is very important that whenever we?re doing an activity that we use the students names wherever possible when we're asking for feedback and so on and so forth. There are a number of benefits to using the students? names and they can include helping to actually organize the class itself, certainly to acknowledge when a student has given the correct answer and so forth, to indicate who should respond, rather than just asking a general question to the whole class. By using the names we can ask an individual to respond to that particular question. One point to note here is that if you are going to ask an individual student it is very useful if you put their name at the end of the question. This is useful because if you start with their name then all of the other students know that...  [Read more]

  Our next main issue is going to be that of giving students individual attention. Here many classroom management and leaving potential discipline problems can be avoided by applying some simple rules to giving your students attention. The first one is to think about the way in which you ask questions. Don't ask questions in a predictable order. If you just go around the class asking questions from one person to the next then the person at the end of the class will know that it's going to be some time before you actually get to them. So try to mix up the way in which you're asking questions. In terms of answers to questions don't allow individual students to dominate all of the answers. One of the things that we can do to help this particular issue is to use the students names as...  [Read more]

Yes. One of the many benefits of teaching English abroad is that it can provide a great environment for learning a foreign language. It is no secret that being fully immersed in a different culture, where you are constantly surrounded by a new language, is the most effective way to quickly develop your understanding. Throughout your time living and working as an English teacher abroad, you will inevitably have endless opportunities to practice your language skills. As well as using the language as you go about your daily life, there is also a good chance that you will have access to local language courses that are far cheaper than those available in your home country. Another possibility is the network of friends that you will likely make among the local citizens. Often people are more...  [Read more]

  Learning a foreign language is high on the to-do list of many teachers working abroad. Being able to practice the language on a day to day basis will not only help you to learn it quickly, but will also help you to feel more at home in your new surroundings.  [Read more]

Our 170-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language with Online Specialization has been designed for those who would like to gain a qualification to enter the TEFL/TESOL employment market and wish to maximize their options. Through this course we will give you the knowledge and skills needed to teach English in both classroom and online settings. The course is taken in two parts: First, our 120-hour certification is completed. This is followed by a further 50-hours of study looking at the particular skills needed to teach English online. One added benefit of the course is that on completion you will gain access to a unique graduate network, connecting you to ITTT alumni currently employed by many of the major employers in online teaching. The 120-hour TEFL course must be taken and...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) are both certifications that qualify individuals to teach English as a foreign language. However, there are some key differences between the two that prospective teachers should be aware of before choosing which certification to pursue. One of the main differences between TEFL and CELTA is the level of recognition and accreditation. CELTA is a specific type of TEFL certification offered by Cambridge English, which is globally recognized and highly respected in the field of English language teaching. CELTA courses are standardized and follow a rigorous curriculum set by Cambridge English, ensuring a high level of quality and consistency. On the other hand, generic TEFL certifications...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) are both certifications that qualify individuals to teach English as a foreign language. However, there are some key differences between the two that potential teachers should be aware of before choosing which certification to pursue. One of the main differences between TEFL and CELTA is the level of recognition and prestige associated with each certification. CELTA is widely considered to be the gold standard in TEFL certifications and is highly regarded by employers around the world. On the other hand, TEFL certifications can vary widely in quality and may not always be recognized by employers to the same extent as CELTA. Another important difference between TEFL and CELTA is the...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) are both widely recognized certifications that qualify individuals to teach English as a foreign language. While both certifications are valuable and can lead to job opportunities worldwide, there are some key differences between the two programs. One of the main differences between TEFL and CELTA certification programs is the level of recognition and accreditation. CELTA is a specific brand of TEFL certification that is administered by Cambridge English Language Assessment, a division of the University of Cambridge. CELTA is highly regarded in the industry and is often seen as the gold standard for TEFL certification. On the other hand, TEFL certifications can be obtained from a...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELT-S (Certificate in English Language Teaching - Speaking) are both certifications that demonstrate a level of expertise in teaching English as a foreign language. However, they have distinct differences in terms of focus, content, and target audience. TEFL certification is a more general certification that covers various aspects of teaching English to non-native speakers. It typically includes modules on lesson planning, classroom management, language skills development, and assessment techniques. TEFL courses are designed to provide a broad foundation for teaching English in a variety of contexts, such as schools, language institutes, or online platforms. On the other hand, CELT-S certification specifically focuses on teaching speaking...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and ESP (English for Specific Purposes) are both specialized fields within English language teaching, each with its own focus and methodology. Understanding the differences between the two can help teachers and learners choose the most appropriate approach for their language learning needs. TEFL refers to the teaching of English to non-native speakers in a general context, typically focusing on the four main language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. TEFL courses and programs are designed to provide teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to teach English effectively to students of all levels and ages in a variety of settings, such as schools, language institutes, and online platforms. On the other hand, ESP is a more...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and Delta (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certifications are both valuable qualifications for teachers of English as a foreign language, but they serve different purposes and cater to different levels of teaching expertise. TEFL certification is typically an entry-level qualification that provides the fundamental skills and knowledge needed to teach English to non-native speakers. It is ideal for those who are new to teaching English as a foreign language or who wish to gain basic teaching skills. TEFL courses cover a range of topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language analysis, and teaching methodologies. These courses are often shorter in duration and may be taken online or in-person. On the other...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are both certificates that qualify individuals to teach English as a foreign language, but they have some key differences. Firstly, TEFL is a broader term that encompasses a range of courses and certifications that provide training in teaching English to non-native speakers. TEFL courses vary in length, content, and accreditation. On the other hand, CELTA is a specific type of TEFL certification offered by Cambridge English Language Assessment, which follows a standardized curriculum and is widely recognized by employers worldwide. In terms of course content, both TEFL and CELTA programs cover essential topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, language...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) are both fields within the broader category of English language teaching, but they differ in the context in which English is being taught. TEFL is typically used when English is being taught in a non-English speaking country where English is not the primary language of communication. In these settings, students are learning English as a foreign language to communicate with speakers of other languages. TEFL teachers often work in language schools, universities, or private companies in countries where English is not the dominant language. On the other hand, TESL is used when English is being taught in an English-speaking country to non-native speakers who are integrating into that English-speaking...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and ELT (English Language Teaching) certifications are both valuable credentials for individuals looking to teach English to non-native speakers, but there are some key differences between the two. TEFL certification is specifically geared towards teaching English to non-native speakers in countries where English is not the primary language. TEFL courses focus on practical teaching skills and strategies that are relevant in a foreign language context. This includes lesson planning, classroom management, and adapting teaching methods to suit the needs of English language learners from diverse cultural backgrounds. TEFL certification is often a requirement for teaching English abroad in countries where English is not widely spoken. On the other...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and ELT (English Language Teaching) are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between the two terms. TEFL typically refers to teaching English to non-native speakers in a country where English is not the primary language. Teachers with a TEFL certification often work with students who want to improve their English skills for travel, work, or personal reasons. On the other hand, ELT encompasses a broader scope and includes teaching English to non-native speakers in any context, whether it be in a foreign country, an English-speaking country, or online. ELT also covers teaching English to speakers of other languages in multilingual or multicultural settings. From an academic perspective, TEFL is more focused on the...  [Read more]

  TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These descriptions are generally used interchangeably, however, TESOL is more common in the USA and TEFL is more common in the UK.  [Read more]

  As it is the largest country in the world and stretches across eleven time zones from Poland in the west to China in the east, it is no surprise that there are plenty of great opportunities for teaching English as a foreign language in Russia.  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification can be a valuable asset for individuals seeking a career in language education policy. While TEFL certification is typically associated with teaching English to non-native speakers, the skills and knowledge acquired through the certification process can be applicable to a variety of roles within the field of language education policy. One of the key benefits of obtaining a TEFL certification is the development of strong communication and intercultural skills. These skills are essential for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders in the field of language education policy, including educators, policymakers, and community members. Additionally, TEFL certification programs often cover topics such as language acquisition theory,...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and ESL (English as a Second Language) certifications are both valuable credentials for teaching English to non-native speakers. While they share similarities, there are key differences between the two that prospective teachers should be aware of: TEFL certification is geared towards teaching English in countries where English is not the primary language. This means that TEFL teachers focus on helping students who are learning English as a foreign language, typically in non-English-speaking countries. On the other hand, ESL certification is more commonly used in English-speaking countries to teach English to non-native speakers who are residing in an English-speaking environment. From an SEO perspective, it is crucial to understand that TEFL...  [Read more]