How To Help Esl Students

Within the world of English language teaching there are many acronyms used to describe what type of teaching is involved in any particular scenario. EFL is one of the more common ones you will come across and it stands for English as a Foreign Language. You will find EFL is most commonly used when describing the teaching or learning of English in a non-English speaking country, such as Spain, Japan, or Mexico. It is very common for either of these acronyms to be used when talking about any situation where a student is learning English, however, there is a technical difference between the two. As previously mentioned, EFL is when the student is learning English in a non-English speaking environment, for example, a Japanese student learning English in Tokyo. In this scenario there is often...  [Read more]

  Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and...  [Read more]

  Absolutely YES! Large numbers of non-native English speakers complete our TEFL courses each year and go on to have successful careers teaching English either in their home country or further afield. In order to successfully complete the course you will need to demonstrate a high standard of English, but it is certainly not a barrier that will stop you from becoming a fully qualified EFL teacher. In many cases being a non-native English speaker can actually be an advantage in the classroom as you have already been through the same experience that your students are currently facing. This can help to build a good rapport between the students and the teacher as they are often less afraid of making mistakes in this situation. It can also provide the students with a real incentive to...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Geoff tells us that he has just finished a 120-hour online TEFL course with ITTT. Geoff has been in China for some time and decided to take the course to take advantage of his business background in China. He found the course to be challenging but rewarding with a good combination of video tutorials and online reading. 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 covered some of the different groups of students that an...  [Read more]

  In this video we explain the difference in using "amount" and "number". The word "amount" is used when we want to refer to uncountable commodities such as water, electricity, money etc. Whereas, "number" is used to refer to individual things that are countable such as book, cat, chair etc. In the example "a greater amount of people are going to the gym" the use of "amount" is incorrect because we can count "people". In this case "number" needs to be used. A good example of the use of "amount" is "a greater amount of rain came down in November compared to October". Here "rain" is uncountable so "amount" should be used. 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...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review student Amy describes her experience during her TEFL/TESOL course in Seville, Spain. She talks about the course location and the accommodation and the friendly and helpful staff. Amy, like many trainees, was fortunate enough to be offered a teaching position while doing the course. ITTT's courses are designed to give you the skills and confidence you need to teach English as a foreign language. We welcome all applications from native speakers as well as fluent non-native English speakers, regardless of nationality, age, gender or race. 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...  [Read more]

TEFL and ESL teaching are both related to teaching English to non-native speakers, but there are some key differences between the two approaches. TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) typically refers to teaching English in a non-English speaking country where English is not commonly spoken outside the classroom. On the other hand, ESL (English as a Second Language) teaching usually takes place in an English-speaking country, where students are immersed in an English-speaking environment. In terms of the target audience, TEFL students are often learning English for academic purposes or to enhance their career opportunities in their home country. In contrast, ESL students may be immigrants or international students looking to improve their English language skills to function in...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video another group of trainees share their experiences during the TEFL/TESOL four-week in-class course in Corinth, Greece. They talk about the challenging and rewarding aspects of the course. ITTT's in-class course covers grammar, phonology, teaching methodologies, and lesson preparation techniques. You will also be given the opportunity to teach real students. Our course will give you the confidence to stand up in front of a class of students, we will also teach you how to plan lessons and help you to create and select activities and teaching materials that will make your lessons interesting and productive. 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...  [Read more]

If you have never taught English to complete novices before, the prospect of spending an entire lesson speaking with students who don't comprehend a single word you say may seem frightening. Teaching absolute beginners differs from teaching other courses, as any ESL teacher will tell you. It can be difficult, but it may also be one of the most enjoyable and gratifying language levels to teach. Every new word your students learn is important at this level, and the greatest approach to teaching it is to be as creative and funny as possible. Generally, teaching the letters and numbers should be one of your first priorities. You will lay a solid foundation for everything else your students will learn by teaching them the letters and numbers at the start of the course. Ascertain that your...  [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]

Globalization and the increasing demand for English speaking professionals all over the world, especially in emerging regions, has brought about a new, steadily growing sector: English as a Second Language (ESL). An ESL teacher is, therefore, an educator who works with English Language Learners (ELLs) whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL teacher is to help the students reach a certain level of fluency in English, on both a spoken and written level. ESL educators are not to be confused with foreign language teachers. ESL teachers do not share the same native language and are specifically trained to offer explanations and directed teaching methods to non-English speakers. This teaching style is mainly focused on repetition, drills, demonstrations, and visuals. ...  [Read more]

  This ITTT video is the second part of a lesson looking at the structure of the Present Perfect tense. It reviews an example of the structure with a regular verb -- played. I/you/we/they have played. She/He/It has played. The video then examines some of the spelling patterns that are used with irregular verbs. For example, verbs ending with a consonant + y. cry changes to cried, try changes to tried. Another spelling pattern with irregular verbs ending with a consonant + a vowel + a consonant Shop changes to shopped, ship changes to shipped. When teaching this particular point, as with other grammar points, it is important to explain to students that there are exceptions to most rules in the English language. Where specific patterns exist we need to introduce them to our...  [Read more]

Integrating multimedia into your TEFL lessons can greatly enhance the learning experience for your students by making the lessons more engaging, interactive, and effective. There are several ways you can incorporate multimedia into your teaching, including using videos, audio clips, online resources, and interactive activities. Here are some tips on how to effectively integrate multimedia into your TEFL lessons: 1. **Use videos:** Videos are a powerful tool for teaching English as a foreign language. You can use videos to introduce new vocabulary, demonstrate grammar rules, or spark discussions. Choose videos that are relevant to your lesson objectives and appropriate for your students' language level. Pause the video at key points to ask comprehension questions or discuss the content. 2....  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), having access to quality resources can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of your lessons. There is a wide range of resources available, both online and offline, that can help TEFL teachers to engage their students and enhance their learning experience. One of the most popular online resources for TEFL teachers is the British Council's LearnEnglish website. This site offers a wealth of free resources, including lesson plans, activities, games, and worksheets for teaching English to learners of all levels. The site also provides tips and advice for TEFL teachers, as well as links to other useful resources. Another valuable online resource for TEFL teachers is the website of the International Association of...  [Read more]

The job market for TEFL teachers in the USA is robust and diverse, offering a wide range of opportunities for both experienced educators and newcomers to the field. With the increasing demand for English language instruction across the country, there is a growing need for qualified TEFL teachers in various educational settings. One of the most common paths for TEFL teachers in the USA is to work in language schools and institutes that specialize in teaching English to non-native speakers. These institutions often hire TEFL teachers to teach a wide range of students, from young learners to adult professionals, in both group and private settings. Additionally, many community colleges and adult education programs offer English language courses for immigrants and international students,...  [Read more]

Anyone who is involved in English language teaching (ELT) is well aware of the industry’s love of acronyms. If you have researched training courses you will undoubtedly have come across several such as TEFL, TESOL, ESOL, EFL, ESL, ELT, and many more. Here we will look at EFL and the first thing to clear up is that EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language. It is often used interchangeably with some of the other acronyms mentioned when referring to the teaching or studying of the English language by non-native English speakers. Although these two acronyms are regularly used interchangeably within the teaching world, there are technical differences between the two. English as a Foreign Language (EFL) refers to situations where a student is learning English in a country (normally their...  [Read more]

  The acronym TEFL stands for teaching English as a foreign language. TESOL is teaching English to speakers of other languages. Today, both terms have much the same meaning are generally used interchangeably in the EFL field. In the early days, TEFL was more of a UK-based qualification and TESOL was more of a North American-based qualification. ESL is English as a Second Language, and is usually used when teaching English in an English-speaking environment. Some people argue that TESOL encompasses both EFL and ESL. In reality there is very little difference, if any. As the need for English language training has developed worldwide, the two terms have almost become synonymous. They are both used to describe the field of English language teaching and one of them is stated on...  [Read more]

  Our next category in our series of teaching special groups in ESL is English for specific purposes. This video focuses specifically on teaching business English. How is business Enligsh different to general English? Will you be able to teach business English? Find out in this video. 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 have learnt from this unit the complexity of future tenses. I have learnt that so many tenses can be used with future meanings....  [Read more]

  The future simple tense can be used for threats, promises and predictions. In this video we look at a teaching idea for the predictions usage. In pairs students are given a card with some prompts and responses. One student reads the prompt and the other responds with the given comment and their own sentence in the future simple tense. For example: Student 1: I've lost my shoe. Student 2: Don't worry. It'll turn up somewhere. For anyone wanting to Teach English Certification is the best route to take. An online TEFL course from ITTT will equip you with the skills needed to be successful in the classroom. Not only will it cover tenses such as the future simple featured in this video but it will also cover other grammar points such as modal verbs, reported speech etc. and...  [Read more]

  The third conditional is used when speaking about regrets and excuses. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the third conditional in an ESL setting. 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. Maintaining the class is a very important factor in teaching. It will helps our students to be more interested in the lesson. Yes that's right that building a good relationship to our students s very important. In line that you are also disciplining them....  [Read more]

Argentina is one of the most popular destinations in South America for both international tourists and those looking to teach English abroad. Teachers are drawn to the country from all over the world by the promise of a stunning natural landscape, a unique European influenced culture, and a relaxed way of life. There is a strong demand for foreign teachers throughout the country, although the largest market is located in the capital Buenos Aires. Significant markets for ESL teachers can also be found in other major cities such as Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and the beach resort of Mar del Plata. Although Argentina is a very popular destination for foreign teachers, few come here expecting to earn or save a large sum of money. Salaries are low in comparison to many other popular...  [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]

  This video is a review of the conditionals in the English language. We take a look at the zero conditional, first conditional, second conditional, third conditional and mixed conditional. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the conditionals in an ESL setting. 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 taught me the different advantages/disadvantages to various types of client situations (one on one or in groups). I learned a lot...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in a high-demand region, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready for the challenges and opportunities that come with teaching in such a competitive environment. First and foremost, it is essential to obtain the necessary qualifications and certifications to teach English as a foreign language. This typically includes obtaining a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. These certifications will provide you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Additionally, gaining experience through volunteer work or internships in teaching English as a foreign language can be extremely beneficial in preparing...  [Read more]

  This TESOL review was recorded by ITTT graduate Julia. Julia is a full time college student with a full time job and her situation shows just how beneficial ITTT?s online courses are for those with a very busy schedule. Despite studying and working full time Julia was still able to find time to complete her course without feeling pressured to complete more than she was comfortable with. Although Julia found the final lesson planning task to be particularly challenging she found the experience to be rewarding and can see how overcoming the challenge will benefit her future classes. 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...  [Read more]

In the same way that we would expect our surgeon, dentist or airline pilot to have undertaken some training, our students of English might also expect their teachers to be trained and competent. What does it mean that our English teacher is competent? Possibly there are two major components to the answer: 1. The teacher has adequate subject knowledge. 2. The teacher has some classroom delivery skills. First you need to find a course that offers these components. While many native English speakers have learned the rules of English grammar sub-consciously as part of their language development, this does not give them the necessary subject knowledge required to teach English. So both native English speakers (NES) and non-native English speakers (NNES) should have some background knowledge of...  [Read more]

The age, background, and motivation of the students in your ESL classroom will vary greatly depending on where you are teaching and the school or institute you work for. You could have a class full of university students, hotel workers or even high flying business executives. Alternatively, you might work in a government school teaching a class of children aged anywhere from five to sixteen. Each of these groups has its own characteristics, and different teachers have their own preferences. Just remember that by completing a reputable TEFL certification course before you head off abroad, you will learn all the skills required to deliver effective and enjoyable lessons to almost any group of learners. A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their...  [Read more]

  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 learned different types of test and how it uses effectively. Evaluation by the students is very important for teacher to understands how the lesson helps the students in realistically. I understand that this evaluation shouldn't be take personally. I should take the feedback positively for future lesson plan. And it is important to have balanced all four skills lesson plan.A succinct summary of how to...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, having access to a variety of resources can greatly enhance your teaching effectiveness and student engagement. Here are some of the best resources for TEFL teachers: 1. **Online TEFL Platforms**: Websites like TEFL.org and i-to-i TEFL offer a wealth of resources including lesson plans, activities, and teaching tips. These platforms often have forums where teachers can share ideas and support each other. 2. **ESL Websites**: Websites such as ESL Library and Breaking News English provide ready-made lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for all levels of English learners. These resources are often updated regularly to keep lessons fresh and relevant. 3. **Teacher Blogs**: Many experienced TEFL teachers share their insights and resources on blogs. Websites like...  [Read more]

  Linda lives in China and is taking the 120-hour TEFL course with ITTT. This is the fifth installment of her TEFL review video journal outlining her experiences on the course. In this video Linda tells us about unit 5 of the course which covers aspects of classroom management. The unit has plenty of useful information on how students can be grouped within class and the types of activities that are suitable for different groupings. It also covers ways of dealing with problem behavior and methods for engaging students when they may not be interested in learning. At a quarter of the way through the course Linda is still clearly excited about earning her TEFL certificate. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course....  [Read more]