Intensive 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]

  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]

  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]

  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]

  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]

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]

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]

  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]

Using games in your TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) classroom can be an effective and engaging way to enhance language learning. Games can help students practice language skills in a fun and interactive way, promote communication and collaboration among students, and increase motivation and participation in the classroom. There are various types of games that can be used in the TEFL classroom, such as vocabulary games, grammar games, speaking games, listening games, and writing games. Here are some ideas on how to effectively incorporate games into your TEFL lessons: Vocabulary games are a great way to help students learn and practice new words and phrases. You can use games like word puzzles, word searches, flashcard games, or memory games to reinforce vocabulary. For...  [Read more]

  Reema from Pakistan took a TEFL course from ITTT. In this TEFL review video, Reema tells us how she started teaching English in Pakistan four years ago. She took the course with ITTT to improve her skills and her opportunities for finding work as an English teacher. Reema notes that the course covers English grammar, evaluation and testing, teaching methodology and lesson planning. 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. In unit 8, we looked at...  [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]

  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]

  In this ITTT TEFL review video Ben shares his experiences of the second week of his TEFL/TESOL course. The second week brings more work for the students and Ben has had to cut back on some of his social activities. 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 involved learning about equipment and teaching aids. I have always had an interactive white board in my classrooms, so I will have to adjust to not having one at times. I like the idea of...  [Read more]

  There are certain words that need backshifting when using reported speech. In this video we look at backshifting places in reported speech. This video is specifically aimed at teaching reported speech 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. Learing all of parts of speech,I can figure out the different effects they made in sentnces.I confused with the transitive verb and intransitive verb before, but now I am clear about them. It...  [Read more]

  This video presents a teaching idea for reported speech. The activity includes having the students walk around the classroom asking other students for various bits of information. At the end of the activity, the students will report back the answers in reported speech. 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 is about teaching receptive skills. These skills are reading and listening and both have different purposes. These skills can be used...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word categorical. This word is used as an adjective and means explicit and direct. It comes from the Greek word kat?goria meaning ?statement?. 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. From the unit, I have an overview of teaching methodology, especially ESA. I've learnt different patterns of EAS and the error correction techniques. Teachers should not correct students immediately, but should let...  [Read more]

  The idiom "blue collar" refers to manual labor or industrial work. The term comes from the usually blue overalls manual laborers would wear in factories etc 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 a great chapter to read about the importance of reading and listening skills. understanding the difference can help a student become successful at understanding the lesion we are trying to teaching. The chapter also made a good point when it states...  [Read more]

  This presentation is going to have a look at the idea of receptive skills and how we can go about teaching receptive skills lessons. There are two receptive skills and they are reading and listening. If we think about first of all, why do we read or listen, then there are probably two main answers to that. Firstly, it could either be for entertainment or it could be for a specific purpose. Within the reading and listening areas there are a number of sub-skills that we can teach our students. Firstly, what we can do is to show different examples of reading. So, let's say, for example, that we have just bought ourselves a new video camera and along with that video camera came a whole book of instructions. In order to find out how to get that camera working, then we would need to...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TEFL review Ben from South Africa describes his experience as a TEFL/TESOL student with ITTT. ITTT offers a variety of TEFL/TESOL Certificate courses that vary in duration, study method and price. No matter which course you select we guaranteed to provide high quality and practical teacher training. Check out our web site to find the right TEFL/TESOL course for you. 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 is basically on...  [Read more]

  The zero conditional is the most basic form of the conditionals in the English language. This is a teaching idea for the zero conditional that can also be adjusted for any other types of conditionals. 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. It gives me an overview of choosing topics, text and tasks to create interest among the students. I personally think that the pre-existent knowledge of students is very important to identify the cultural...  [Read more]

  In this video, Linda explains the difference between "then" and "than" two words often confused by native and non-native English speakers alike. "Than" is a conjunction used for comparisons, such as here: "Her car is faster than yours". "Then", on the other hand, is an adverb used to situate actions e.g. "I did my homework, then I had a nap?. As you can see, the usages of the two words is very different and cannot be used interchangeably. Keep their differences in mind and you'll not make any mistakes in the future. 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...  [Read more]

TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) and CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) are both popular courses for individuals looking to teach English as a second language. While both courses aim to prepare teachers for the ESL classroom, there are some key differences between the two. - TEFL courses can vary in length, ranging from a few weeks to several months, and can be taken online or in-person. They are generally less intensive compared to CELTA. - CELTA courses are typically more rigorous and intensive, lasting for a minimum of four weeks full-time. Part-time options are also available but take longer to complete. - CELTA is a standardized course offered by Cambridge English, a reputable provider of English language qualifications. It is highly regarded...  [Read more]