Learn To Teach English As A Second Language

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]

  This video is a sample EFL lesson in a real-life classroom setting abroad. After the students have completed a worksheet about modal verbs in the first part of the study phase of this lesson, the teacher starts the second part of the study phase, which is a feedback session. The teacher clearly writes all the correct answers on the board after asking individual students what answers they have written down. 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]

  This video explains the usage of the future perfect continuous tense. This tense is used to talk about how long an action/event will have been going on by a certain time in the future. Although the future perfect continuous is rarely used in everyday English, if you are looking to teach English as a second language, you will need to be knowledgeable on even rare grammar points such as this. So if you are considering entering the world of English teaching the best way to equip yourself with the necessary skills is to take a comprehensive TEFL course and ITTT's online TEFL courses give you a good foundation in the areas of English grammar that you are most likely to encounter when you first set out to teach English as a second language. More information can be found about the...  [Read more]

  This TEFL review video was recorded by Dominick. Dominick chose the 120-hour online TEFL course without tutor support. After doing research into the different courses available, Dominick decided the course from ITTT was the best option. The course consists of 20 study modules with a time limit of six months enabling trainees to study in their own time. 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 was harder to remember. I have done these...  [Read more]

  The next example is going to be that of a boomerang lesson and remember the structure is like this. So, again, we're going to start with an engage phase and for our engage, the students are just going to have a discussion about jobs. What happens at interviews and so on and so forth. So, during that engage phase, what we'd hope to do is to elicit some useful language about jobs and interviews and the types of questions that are being asked. Then, we're going to move immediately into an activate activity and this is going to involve a role-play. So, we'll break the students into pairs. One will be an interviewer, the other will be an interviewee and they'll generate the language that that role-play will produce. What the teacher can do whilst that is taking place is to go around...  [Read more]

  Before we go into looking at the actual receptive skills lesson, if we were thinking about what potential problems there could be in these lessons. So, what things could go wrong in a reading lesson? Well, firstly the students when they are reading in a language that is not their native language, they tend to read every word as a separate piece and by reading word to word it?s very difficult to get an overall impression of what that particular text is saying. Secondly, the sentence length in a lot of articles that we will get will be very long and many of our students will not be used to that structure of language. So, here it's important to have a think about the way in which the text has actually been written and will it be fairly easy to read. The final thing is the actual...  [Read more]

We can say in general terms that all teachers are important, English teachers among them. However, the requirement for specialist teachers who are able to teach English as a second or foreign language is particularly important. What makes specialist ESL teachers so necessary? Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future. Whilst English is a mainstream curriculum subject in many countries, teachers of English are not necessarily equipped to teach English as a second or foreign language. Teachers trained in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are therefore in great demand. Whilst it is generally true that Native English Speakers (NES) have a good working knowledge of the...  [Read more]

  This is the second ITTT video that looks at the structure of the Present Perfect Continuous tense. This time we focus on the question form. Question form: auxiliary verb 'have/has' + subject + been + present participle Have I/you/we/they been teaching for five years? Has he/she/it been teaching for five years? To learn more about the Present Perfect Continuous tense and the other tenses, why not have a look at our other videos online. You may then want to consider completing one of our popular courses. ITTT's courses will equip you with the necessary skills needed to make sure that you can become an effective English language teacher and to be able to confidently teach all aspects of the language. Then the possibilities as to where you can teach are endless. For more...  [Read more]

  Margaret from Indonesia took the 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course and had a great experience. She learned a lot about grammar, classroom management, and lesson planning. In her TEFL review, she recommends our training courses to anyone who is interested in becoming an English language 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. I have learnt about the direct and indirect speech. It was great to repeat all the rules because some of them I...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, you may wonder if you can teach English in countries with different dialects. The short answer is yes, you can teach English in countries with different dialects. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges and differences that may arise when teaching English in such countries. One of the key challenges when teaching English in countries with different dialects is the variation in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. Different dialects can have unique words, expressions, and accents that may differ from the standard English that you are teaching. This can sometimes lead to confusion for students who are trying to learn English as a second language. To address this challenge, it is important to be flexible and open-minded when teaching English in countries...  [Read more]

  This video outlines two usages of the Present Simple tense. There are several usages but the video focuses on the two main ones. The first usage is to talk about habits and routines. For example, I teach every Monday. She walks to school every day. It rains almost every day in the wet season. His mother does yoga twice a week. The second main usage of the Present Simple is to talk about general facts and truths. For example, The sun rises in the east. The earth is round. She works at the local mall. Coming to terms with the tense system can often cause both students and teachers the greatest amount of difficulty, not to mention other grammar points such as conditionals, modals, active and passive voice. ITTT's online teaching courses assume no previous knowledge of English...  [Read more]

  Our second example sentence 'I am playing football at the moment.' is the present continuous tense. This has a different structure as the subject 'I', the verb 'to be' in the present tense 'am', 'is' or 'are' plus the verb with an '?ing' on the end. So here: 'I am playing football at the moment.' Whereas the present simple tense is used to talk about habits routines and facts, the present continuous tense is used to talk about actions in progress at the time of speaking or around the time of speaking. Our third example sentence is the present perfect: 'I have played football twice this week.' Here, the structure is the subject 'I', auxiliary verb 'have' or 'has' plus the past participle. The past participle is usually formed just by adding '-ed'- on to the end of the base form of...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, Rick from the United States tells us how he has recently completed the 120-hour TESOL course online from ITTT. Despite already working as an online English teacher, Rick found the course to be very informative and helped him to develop better strategies to deal with the language issues his students have. Whether Rick decides to carry on teaching online or to take his career abroad, his experience with ITTT has enabled him to offer better lessons to his English language 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...  [Read more]

Yes, you can absolutely teach English abroad with a TEFL certificate even if you are a non-native speaker. Many countries and schools welcome non-native English speakers as long as they have a high level of proficiency in English and hold a recognized TEFL certification. In fact, being a non-native speaker can sometimes be an advantage as you can better understand the challenges your students may face in learning English as a second language. One important factor to consider is the specific requirements of the country or school where you wish to teach. Some countries may have stricter requirements for non-native speakers, such as higher English proficiency levels or additional teaching qualifications. It's essential to research these requirements before applying for teaching positions....  [Read more]

  Would you like to live and work abroad? With a TEFL or TESOL certificate you can work and live abroad, Teaching English as a Foreign Language or Teaching English as a Second Language. Check out ITTT's courses and start a new life with a TEFL or TESOL certification! Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. Unit 8 covers all seven types of future tenses wherein types 5 & 7 are most commonly used in English and 3 & 4 are often times mistaken for...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. We start off the series with the past simple tense. In this video, we focus on the usages of the past simple tense, which mostly include completed actions at a definite time in the past. 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 as challenging as I expected it to be. I however learnt a lot of grammar points that I didn't previously know. I learnt about Zero, First, Second,...  [Read more]

Yes, you can absolutely obtain a TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certificate even if English is your second language. In fact, being a non-native English speaker can sometimes be an advantage when pursuing a TEFL certification, as you have firsthand experience in learning the language and can empathize with your future students who are also learning English as a foreign language. One of the first things to consider when pursuing a TEFL certificate as a non-native English speaker is your proficiency in the English language. Most TEFL certification programs require a certain level of English language proficiency, typically equivalent to a C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is to ensure that you have a strong grasp of the language in...  [Read more]

  The first conditional is used for likely results of possible future situations, as well as promises, threats, warnings or back-up plans. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the first 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. I have learnt some new things about future tense. First, I am clear about the difference between will and be going to, 'will 'can be a spontaneous decision, while be going to is planed;...  [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]

  In this lesson Iban teaches the meanings and differences of ‘I wish’ and ‘if only’. He starts the lesson with a warm up activity before covering the lesson point. He ends the lesson with activities to give the students practice using the language point he has taught. 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 learnt the importance of selecting the correct vocabulary to teach and when to teach it. There were some good ideas...  [Read more]

  Our final methodology is accredited to Jeremy Harmer and it's known by the letters ESA. Around 1998, Jeremy Harmer produced a book called "How to teach English" and basically what Harmer did, is a background to this book is to do what we have done today and to work through all of the different methodologies that have come about over the last 300 years. He highlighted for each of those methodologies what was good about it, what was positive and what didn't appear to work and then put all of the positive things into a melting pot and came out with this methodology, which he called ESA. It's a three-stage methodology, where each of the letters represents a particular phase of the lesson. The first one being called the engage phase, the second the study phase and the final one the...  [Read more]

  Cameron is from London, UK, and attended the four-week in-class course in Buenos Aires because he wanted to get out of his comfort zone. He is also passionate about helping others and teaching English abroad seemed to be the perfect fit for him. In his TEFL review he speaks about his experience at our in-class center in Argentina. He gained valuable teaching experience with children and adults and is excited to put 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]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word firebrand. This word has two different meanings. The first meaning is quite literal and describes burning wood. The second meaning is rather figurative as it refers to a person who is usually inflicting change as a result of being passionate about a certain topic or cause. 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 learnt about the three topics involved in teaching a new language (vocabulary,...  [Read more]

Yes you can. Speaking Thai is not a requirement for teaching English in Thailand. Even if they are fluent in the language, ESL instructors in the majority of Thailand’s language institutions are not required to speak Thai in class. In general, there is a great demand for English teachers in Thailand. In fact, people in Thailand and other Southeast Asian nations now have a greater desire than ever before to learn English, raising the need for ESL instructors in this region. The growing economy also means people in Thailand now have more disposable income to spend on English education. Thus, there are more opportunities for ESL instructors, especially those with credentials like a TEFL or TESOL certificate. In favor of ESL teachers willing to sign contracts for at least six months or a...  [Read more]

To secure a job teaching English in North America, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. First, it is important to have a strong grasp of the English language and be a native or near-native speaker. Many language schools and institutions in North America require their English teachers to have a degree in English, Education, Linguistics, or a related field. Having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is also highly recommended as it demonstrates your commitment to teaching English as a second language. Networking can also be a valuable tool in finding a job teaching English in North America. Attend job fairs, conferences, and workshops related to ESL teaching to connect with potential employers and learn about job opportunities....  [Read more]

The demand for online TEFL teachers is currently on the rise, as more and more people around the world are looking to learn English as a second language. With the increasing globalization of business and the prominence of English as the international language of communication, there is a growing need for proficient English speakers in non-English speaking countries. This has led to a surge in the demand for qualified TEFL teachers who can deliver high-quality English language instruction online. One of the main reasons for the increasing demand for online TEFL teachers is the convenience and flexibility that online learning offers. Students can access lessons from anywhere in the world, at any time that is convenient for them. This flexibility is particularly appealing to working...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard gives feedback after his students complete a worksheet on the second conditional. 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. This lesson shows me what the other two productive skills are, speaking and writing skills. It also shows the difference between accuracy...  [Read more]

  Former trainee Pam completed her TEFL/TESOL training in Phuket Thailand. In this TEFL review video Pam talks about her experiences during the second week of her four week course. She outlines some of the input sessions of the course including the grammar and teaching skills components as well as the teaching practice sessions. 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 lesson has taught me the importance of the receptive skills and how to teach...  [Read more]

  Why teach in China? First the Facts: 2014 College Graduates in China: 7.26 million and rising 30,000 organizations or companies offering private English classes in China The market has nearly doubled in size in the last five years and is now worth around $3.1 billion Salary for foreign English language teachers: English teachers in China can expect to make between 6,000 - 16,000 RMB ($942 - $2,500 USD) Those teaching at an international school, however, can make up to 30,000 RMB ($4,700 USD) Depending on the type of educational institution the salary varies enormously Public Schools: 6,000-10,000 RMB Private Language Institute: 6,000 - 16,000 RMB per month Universities: 7,500 - 10,000 RMB per month International Schools: 12,000 - 30,000 RMB per month How much does...  [Read more]

  ITTT's combined TEFL/TESOL course offers trainees the main benefits of both our 120 hour online course and the in-class course. The online component covers the grammar as well as the principals, theories and methodologies of teaching English. Once the online component is completed you can then gain actual classroom experience by attending one of our training centers for seven to ten days. Here you will have the opportunity to teach local students in a supervised environment. All teaching practice sessions are observed by qualified trainers. 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...  [Read more]