Learning English Why Is It Important

  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]

  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]

  Peter from Hungary recorded this TEFL review video after completing his course with ITTT. Peter has been teaching English to young learners for 12 years. He took the 120-hour course with tutor support and videos and learnt many new things as he was studying. Peter hopes to teach elsewhere in the world now that he has earned his certificate from ITTT. 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. Reflecting upon this unit, I have had the most troubles so...  [Read more]

  Our next particular methodology is accredited to James Asher around 1965 and is called total physical response. Asher looked at the way in which we learn our native language and he saw that most children, before they even went to school, have picked up a very large percentage of both the grammar and the vocabulary that they would use in their native language before any type of formal schooling. So Asher started to have a look at ideas of how to use the whole of our brain in language learning in the way that we do when we're very young. It's accepted that within our brain there are two hemispheres, one is the left hemisphere the other is the right hemisphere, and one of the functions of the left hemisphere is language learning. One of the major functions of the right hemisphere is...  [Read more]

Teaching English to non-literate adults can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. It requires a patient and creative approach to help students develop their language skills effectively. Here are some strategies and tips to consider when teaching English to non-literate adults. First and foremost, it is essential to establish a supportive and encouraging learning environment. Non-literate adults may feel embarrassed or frustrated about their inability to read and write, so creating a safe space where they feel comfortable making mistakes is crucial. Encouraging peer support and collaboration can also help boost their confidence and motivation. When teaching non-literate adults, it is important to focus on oral communication skills initially. This includes teaching basic vocabulary,...  [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]

  Paul from Australia is currently living in Manila in the Philippines. Paul took the 120-hour online TESOL course without tutor from ITTT. In this TESOL review video, Paul tells us that he found the course to be challenging and rewarding and had a great time completing but feels it would have been better to take the course with tutor support. Since completing the course Paul has been able to observe ESL lessons at the local international school and is looking forward to starting his new career as a TESOL 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...  [Read more]

When developing your TEFL teaching methodology, there are several key components that you should consider including to ensure effective and engaging English language instruction. A well-rounded methodology will incorporate a variety of approaches and techniques to cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of your students. First and foremost, it is important to establish clear learning objectives for each lesson or course. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), guiding both your lesson planning and assessment strategies. By clearly outlining what you want your students to achieve, you can design activities and tasks that support their language development in a structured and purposeful manner. Incorporating a communicative...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TESOL review video Stratton talks about his TEFL experience in Phuket, Thailand. He talks about some of the course content including grammar, phonology and Thai culture and traditions. He also talks about the many advantages of doing the course, meeting new people and experiencing new adventures. 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 had not realised that the present tense was so complicated. Rather, I should say that I did not know...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word "phreaker". This word is a noun and refers to someone who one who gains illegal access to the telephone system. The word become widely popular in the mid-1980s and is likely a combination of the words "phone" and "freak". Modern phreakers are very specialized hackers breaking into the phone system of large companies and corporations. 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 found this section...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word amphibology. This word refers to the ambiguous meaning of sentence due due to confusing grammar patterns. A good example for this would be He sees more of his children than his wife. This sentence is an amphibology as it has two meanings. It could either mean that the husband sees his children more often than his wife sees their children, or it could mean that the husband sees his children more often than he sees his wife. 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...  [Read more]

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

When teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), one of the key challenges that teachers often face is handling cultural differences in the classroom. Cultural differences can manifest in various ways, including communication styles, attitudes towards authority, and approaches to learning. As a TEFL teacher, it is essential to be aware of these differences and to develop strategies for effectively managing them in order to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. One of the first steps in handling cultural differences in the classroom is to educate yourself about the cultural backgrounds of your students. Take the time to learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs, as this will help you better understand where they are coming from and why they may...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be a valuable asset when teaching English to children with special needs. While a TEFL course typically focuses on teaching English as a foreign language to general student populations, many of the skills and techniques learned can be applied to teaching children with special needs. One of the key benefits of having a TEFL certificate when working with children with special needs is the understanding of different teaching methodologies and techniques. TEFL courses often cover topics such as lesson planning, classroom management, and adapting materials for different learning styles. These skills can be particularly useful when working with children who may require a more individualized or specialized approach to learning. Additionally, a TEFL certificate can provide...  [Read more]

  Shem is from the USA and is currently living in Japan having previously taught English in Africa. In this TEFL review Shem tells how he really enjoyed taking the online TEFL course with ITTT and recommends the course with tutor support and videos as he found the videos to be really helpful in preparing him for what to expect in the English teaching 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. I found it very useful how a foundational grammar was...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in an urban environment, there are several key factors to consider. First and foremost, familiarize yourself with the cultural and linguistic diversity that may exist within urban areas. Urban environments often have a mix of different ethnicities, languages, and socio-economic backgrounds, so it's important to be sensitive to these differences and to adapt your teaching approach accordingly. In addition, urban areas may present unique challenges and opportunities for English language learners. For example, students in urban environments may have different levels of exposure to English outside of the classroom, which can impact their language proficiency and learning needs. It's important to assess the individual needs of your students and tailor your lesson...  [Read more]

To prepare for teaching English in an alternative education setting, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready to meet the unique challenges and opportunities this environment presents. First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the specific goals and objectives of the alternative education program where you will be teaching. This may involve meeting with program administrators, reviewing curriculum materials, and observing classes to gain a better understanding of the student population and their learning needs. Next, consider the diverse range of teaching strategies and methodologies that are effective in alternative education settings. These may include project-based learning, experiential learning, and differentiated instruction to meet the...  [Read more]

  Also in the 1970s la señal came up with a new methodology called "Suggestopedia". As psychological theory was developing, one of the ideas that came up was something called ?the effective filter?. Basically, the effective filter is a barrier to learning. It's the reasons why we inhibit our learning of a particular language. There are two main elements to the effective filter, two sets of factors, if you like, those are known as internal and external factors. The external factors to learning, the reasons why we have barriers to learning, may be just simple things such as external noise. So, people talking to us while we're trying to learn and so on and so forth. Perhaps more important are these internal factors and the internal factors one of the main things here is our previous...  [Read more]

Creating a TEFL lesson plan for a mixed-ability class can be a challenging but rewarding task. By following some key principles and strategies, you can effectively meet the needs of all your students and create a positive and inclusive learning environment. When planning a lesson for a mixed-ability class, it is essential to first assess the varying levels of proficiency among your students. This can be done through diagnostic tests, informal assessments, or simply by observing their performance in class activities. Once you have a clear understanding of your students' abilities, you can tailor your lesson plan to accommodate their needs. One effective strategy for teaching a mixed-ability class is differentiation. This involves providing different tasks or activities that cater to the...  [Read more]

  Here now is a teaching idea for the present perfect tense. If you remember back, one of the main usages of the present perfect tense is to talk about past experiences at an indefinite time. Here, will be having students work in small groups. Each small group will receive a prompt. This prompt has various past experiences. However, not conjugated into the question. The challenge for the students will be to take one of these prompts and to create a question based upon it. For example here they see 'win' and 'a competition'. One at a time, the students will take turns forming the question. 'Have you ever won a competition?' The other people listening to the question in the small group, will exchange their past experiences, either 'Yes, I have,' and perhaps tell a bit about the...  [Read more]

  Before we move on to the final methodology for today, let's just recap and see where we are at this point in time. We're looking at different learning methodologies. Each of those methodologies takes its premise from being somewhere on this particular spectrum of ?nature versus nurture? and where we are on this spectrum gives us a starting point for the background or theory to that particular methodology. So, we?ve had a look starting in the 17th century and the classical method and moving on as the ideas of psychology developed to various methods, such as audiolingualism, the silent way, Suggestopedia and TPR. Each of these showing a development as knowledge about learning increased and each of these takes a different starting point on our English spectrum. Below you can read...  [Read more]

To teach English in Italy, there are several requirements that you need to meet. Firstly, having a Bachelor’s degree is essential. While it doesn't necessarily have to be in English or Education, having a degree is typically a requirement to obtain a work visa for teaching English in Italy. Additionally, many language schools and institutions prefer candidates with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. This certification provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. Moreover, having a good command of the English language is crucial. As an English teacher, you will be expected to have native or near-native proficiency in English. This...  [Read more]

  Before we move on to the planning of a lesson for speaking skills, something that we need to look at first is the idea of the accuracy versus the fluency of speaking. Accuracy relates to the correct usage of grammar and vocabulary, whereas fluency relates to our ability to continue speaking without any interruption. Now, ultimately within a whole ESA lesson or within language learning itself fluency and accuracy are equally important. Within an ESA lesson, however, depending upon which stage we're at in that lesson, then we're either focusing on accuracy or we're focusing on fluency. Remember in the ESA lesson, in the study phase, this is where we're looking at the target language where we're doing our language learning, so it's very important in this stage that we focus on the...  [Read more]

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

To make your TEFL classes more effective, there are several key strategies you can implement. First, it's essential to create a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable practicing their English skills. This can be achieved through icebreaker activities, group work, and encouraging open communication. In addition, incorporating a variety of teaching methods and resources can help cater to different learning styles and keep students engaged. This can include using multimedia tools, such as videos and interactive online platforms, as well as incorporating real-life materials like newspapers, songs, and podcasts. Furthermore, providing regular feedback to students on their progress is crucial for their development. This can be done through individual...  [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]

To teach English in South Africa, there are certain requirements that need to be met. Firstly, having a recognized TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language) certification is essential. This certification demonstrates that you have received proper training in teaching English to non-native speakers. Additionally, a bachelor's degree in any field is generally required to teach English in South Africa. Furthermore, it is important to have a good command of the English language, both spoken and written. This includes having a neutral accent that is easily understandable to students. Being able to effectively communicate and explain concepts is crucial in teaching English as a foreign language. Another requirement for teaching English in South Africa is obtaining a work visa. This process can...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, managing large classes can be challenging but with the right strategies in place, it is definitely achievable. Here are some tips and techniques to help you effectively handle large groups of students: One of the most important aspects of managing a large class is establishing clear expectations and rules from the beginning. Setting boundaries and creating a positive learning environment will help keep students focused and on task. Make sure to communicate these expectations clearly and consistently. Utilize classroom management techniques such as seating arrangements to control the flow of the lesson and minimize distractions. Group students strategically based on their language proficiency levels or behavior to create a conducive learning environment. Incorporate...  [Read more]

Storytelling is a powerful tool that can greatly enhance your TEFL lessons by capturing students' attention and fostering language acquisition in a fun and engaging way. Incorporating storytelling into your teaching methodology can help make language learning more enjoyable and effective for students of all ages and proficiency levels. One of the key benefits of using storytelling in TEFL lessons is that it can create a meaningful context for language learning. By presenting vocabulary, grammar, and language structures in the context of a story, students are more likely to remember and understand the language in a deeper way. Stories can also help students make connections between words and phrases, leading to better retention and comprehension. When using storytelling in TEFL lessons,...  [Read more]

Teaching English in an economically challenged area can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some tips on how to prepare for this unique teaching opportunity. First and foremost, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the cultural and economic context of the area where you will be teaching. Understanding the challenges that the community faces can help you tailor your teaching approach to better meet the needs of your students. One of the key considerations when teaching in an economically challenged area is the lack of resources. Be prepared to work with limited materials and technology. It can be helpful to create your own teaching resources using inexpensive or free materials that are readily available. Additionally, consider the...  [Read more]