So You're Not An English Teacher

  And now we'll have a look at both the infinitive and the gerund. Infinitive is the word "to", followed by the base form of the verb. We"ll typically use it after a verb, specifically verbs like "want" or "hope". We can make statements like "I want to go to the beach." We also have our gerund. Our gerund is a verb followed by "-ing", but specifically used as a noun within the sentence. We have a verb plus a gerund: "I enjoy playing poker." The main verb is "enjoy" and, although "playing" looks as if it's a verb, it's actually used as the noun within the sentence. We also can use it with a preposition followed by a gerund: "How about going to the beach?" We could also put it in the front of a sentence: "Smoking is bad for you." Again, the verb plus "-ing" can act as two things...  [Read more]

If you're a TEFL teacher who loves ancient history, there are several countries that could be a perfect fit for you. These countries not only offer exciting opportunities to teach English as a foreign language but also boast rich histories that date back centuries. One top destination for TEFL teachers with a passion for ancient history is Egypt. With its iconic pyramids, temples, and hieroglyphics, Egypt offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world's oldest civilizations while teaching English to eager students. The country's rich historical sites provide a fascinating backdrop for your teaching adventures. Another excellent option is Greece, known for its ancient ruins, including the Acropolis in Athens and the Temple of Apollo in Delphi. Teaching English in...  [Read more]

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

As a TEFL teacher looking for diverse cultural experiences, there are several countries around the world that offer unique opportunities to immerse yourself in different cultures while teaching English. Here are some of the best countries for TEFL teachers seeking a rich cultural experience: **1. Thailand:** Thailand is a popular destination for TEFL teachers due to its friendly locals, delicious cuisine, and stunning landscapes. You can explore bustling markets, visit ancient temples, and relax on beautiful beaches during your time off. Teaching opportunities are abundant, especially in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. **2. South Korea:** South Korea is known for its high demand for English teachers and offers a fascinating blend of traditional and modern culture. You can experience...  [Read more]

  Just to finish off this particular section on lesson planning, we're going to go through a couple of procedures that should take place during the study phase periods, particularly when we're doing the activities. It is quite important that before we actually go into a study activity that we go through a process of showing how that activity is going to work and one acronym that is often used for this is D-E-GO. The D part of this stands for a demonstration of the activity. Now, it's very important that you don't try to explain how the activity is going to work but rather you actually demonstrate the process. An example of the demonstration of the process of the activity could be something as simple as taking the first question and using it and writing it on the board. This will...  [Read more]

  If you're interested in earning an accredited and internationally recognized TEFL certificate in Nepal, TEFL International provides Kathmandu’s best course available. Demand for certified TEFL teachers in Kathmandu is always good and if you'd like to stay in Nepal after the course, our center will help you locate a job. Alternatively, if you'd like to branch out into the rest of Asia, or anywhere else certified TEFL teachers are needed, we'll provide you with job support. Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas, Nepal is the birthplace of Buddha and the most Hindu nation on Earth. All of these factors add up to a very healthy tourist industry and many of the local workers need to be able to speak and use English in their jobs. The result of this means that with a bit of...  [Read more]

If you’re looking for a real world experience but need to ensure that you’ll find a TESOL job, Asia is the place for you. Asia’s market is as hot as you’re going to find anywhere in the world. When it comes to China, it’s not about finding a job; it’s about finding the right job to suit your individual tastes and needs. After China, you’ve got the Far East and Southeast Asia as well as Mongolia, the Indian subcontinent, and many of the Former Soviet Republics (FSRs). Azerbaijan, Kirgizstan and Kazakhstan are some of the better options for paying jobs and if you’re looking to volunteer, Armenia is also a good choice. TESOL positions in Asia can be divided into three main categories: private schools, university work, and freelance teaching. Universities are generally lower...  [Read more]

  When our answers are not correct then, obviously, they need to be corrected but it is quite important that we go through a process of correction that will help students. Quite often they've made a mistake simply because of something like reading the incorrect answer out or misrepresenting what they've actually written down. So, always give the opportunity when a mistake has been made for the student to self-correct first. We can often do this in a nonverbal way to show them that they're not actually correct. We might repeat back what they've said to us in a questioning manner or we may just make a gesture to make sure that they understand that they're not correct. So, we allow for a process of self-correction. It may be that the student has actually got the answer wrong and so we...  [Read more]

  We now consider what we might call the technology that we could use within the classroom then that could include things such as cassettes, the use of CDs, the use of DVD and video. Some general issues surrounding the use of these types of material, make sure whenever you're using any of this type of technology though you know how it actually works when using it for a listening activity, for example. How long does it take for the whole tape to play through? How long does it take to rewind and so on. Other issues that you might need to think about is if you're using a cassette player or CD or something that you set the volume level before you actually start the lesson so that when you switch on you don't shock everyone with a very loud sound or that they can't actually hear it....  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard checks the understanding of his students by having a classroom discussion with his students using modal verbs. They are used to express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. 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. Reviewing this subject was useful to...  [Read more]

  There's another activity for comparing and contrasting the tenses focusing here in this activity on the present perfect and the present perfect continuous. So in the activity, students will start at the start and roll a die. Perhaps they can roll a 5. They will read 'something you've been learning for a long time'. The appropriate sentence may be 'I've been learning English for a long time.' The next student may go and roll 4. They read 'a beautiful place you've visited.' Then, rather than the present perfect continuous, they would use the present perfect tense: 'I visited Paris.' You can encourage students to even ask follow-up questions, which would also include other tenses: 'What was so beautiful about Paris?' Now, this activity will be particularly good for your more...  [Read more]

  There are some general Do's and Don'ts that need to be considered when teaching business English. Watch this video to get more insight into teaching this special group of learners. 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 was a very interesting but also guided unit demonstrating the activities in writing as well as speaking.The ideas produced as well as the extensive assistance showed me how well prepared the teacher should be.The games in the...  [Read more]

If you're a TEFL teacher who loves nature, there are several countries that offer incredible natural landscapes and outdoor opportunities that can enhance your teaching experience. From lush rainforests to stunning beaches and majestic mountains, teaching English in these countries will allow you to immerse yourself in nature while making a difference in the lives of your students. One of the best countries for TEFL teachers who love nature is Costa Rica. Known for its biodiversity and eco-friendly policies, Costa Rica offers teachers the chance to explore tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches during their time off. Teaching English in Costa Rica also provides opportunities to engage with local communities and learn about sustainable living practices firsthand. Another top...  [Read more]

If you're looking to start a career in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), choosing the right online course is crucial. With the plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to select the best one for your needs. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best online TEFL course: 1. **Accreditation**: Look for courses that are accredited by recognized bodies such as the British Council, ACCET, or Cambridge English. Accreditation ensures that the course meets certain quality standards and will be recognized by employers worldwide. 2. **Curriculum**: A good TEFL course should cover a range of topics including language teaching methodology, lesson planning, classroom management, and assessment. Look for courses that offer a comprehensive curriculum that will equip...  [Read more]

  TEFL International offers two of the most outstanding training courses for people who want to gain TEFL certification in France. Once you’ve earned it, you’ll have one of the most recognizable TEFL certificates in the world. With that in hand, we’ll help you find employment and offer other post-course support—in France or elsewhere. Take our course in France and you’ll be spending a month of life-long learning in one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations. From food and wine to museums and architecture, France is home to some of the finest cuisine and art scenes in the entire world. France is home to numerous fascinating cities, the Cote d’azur and a countryside that could charm even the coldest of souls. Combine France's quaint and lazy days with its brilliant...  [Read more]

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

Central and Eastern Europe’s demand for TESOL teachers varies from “high” to “very high”. The region has seen profound improvement in terms of both its economy and its infrastructure. Pay rates are good and work conditions are too. With a well-recognized TESOL certificate in hand, such as that offered by ITTT, you should have no problem finding a job in countries such as Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia and others. As summer lets out every year throughout the region, you’re best time to find employment in primary and secondary schools is most likely July and August. However, if you’re hoping to work in one of the many private language centers that can be found in nearly every urban area, there is no specific time frame for finding work. Employers will routinely have vacancies open...  [Read more]

If you're a TEFL teacher who loves to travel, there are several countries around the world that can offer you a rewarding experience both in terms of teaching and exploring new destinations. Here are some of the best countries for TEFL teachers who have a passion for travel: 1. **Thailand**: Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Thailand is a popular destination for TEFL teachers. With a high demand for English teachers, you can easily find job opportunities in schools, language centers, or even as a private tutor. During your free time, you can explore bustling cities like Bangkok, relax on tropical beaches, or visit ancient temples. 2. **Spain**: If you dream of living in Europe while teaching English, Spain is an excellent choice. With a rich...  [Read more]

If you have a TEFL certificate and you're looking to teach English in South-East Europe, there are several countries in the region where you can find opportunities. Countries like Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Greece are popular destinations for English language teachers. In Romania, cities like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, and Timisoara have a demand for English teachers in language schools, private tutoring, and even in public schools. The cost of living in Romania is lower compared to Western Europe, making it an attractive option for TEFL teachers. Bulgaria is another country in South-East Europe where you can teach English with a TEFL certificate. Cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, and Varna have a range of opportunities in language schools, international schools, and private tutoring....  [Read more]

If you are considering teaching English in Southern Europe, there are several steps you can take to secure a job in this region. Southern Europe offers a rich cultural experience coupled with a high demand for English teachers, making it an attractive destination for many. Here are some tips to help you land a job teaching English in Southern Europe: 1. **Qualifications and Requirements**: Most schools in Southern Europe require English teachers to have a bachelor's degree and a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate. Some schools may also prefer candidates with teaching experience or a specific teaching qualification like a CELTA or DELTA. 2. **Research and Choose a Destination**: Southern Europe comprises countries like Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and others. Each...  [Read more]

The job market for TEFL teachers in Africa is diverse and offers a range of opportunities for those looking to teach English as a foreign language on the continent. With a growing demand for English language proficiency in many African countries due to globalization and the importance of English in international business and communication, there are numerous job prospects for qualified TEFL teachers. In countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana, there is a particularly high demand for English teachers, both in private language schools and in public schools. Private language schools often cater to adults looking to improve their English skills for work or travel, while public schools may hire native English speakers to teach English to students of all ages. Additionally,...  [Read more]

  TEFL International offers superb training courses for people who want to gain TEFL Certification in Thailand. We have four course locations on offer in Thailand and we also offer our combined course here. Thailand is one of the most desirable countries in which to work and we’ve helped thousands of teachers gain their TEFL certificates for teaching in Thailand. In addition to this, the likelihood of finding a job after the course is about as high as you’re going to find it anywhere in the world. Thailand has something for nearly everyone. It’s got undeniably good food, wonderful beaches, vibrant night life, an incredibly low cost of living and the people are as welcoming as you’d want anyone to be. Upon completion of your TEFL course, the odds of you finding a job range from...  [Read more]

If you’re thinking of working in Central America, it’s best to begin your search after you’ve arrived there. Very few positions are advertised on the internet and in local papers. It’s best to visit the school well-dressed and with your resume in hand. While salaries aren’t going to make you rich, you’ll enjoy a nice standard of living in relation to local standards. Costa Rica offers some of the higher salaries in the region as demand for teachers there is higher than elsewhere in Central America. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

  And now let's look at the future continuous tense. The future continuous tense is typically used to indicate an action in progress at a particular time in the future. To form this tense in the positive form, we have our subject, here we've used 'Karen', the word 'will', our auxiliary verb our helping verb 'to be' and then the present participle or the verb with 'ing', so 'Karen will be going'. In order to create the negative form, we keep with our positive form but add 'not' in between 'will' and our helping verb 'to be'. Finally, we ask a question by beginning with 'will', then we have our subject being sure to include our helping verb and the present participle: 'Will Karen be going?' Some of the more common usages for the future continuous tense are as follows. We can use them...  [Read more]

  Our next consideration is going to be building and maintaining rapport. The importance of rapport is that within our communicative activities, we're asking the students to talk to each other. If they feel comfortable with each other and with us, then that interaction is much more likely to be useful. So how do we actually build and maintain rapport? Well, it's easiest if we consider two stages of the course itself. What we can do at the start of the course and what we can do throughout the course to help build and maintain that rapport. So at the start of the course, it's very useful if we ask the students to create a name card and to make that name card visible to everyone. Secondly we need to try to do some ice breaking activities that will allow the students to interact with...  [Read more]

  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]

  Our next methodology is called the silent way and it's accredited to Caleb Gattegno and was developed in or around the 1970s. This particular methodology moved on from the behaviorist stimulus response to what's called a theory of constructivism and this constructivist approach was very very different, very radical to anything that had been tried before. The background to this particular methodology was that there was a French mathematics teacher who found that his students were finding it very difficult to understand particular concepts. What he realized was that what they needed was a more visual representation of the information. So he came up with a series of colored rods to help with those concepts in mathematics. He gave his name to those rods and they're called Cuisenaire...  [Read more]

  Demand for English teachers in China is as high as you’re going to find it. With hundreds of new positions advertised daily, English language teachers will find positions quite easily and throughout the year. Sign up for training with TEFL International and you are sure to be offered a teaching position. China offers opportunities nationwide, especially in many of the big cities. TEFL International offers accredited and internationally recognized TEFL certification at a number of superb training locations such as Beijing, Shanghai (Hangzhou) and Zhuhai. We are also in a prime location for you to go on and teach in South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, and all Asian countries, should you wish to do so. With our numerous TEFL training courses in China running year round and on a monthly...  [Read more]

  The next idea we're going to consider is the use of visual aids and visual aids can include some examples such as real, objects, which we call realia, the use of pictures and photographs and also the use of models. So let's consider some of the ideas surrounding the use of visual aids. Well, why are they useful? Well, first of all the use of a visual aid can reduce teacher talk time. It's very much more simple just to show a real object than to try to describe it so that we could just ask the students ?what is this,? and they would say ?this is a pen,? rather than trying to actually describe it. Again if we were trying to show examples of fruit and vegetables rather than to try and describe them why not use an actual model and this is going to be much more visually stimulating...  [Read more]

When it comes to TEFL teachers who enjoy cultural diversity, there are several countries that stand out as ideal destinations. One of the top choices is Thailand. Thailand is a vibrant and culturally rich country with a high demand for English teachers. The country offers a mix of traditional Thai culture and modern amenities, making it a fascinating place to live and work. TEFL teachers in Thailand can immerse themselves in the local way of life, explore ancient temples, and enjoy delicious Thai cuisine. Another great option for TEFL teachers seeking cultural diversity is Spain. Spain is known for its lively atmosphere, rich history, and diverse regions. TEFL teachers in Spain can experience the unique traditions of each region, from the flamenco dancing in Andalusia to the pintxos (small...  [Read more]