Teaching Techniques Course

  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]

  Before looking at the methods or approaches themselves, there are some terms that we need to define. These are the approach, the method or the technique. Basically, these are hierarchical. The approach is an overriding set of principles that a method can actually make use of, whereas the technique are the things that we actually do in the classroom to approach that method. So, these three words are going to appear during the presentation. Again, for each of either the approaches all the methodologies we're going to ask four questions. So be it an approach or a method for each of those things: Where did it come from? What's its background? What does it involve when we're talking about actually in the classroom, in other words techniques? What is positive about it? What appears to...  [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]

  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]

  So what we're going to do is to run through a series of methodologies that were created mainly in the 1900s that adopted the idea that language learning should be much more communicative, much more natural. The first one is called audiolingualism and it's also called the army method because of where it was developed. Basically, psychology, during the 1950s and 60s, was building up new theories about behaviorism. Perhaps the most famous experiments that were done in this particular area were by Pavlov, where he was showing that most animals undergo a stimulus response mechanism and he had a series of famous experiments, where by ringing a bell, he could cause a dog to salivate, that would be his response, in the expectation of getting some food. This behaviorist idea of stimulus...  [Read more]

  This presentation is going to focus on the theories, methods and techniques of teaching and we're going to start with a quote. This is an interesting quotation because it contains within it a philosophical argument and it's a philosophical argument in the way in which we learn. Basically, this one is saying that the intelligence of their own children comes about due to a natural process. So this one could be said to be due to nature. This is exactly the opposite of this one, which is saying that they're teaching the environment that we create, creates that intelligence. So this one can be said to be due to nurture and this argument 'nature versus nurture' has been going on for thousands of years. These two viewpoints are two ends of a scale, or a continuum if you like, and every...  [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]

  The purpose of grammar translation then is to basically translate between L1 and L2 and vice versa. So, we could take a simple example. Let's imagine that our native language was English and our target language was French and let's assume that we want to translate a document from French into English. Let's take a simple sentence. Here's a sentence in French "Ouvre la fenêtre" and we'll add "s'il vous plaît" at the end. What we want to do is to take this L2 and translate it back into English. Now, if we have a reasonable knowledge of French then we may well know that this particular verb "ouvre" "to open" translates directly and this female form of the and finally the fenêtre "Open the window" and this polite form of "please". This is all very well if the two structures that...  [Read more]

  "In terms of the things that are negative about it, we've already said that it doesn't develop speaking but perhaps the biggest negative point about this particular methodology is that it's very unnatural. Ok, so despite the criticisms of this particular method, and particularly the fact that is unnatural, this particular methodology was in use all the way through the 17th, 18th and 19th century and indeed it's still in use today. However, Gouin in the 1880s and Berlitz in the early 1900s decided that this particular methodology was so unnatural that they wanted to come up with something new. The method that they came up with, they called the direct method. You will also sometimes see it as the natural method. What these two people were saying is that if we wish to learn a...  [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]

  So let's take an example of what those drills might involve. So here is an example of a repetition drill. I will model the language and then my class will repeat after me. So "This is a cup." "Spoon" ? "This is a spoon." "Knife" - "his is a knife." Thank you. The reason that it's called or also called the army method is that it was the method adopted by the United States military who had personnel stationed around the world at the end of Second World War and they realized that they needed those personnel to pick up the language very quickly and one of the positive things about this particular methodology is that you do very quickly learn vocabulary. Another positive thing about it is that you quickly learn the correct pronunciation of that vocabulary. However, there are some...  [Read more]

  If you plan on teaching English you will need to be familiar with a range of different skills and techniques in order to provide the tuition your students deserve. By choosing a TEFL course with ITTT you will cover all the most important subjects such as English grammar, lesson planning, and classroom management.  [Read more]

Becoming proficient in TEFL methods can vary depending on several factors. These include the individual's prior experience in teaching, their level of English proficiency, the intensity of the TEFL course, and the amount of practice and dedication they put into learning and implementing the methods. For individuals with no prior teaching experience or knowledge of English language teaching principles, it typically takes around 4-6 weeks to complete a standard TEFL certification course. These courses usually consist of 120-150 hours of coursework, including theoretical knowledge, practical teaching skills, and observed teaching practice. During the course, participants learn about lesson planning, classroom management, language analysis, and teaching techniques for different skills...  [Read more]

  The past perfect continuous is formed with two auxiliary verbs 'had' and 'been' along with the present participle. Positive: Subject + had + been + present participle I had been teaching... Negative: Subject + had + not + present participle I had not been teaching... Question: Had + subject + been + present participle? Had you been teaching...? Some of the highest paying TEFL jobs can be found in South Korea. In order to be successful in finding a well paid teaching position there you will need to get yourself a TEFL certificate. ITTT offers a number of different courses from 100% online courses to 100% in-class or even a combination of the two. Check out our website by following the link above for more information on the types of course ITTT offers as well as useful...  [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]

  This TEFL review video was recorded by ITTT graduate Oksana. Oksana is currently teaching English in China to adults and children. Having already completed her TEFL certification course with ITTT, Oksana is now looking forward to taking the online Certificate in Teaching Business 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. This unit talks about teaching equipment and aids that can be used during a lesson. The unit lists out all the possible aids...  [Read more]

A TEFL certificate can be a valuable asset for teaching English to students with learning disabilities. While the primary focus of a TEFL course is on teaching English as a foreign language to non-native speakers, the skills and techniques learned can be adapted and applied to students with diverse learning needs. One of the key components of a TEFL course is learning about different teaching methodologies and strategies to effectively communicate with students who may have varying learning styles. This knowledge can be particularly beneficial when working with students with learning disabilities, as it can help you tailor your lessons to meet their specific needs and ensure they are able to grasp the material being taught. Additionally, a TEFL certificate typically includes training on...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of 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. I find this unit to be crucial to my TESOL training, since it provides key teaching theories, techniques and...  [Read more]

  The idiom "sweet tooth" refers to having a strong liking for sweet foods, for example: It's difficult for me to lose weight because I have a sweet tooth. 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 enjoyed this unit and hadn't considered the pros and cons of using workbooks. I usually prefer creating my own presentations but I can see how loosely following a book could be good since it's been tested for efficiency. Certain examples were definitely...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word rhadamanthine. This word is used as an adjective and means showing inflexible judgment. 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 used two video examples of classes in order to show the difference between good teaching techniques and poor teaching techniques. The lesson essentially shows what would happen if you teach a class properly, and how well the students can understand what...  [Read more]

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

When it comes to choosing the best TEFL course for experienced teachers, there are several factors to consider to ensure that the course meets your specific needs and goals. One important aspect to look for in a TEFL course for experienced teachers is the level of specialization it offers. Experienced teachers may already have a solid foundation in teaching English as a foreign language, so they may benefit more from a course that focuses on advanced teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, or specific teaching contexts such as business English or exam preparation. Additionally, experienced teachers may also want to consider the accreditation of the TEFL course. Accreditation from recognized bodies such as the British Council, Cambridge English, or the Accrediting Council...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word armada. This word refers to a large fleet of warships. The word has been in use ever since the Spanish naval forces lost against England in 1588. 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 provides the information about teaching methodology and techniques as well as some usefull ideas that can be used during the lesson. After studying the Unit 3, I have learnt that the mistakes and...  [Read more]

  Livinus is from Cameroon and is teaching English in China. He recently took our 120-hour online certification course and enjoyed working through the 20 units. He enjoyed the flexibility the course gave him to complete the course. 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 6 I watched two videos which provided good examples of both a good teacher and a bad teacher. The portrayal of the effective and ineffective teacher utilized methods and...  [Read more]

  Angelina is from Russia and she decided to take the 120-hour online TEFL/TESOL course. She found the units on teaching methodologies and techniques to be very helpful and she is now able to create and present effective English lessons to EFL students. Her next goal is to find a position teaching young learners. This is her TEFL review. 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. International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT) is known as one of the most...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video Eva from Germany talks about the reasons why she decided to do ITTT's 120 online TEFL/TESOL course with tutor support and how happy she was to achieve her certification. Eva also outlines the many benefits she gained from the course and how she is now planning to further enhance her qualifications by completing ITTT's Business English course. 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, teaching themes describes some...  [Read more]

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

  Chaabane from Tunisia has recently completed the 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support and videos from ITTT. Initially Chaabane was a bit nervous about completing the course but soon found out that the course was enjoyable to take. He was impressed by the course materials which he found to be comprehensive. Chaabane would recommend ITTT?s online TEFL courses to anyone considering a career in teaching 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]

To apply for a TEFL course, you typically need to follow a few key steps. First, research different TEFL course providers to find one that suits your needs in terms of course duration, cost, accreditation, and teaching practice opportunities. Once you have selected a TEFL course, you will need to complete an application form on the provider's website. During the application process, you may be asked to provide personal details, educational background, and sometimes a statement of purpose explaining why you want to take the course. Some providers may also require a copy of your resume or CV. It's important to check the specific requirements of each course you are interested in to ensure you provide all the necessary information. After submitting your application, you may need to pay a...  [Read more]

  John tells us in this TESOL review that he completed his teaching course with ITTT while living in Mexico City, Mexico. The flexibility of ITTT's online courses mean that you can study anywhere in the world and fit your studying around your other commitments. 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 has been very beneficial because it has taught me all about modal verbs and phrasal verbs. By understanding all the different techniques used in...  [Read more]