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  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word gibe. This word can be used as a noun and as a verb. Used as a noun, it describes a taunting remark and when used as a verb it refers to the action of making a taunting or insulting remark. Synonyms for gibe are taunt, sneer and insult. 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 really enjoy the grammat units of this course as they are really complex and give a nice overview of each section. The...  [Read more]

  There are certain words that need backshifting when using reported speech. In this video we look at backshifting places in reported speech. This video is specifically aimed at teaching reported speech in an ESL setting. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. this unit was focused on the many rules of the English langue and how and when to properly use them in the construction of sentence writing. There are many rules in the English language, this...  [Read more]

  Moving down our list of parts of speech, we have our verbs. The first big difference between verbs that we need to look at is whether it's an action verb or a state verb. Our action verbs, as the name suggests, mean that we typically can see these things in action. We can see people working and we certainly see people going to various places. Now, we have our state verbs. These are basically indicating a state of being. Two examples would be "seem" and "have" or "own". We have a sentence such as "He seems angry." and "I own my house." You can't actually see the action happening, even though those words are used as verbs. A very big differentiation between the two here as well is, state verbs typically don't take the progressive or continuous form. That form is the verb "+ing". As...  [Read more]

  The term materials can apply to virtually anything that a teachers uses to help the teaching process in the classroom. Common teaching materials include items such as worksheets, newspapers, pictures text books and video recordings. These materials are usually classed as either authentic or non-authentic depending on their origin and the ways they are used. Authentic materials refer to materials that have not been designed or adapted for use in an English language classroom such as magazines, newspapers, video clips and song lyrics. Non-authentic materials on the other hand are anything that has been specifically designed to aid the teaching process such as worksheets, text books and instructional CD’s or DVD’s. Are you ready to live and teach abroad? Click here...  [Read more]

  And now let's look at the pronouns. Simply put, pronouns take the place of a noun. We have various types of pronouns. They are personal pronouns, which can either be subject or object. We have reflexive pronouns, relative pronouns and possessive pronouns. With our personal pronouns, we have to decide whether it's the subject or the object. The subject is the doer of an action, whereas the object is the one that receives the action. Subject pronouns are: I, you, he, she, it etc. Object pronouns are: me, you, him, her, etc. In the sentence "Greg hit Pete," the subject of the sentence is "Greg", therefore I would say "He hit Pete," or I could put a pronoun in for the object of the sentence, where "Greg hit Pete", now, I go into "Greg hit him." With our reflexive pronouns, these are...  [Read more]

Feedback is an essential component of the language learning process in TESOL. It helps students understand their strengths and weaknesses, motivates them to improve, and enhances their language acquisition. As a TESOL teacher, providing constructive feedback is crucial in guiding students towards proficiency in English. Effective feedback fosters a supportive learning environment, encourages students to take risks in using the language, and boosts their confidence in communication skills. When providing feedback to English language learners, it is important to focus on both positive aspects and areas for improvement. Encouraging students by highlighting their progress and achievements can motivate them to continue learning. Constructive criticism should be specific, actionable, and...  [Read more]

{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ [ ] ] } Why do we plan ESL lessons? This is a very important question as the answers to it will suggest what a lesson plan ought to contain. A few of the reasons we plan lessons could include: i) To provide a structure to our lessons ii) To provide a record of what has been taught iii) To easily cross reference against any syllabus requirements of the course being taught The second and third points are very useful to ensure we have covered all the requirements of a course as the plans, as a group, give a permanent record of what has been taught. The first point is perhaps the most important as the plan will be an outline of how the lesson is expected to take place. Before we get to an...  [Read more]

In today's globalized world, effective communication is essential for success in both personal and professional relationships. One crucial aspect of communication that often gets overlooked is the influence of cultural nuances. Cultural nuances refer to the subtle differences in communication styles, gestures, customs, and social norms that exist between different cultures. Ignoring these nuances can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and missed opportunities. Therefore, it is vital to be aware of and sensitive to cultural differences in communication to ensure effective and meaningful interactions. Cultural nuances play a significant role in shaping how people communicate and interpret messages. Different cultures have varying norms regarding eye contact, personal space, body language,...  [Read more]

--- Authentic materials in the context of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) refer to resources that are created for native speakers of the language and are not specifically designed for language learners. These can include newspapers, magazines, advertisements, songs, movie clips, podcasts, and more. Using authentic materials exposes students to real language as it is used by native speakers in everyday situations, making the learning experience more engaging and relevant. Incorporating authentic materials into TEFL lessons offers numerous benefits for language learners. Firstly, it provides exposure to genuine language use, including slang, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references, which can enhance students' understanding and appreciation of the language. Additionally,...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Cultural Aspects in Vietnam 3. Teaching Strategies 4. Conclusion Vietnam is a country rich in history, culture, and traditions. As an ESL teacher in Vietnam, it is essential to consider the cultural aspects that can impact your teaching approach and interactions with students. Understanding and respecting these cultural nuances can lead to more effective communication and a better learning experience for both you and your students. In this article, we will explore some key cultural aspects to consider when teaching English as a second language in Vietnam. Vietnamese culture is deeply rooted in Confucianism, which emphasizes respect for authority, hierarchy, and the importance of family. This cultural framework shapes the behavior and attitudes of Vietnamese people,...  [Read more]

To teach English in Japan, a bachelor's degree is typically required, along with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. Some schools may also prefer or require a teaching license or experience. Native English proficiency is usually expected, and knowledge of Japanese language and culture can be beneficial but is not always necessary. In addition to academic qualifications, having a passion for teaching and cross-cultural communication skills are essential. Japanese students value engaging and interactive lessons, so creativity and adaptability in lesson planning are highly valued. Being respectful of cultural norms and customs is also crucial in building positive relationships with students and colleagues. To legally teach English in Japan, you will need a work visa...  [Read more]

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certification is a valuable qualification for those looking to teach English as a second language. TESOL programs provide training in language teaching methodologies, classroom management, lesson planning, and language assessment. This certification is recognized worldwide and is often a requirement for teaching English abroad. 1. Research Visa Requirements: Check the visa requirements for the country where you wish to teach. Some countries may require a bachelor's degree in addition to a TESOL certificate. 2. Gain Teaching Experience: While teaching online is valuable experience, gaining in-person teaching experience can be beneficial. Consider volunteering at local language schools or community centers to build your resume. 3....  [Read more]

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Teaching English to German students presents a unique set of challenges due to the differences between the two languages. From pronunciation difficulties to grammatical complexities, educators need to employ effective strategies to help their students overcome these obstacles and achieve fluency. In this article, we will explore the specific challenges faced by German learners of English and provide practical tips for teachers to enhance the learning experience. One of the primary challenges for German students learning English lies in the linguistic variations between the two languages. German is a highly inflected language, with a complex system of noun declensions, verb conjugations, and grammatical cases. In contrast, English is more analytic, with a simpler structure and fewer...  [Read more]

Authentic materials refer to resources that are created for native speakers of a language for real-life communication purposes. These can include newspapers, magazines, advertisements, podcasts, videos, songs, and more. In TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language), incorporating authentic materials into lessons can greatly benefit students by providing them with exposure to real-world language use. 1. Cultural Insights: Authentic materials offer a window into the culture of the target language, providing students with a deeper understanding of how language is used in context. This exposure helps learners grasp idiomatic expressions, slang, and cultural references that may not be found in traditional textbooks. 2. Real-world Relevance: By using authentic materials, teachers can expose...  [Read more]

Creating a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) lesson plan is essential for successful language teaching. A lesson plan serves as a roadmap for teachers, guiding them through the objectives, activities, and assessments for each class session. Before diving into the specifics of creating a TEFL lesson plan, it's crucial to understand the basic components and structure of a lesson plan. A TEFL lesson plan typically includes several key elements such as learning objectives, a warm-up activity, the main teaching points, practice activities, and a wrap-up or assessment task. These components work together to create a cohesive and effective learning experience for students. Understanding the purpose and function of each element will help you design lesson plans that engage students and...  [Read more]

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Teaching methodologies in the "Super-learning" class “Super learning” (SL) is an accelerated learning technique and a fast-growing business, with varying results. Lessons usually last a whole day, and the course is often concentrated into a weekend. Some courses are based simply on suggestopedia, promising - but not always delivering - great results: “learn French in five days”. However, some successfully combine suggestopedia with other teaching methods to deliver good results. SL is designed to aid the learning process by removing learning barriers, stimulating both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously, as well as activating some of the intelligences not normally represented in a traditional course. The classroom environment is set up to facilitate subconscious learning, as...  [Read more]

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Should Students Be Allowed to Use Their Native Language in the Classroom When I first began teaching lessons during the TESOL Course I found myself almost automatically saying to the students, “English please,” after all it is an English class. However, I began to question myself about whether or not this was “correct” practice or if the students should in fact use their native language to assist them in the learning process. After doing some research I found the TESOL Law Code of Ethics. The Law of Ethics provided many vague and open-ended ideas. It suggested things along the lines of, “The foreign language teacher shall direct her whole professional effort to assist the students to develop his/her second language speaking ability.” It also mentions that TESOL teachers are to...  [Read more]