Harder Language To Learn

  The idiom "cold shoulder" means treating someone with coldness or ignoring someone. Our example is as follows: Anna is giving me the cold shoulder. She must be angry at me. 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 this unit I have learnt about the different types of tests to give the students. Each test type is for a different reason and all tests should be given at different times. Tests are not only for evaluating students progression but they...  [Read more]

  This presentation is going to focus on the ESA methodology of teaching. In our teaching methodologies section, we briefly had a look at what ESA was about, but in this presentation, we're going to look in greater detail about that particular methodology. This particular methodology is accredited to Jeremy Harmer from his "Practice of English language Teaching" book. It's a three-stage methodology and what we're going to do is to look at the purpose of each one of these stages and some typical activities that take place during those stages. So, the first stage is known as the engage and its sole purpose, as the name implies, is to get the students talking and thinking in English. There is no reason whatsoever, when these students come to your class, that they should have said a...  [Read more]

  The idiom "long arm of the law" refers to the police or authorities, for example: The long arm of the law finally caught up with the robber and the police arrested him today. 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 am so appreciated that this unit gave me a great amount of online resources which are going to be too much helpful during my teaching career. Also I learnt how to use many other different types of teaching aids to make the English...  [Read more]

  "They're", "their" and "there" are three words that are often used incorrectly. "They're" is simply the contracted form of "they are". "Their" is a possessive and indicates ownership of something. "There" indicates a place. Due to the Internet and instant messaging, the three words have been icreasingly used incorrectly. However, if you'd like to use them correctly, you should keep their meanings in mind. When trying to decide which word to use remember that "they're" = they are, "their" = ownership and "there" = place. 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...  [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. First thoughts about this lesson: was a bit more intricate than I expected! Had to...  [Read more]

  There are two issues that need to be stressed when working with the international phonemic alphabet. First is the fact that we are no longer concerned with how a word is traditionally spelled. Additionally we need to stress that we are only concerned with the sounds needed to correctly produce a word. So rather than numerous spellings, which can often be pronounced in different ways, we have one symbol representing one sound. Once we can isolate a sound, rather than juggling various spellings, we can work with our students on how to say that sound. Doing that successfully is related to manner and place of articulation, which will be covered shortly. To get a better understanding of the phonemic alphabet, let's take a look at our chart. In the bottom half of our chart we have our...  [Read more]

ESA: A Teaching Methodology For many years Teachers of English have used the PPP model of Presentation, Practice and Production for the preferred model of teaching. It has worked well. The PPP model falls short however, in that it does not work well when teaching more complex language problems beyond the sentence level or when teaching communicative skills. Jeremy Harmer in How to Teach English (Longman Publishing 1998) proposed an alternative to PPP called ESA: Engage, Study, and Activate. In an article written in The Guardian Weekend, March 15 1997, Bridget Riley complained about the treatment she and her fellow students received at the Royal College of Art. “We were abandoned when what we needed and what we hoped for was help toward independence in teaching rather than having...  [Read more]

  Chantelle details her experience of studying the fifth unit of her online TEFL course with ITTT. In this unit she learnt about classroom management and the different ways you can arrange your classroom and group students according to the needs of the lesson you are going to teach and of the students themselves. The unit also deals with reasons for problem behavior within a lesson and the ways a teacher’s body language can be used to communicate ideas about language as well as to reinforce instructions and requirements of the 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...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word "jinni". This word describes an entity or a spirit in Muslim beliefs that can take human or animal form and influence human with supernatural powers. The word came into the English language from the Arabic word "jinn?" that can also mean demon. 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 discusses classroom equipment and audio/visual teaching aids which are typically avaiblae to today's...  [Read more]

--- One of the most convenient ways for TESOL teachers to enhance their skills is through online courses and webinars. Platforms like Coursera, TEFL.org, and FutureLearn offer a wide range of courses covering topics such as classroom management, lesson planning, and language assessment. These courses are often self-paced, allowing teachers to learn at their own convenience. Webinars, on the other hand, provide live interactive sessions with experts in the field, offering valuable insights and practical tips for teaching English as a foreign language. Attending professional development workshops and conferences is another excellent resource for TESOL teachers looking to improve their skills. These events bring together educators from around the world to share best practices, discuss current...  [Read more]

  As mentioned before our four words here all are similar in using the 'b' and 't' sounds at the end. So we know that those phonemes will be used in spelling each one of those words phonetically. Now what we're left to do is assign a phoneme for our vowel sounds. So if we analyze the word, it's 'e' as in bet. We look at our chart, we see the phoneme which corresponds to that sound and that happens to be the standard 'e' that we all recognize. Here, bet phonetically looks very similar to bet in the Roman script. Now let's take a look at 'i' bit. Now we look at our chart and we see that this symbol represents the 'i' sound and that resembles a capital I not a lowercase I but a capital I and so we've arrived at bit. Now with 'but' we have to find the sound and that corresponds to this...  [Read more]

There are numerous online platforms and websites that offer resources for TEFL teachers to enhance their teaching methods. Websites like British Council, TEFL.org, and TEFL.net provide lesson plans, teaching tips, activities, and articles on various aspects of English language teaching. Online forums and communities such as ELT Jam and Dave's ESL Cafe are great places to connect with other teachers, share experiences, and get advice on teaching practices. Additionally, platforms like Coursera and EdX offer free or affordable online courses on topics like classroom management, lesson planning, and English language teaching methodology. Professional development courses and certifications play a crucial role in helping TEFL teachers improve their teaching methods. Organizations like TESOL...  [Read more]

When considering teaching English abroad with a non-native English accent, it is essential to understand the qualifications required by potential employers. Many countries and language schools have specific requirements for English teachers, including a native-like proficiency in English. While having a non-native accent may not disqualify you from teaching English abroad, it could be a factor that employers consider when making hiring decisions. In most cases, having a recognized English teaching certification such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is crucial. These certifications not only provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English effectively but also demonstrate to employers that you are...  [Read more]

When teaching English abroad, speaking the local language can be beneficial for several reasons. Firstly, it can help you build rapport with your students and establish a sense of trust and understanding. Being able to communicate in their language shows that you respect their culture and are making an effort to connect with them on a deeper level. Moreover, knowing the local language can also help you navigate daily life outside of the classroom, such as running errands, asking for directions, or interacting with locals in social settings. While speaking the local language can be advantageous, it is not always necessary when teaching English abroad. In fact, some language schools and programs prefer hiring teachers who do not speak the local language to create an immersive...  [Read more]

When it comes to lesson planning in the TESOL industry, online resources can be incredibly valuable. Websites such as British Council, TESOL International Association, and ESL Flow offer a wide range of lesson plans, activities, and teaching tips for English language teachers. These resources are often free or available at a low cost, making them accessible to educators around the world. Additionally, online platforms like Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers are great places to find innovative lesson ideas and materials shared by fellow TESOL professionals. Another essential resource for TESOL lesson planning is textbooks and publications specifically designed for English language teaching. Books like "Learning Teaching" by Jim Scrivener, "How to Teach English" by Jeremy Harmer, and...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) in rural or remote communities offers a unique set of benefits for both teachers and students. One of the primary advantages is the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals who may have limited access to quality education. In these communities, English proficiency can open doors to better job opportunities, higher education, and improved communication skills. As a TESOL-certified teacher, you can play a crucial role in empowering individuals to reach their full potential and become more active participants in the global community. Another significant benefit of teaching English in rural or remote areas is the cultural exchange experience it provides. By immersing yourself in a different cultural setting, you can gain a...  [Read more]

Joining professional organizations such as TESOL International Association, International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL), or Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) can provide TEFL teachers with access to a wealth of resources. These organizations often offer conferences, webinars, workshops, and networking opportunities that can help teachers stay updated on best practices in the field. Additionally, they may provide access to research, publications, and online communities where teachers can exchange ideas and resources. The internet is a treasure trove of resources for TEFL teachers looking to stay current with best practices. Websites like the British Council's TeachingEnglish, Edutopia, and the American English website offer...  [Read more]

When it comes to lesson planning in TESOL education, online resources can be invaluable. Websites like British Council Teaching English, TESOL International Association, and ESL Library offer a wide range of lesson plans, activities, and materials for teachers at all levels. These resources are often free or available at a low cost, making them accessible to educators around the world. Online platforms also provide forums and communities where teachers can share ideas and collaborate on lesson planning. In addition to online resources, books and journals can provide in-depth insights and strategies for effective lesson planning in TESOL. Publications like "Learning Teaching" by Jim Scrivener, "Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language" by Marianne Celce-Murcia and Diane...  [Read more]

One of the most accessible and convenient resources for TEFL teachers to continue their professional development is online platforms and websites. Websites like British Council, TEFL Equity Advocates, and TESOL International Association offer a wide range of resources including webinars, online courses, teaching materials, and forums for discussion. These platforms provide opportunities for teachers to learn about the latest trends in language teaching, connect with other educators, and access a plethora of teaching resources. Additionally, platforms like Coursera, FutureLearn, and EdX offer online courses specifically designed for English language teachers to enhance their skills and knowledge. Joining professional organizations and associations related to English language teaching can be...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad with a TESOL certification can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main challenges is adapting to a new culture and educational system. As a TESOL-certified teacher, you may find that teaching methods and student expectations vary greatly from what you are used to. This can lead to frustration and confusion as you try to navigate these differences and find the best way to connect with your students. Another challenge is language barriers. While your TESOL certification has prepared you to teach English as a second language, you may still encounter difficulties communicating with students and colleagues who do not speak English fluently. This can make it harder to build relationships and create a...  [Read more]