Information Gaps

A communicative speaking (and reading) activity where students are presented with incomplete information, which they must complete by interacting with others who do have that information. Typically undertaken as a milling activity with all students interacting with all others.  [Read more]

  This video is part of our ESA Methodology series. The ESA methodology consists of three stages. In this series, we look at the individual purposes of each stage and typical activities for each stage. This second video introduces the study phase of ESA. The purpose of this phase is to cover the actual teaching of the lesson and to check the understanding of that material.The second stage or phase of the lesson is known as the study phase and really the purpose of this phase is to cover the actual teaching of the lesson and to check understanding of that material. Typically in an ESA lesson, the study phase will have two parts. The first phase of the study is to cover the actual teaching component in what's known as the board work and what we try to do in the board work phase is to...  [Read more]

  Once we're satisfied that all the students have been engaged and that they've been given the opportunity to say something, we can move on to our study phase. Here, it may be necessary or useful to actually pre-teach some gaps in knowledge that have been shown from the engage phase and those gaps in knowledge may include actual grammar structures or indeed useful vocabulary and it's very important that, before we move on to doing any forms of activity, we check their understanding of this material. So, we need to do some study exercises. It's also very useful if you leave this information up on the board through all that study period. Those study activities can just be the normal types of gap fills or matching activities and, as always, we need to demonstrate those activities,...  [Read more]

Speaking and listening skills are vital components of English language learning as they enable students to communicate effectively in real-life situations. Without these skills, students may struggle to express themselves fluently and comprehend spoken language. Developing speaking and listening skills helps students build confidence, improve pronunciation, enhance vocabulary, and understand different accents and speech patterns. TEFL teachers can employ various strategies to help students enhance their speaking skills. These include engaging students in discussions, role-plays, debates, and presentations. Providing opportunities for pair and group work encourages students to practice speaking in a supportive environment. Teachers can also incorporate activities that focus on specific...  [Read more]

4. Strategies to Overcome Challenges in Teaching English as a Foreign Language in Africa English is considered a global language and is widely used in international communication, business, and diplomacy. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in Africa can open up a world of opportunities for individuals in the region. By learning English, students can access a wealth of information on the internet, connect with people from different parts of the world, and improve their chances of employment in a global market. Additionally, proficiency in English can enhance social mobility and provide individuals with the skills needed to participate in the global economy. Furthermore, teaching English in Africa can help bridge the communication gap between the continent and the rest of the...  [Read more]

  The two words "lay" and "lie" are often confused for each other, which is why we decided to break down the differences in this video. "Lay" is what is called a transitive verb. That means, it needs to be followed by one or more objects. A good example sentence would be "I lay the book on the table". As you can see, lay is followed by ""on the table"". We couldn't only say "I lay the book." as it would be incomplete. This means it is transitive. "Lie" on the other hand is an intransitive verb. That means it doesn't take an object, for example "I lie down". Most errors have to do with the past tenses of the two verbs, as the past tense of "lie" is "lay" while the past tense of "lay" is "laid". Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online...  [Read more]

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--- One of the most common challenges faced by TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) teachers is classroom management. Managing a classroom of language learners from diverse backgrounds can be a daunting task. Teachers often struggle with maintaining discipline, keeping students engaged, and creating a conducive learning environment. Without effective classroom management strategies, it can be challenging to deliver quality lessons and ensure that students are making progress in their language learning journey. --- Another significant challenge for TEFL teachers is overcoming language barriers. In an English language classroom where students come from various linguistic backgrounds, communication can be a major hurdle. Teachers may find it difficult to explain concepts, provide...  [Read more]

1. Understanding Differentiated Instruction 2. Benefits of Differentiated Instruction in Classroom Management 3. Strategies for Implementing Differentiated Instruction 4. Conclusion Differentiated instruction is a teaching approach that considers the diverse learning needs of students and adjusts the curriculum and instruction to meet those needs. It recognizes that students learn in different ways and at different paces, and aims to provide multiple avenues for learning and demonstrating knowledge. By incorporating differentiated instruction into classroom management, teachers can create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment that supports the academic success of all students. Implementing differentiated instruction in classroom management offers numerous benefits for both...  [Read more]

Unlocking the potential of ESL learners through effective teaching methods is crucial in ensuring their success in acquiring a new language. By implementing innovative and engaging strategies, educators can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters language acquisition and proficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the impact of effective teaching methods on ESL learning and provide valuable insights for educators looking to optimize their teaching practices. From communicative language teaching to task-based learning, we will delve into various approaches that have proven to be highly effective in enhancing ESL learning outcomes. 1. The Importance of Effective Teaching Methods in ESL Learning 2. Communicative Language Teaching: Fostering Language Proficiency 3....  [Read more]

  A final example is going to be an example of a patchwork ESA lesson and remember we said the form of this particular lesson will start with and engage always and will finish with and activate and there'll be some variation of E, S and A within the brackets here. So we're going to generate our patchwork ESA lesson as follows. Starting with the engage, the students are going to look at holiday photos and talk about what they like and don't like from what they see. From that, we're going to move directly into an activate phase and what the students are going to do is to make comments about holiday brochures and try to act out a role-play between the travel agent and a customer. Again, as this is taking place, the teacher will be moving around and looking for gaps in knowledge in...  [Read more]

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Navigating the vast ocean of online resources available in today's digital age can be a daunting task, especially for non-native English speakers. English proficiency plays a crucial role in accessing and understanding the wealth of information available on the internet. As the global language of business, technology, and academia, a strong command of English is essential for individuals seeking to fully utilize online resources for education, research, or professional development. In the realm of online learning, English proficiency is a key factor in determining the success of students. Many online courses, especially in specialized fields such as TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), are conducted in English. Students...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) in underrepresented areas can be a rewarding experience. These areas often lack resources and access to quality education, making the role of a TESOL teacher crucial in bridging the gap. By choosing to teach in underrepresented areas, you have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of your students and the community as a whole. Finding TESOL teaching jobs in underrepresented areas may require a different approach than searching for positions in more popular locations. One effective strategy is to connect with local organizations, schools, or non-profit groups that are involved in education and community development. These groups often have information about openings...  [Read more]

Before stepping into a corporate English teaching role, it is essential to understand the specific needs and goals of the learners in this setting. Corporate learners often have distinct objectives, such as improving communication with international clients, writing professional emails, or giving presentations. Conducting a needs analysis with the learners or their HR department can provide valuable insights into the language skills they need to develop. This information will help you tailor your lessons to meet their specific requirements and ensure that your teaching is relevant and effective. Once you have a clear understanding of the learners' needs, you can start designing lesson plans that are tailored to their goals and objectives. Structure your lessons around real-life business...  [Read more]

Before creating a TESOL teaching plan, it's crucial to understand the specific needs and goals of your students. Consider factors such as their age, language proficiency level, cultural background, and learning styles. Conducting needs assessments or surveys can help you gather valuable information to tailor your teaching plan accordingly. By understanding your students' needs, you can provide relevant and effective instruction that caters to their individual requirements. Setting clear and measurable learning objectives is essential in a TESOL teaching plan. Clearly define what you want your students to achieve by the end of each lesson or course. Use action verbs such as "understand," "identify," or "apply" to describe the expected outcomes. Align your objectives with the Common European...  [Read more]

Grammar is a fundamental aspect of language learning, providing the structure and rules necessary for effective communication. In a TESOL classroom, teaching grammar plays a crucial role in helping students develop their language proficiency. By understanding grammar rules, students can construct meaningful sentences, convey their ideas accurately, and engage in conversations with confidence. Moreover, grammar instruction can enhance students' writing skills, enabling them to express themselves clearly and cohesively. Therefore, incorporating grammar teaching in TESOL lessons is essential for fostering language development and proficiency. When teaching grammar in a TESOL classroom, it is important to employ various strategies to cater to different learning styles and preferences. One...  [Read more]

In the field of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), the use of translators in the classroom is a topic that often sparks debate. While some teachers may see the presence of a translator as a hindrance to language learning, others believe that translators can play a valuable role in facilitating communication and understanding between teachers and students. One of the main benefits of using translators in the classroom is the ability to clarify complex concepts or instructions that students may struggle to understand in the target language. Translators can help bridge the gap between the teacher and students who have limited proficiency in the language being taught, ensuring that important information is conveyed accurately. Despite the potential benefits, there are also...  [Read more]

Speaking is a crucial aspect of language learning as it allows students to practice real-time communication, improve pronunciation, and gain confidence in using the language. In a TESOL classroom, developing speaking skills is essential for students to become proficient in the language and engage effectively in real-life conversations. By focusing on speaking skills, students can enhance their fluency, accuracy, and overall communication abilities. When teaching speaking skills in a TESOL classroom, it is important to incorporate a variety of strategies to cater to different learning styles and abilities. Some effective strategies include role-plays, discussions, debates, and presentations. Role-plays help students simulate real-life scenarios, while discussions and debates encourage...  [Read more]

  So, having elicited this particular structure, what I'm now able to do is to move on to the actual study activities. Typically, they will be in the form of worksheets to check that the students actually understand this information. So, I might prepare three activities. They may not do them all but, for example, I could prepare these three study activities. So, the first one is going to be a fairly straightforward matching activity, where perhaps they match the subject to its correct verb "to be" in that part of the sentence. The second one is going to be a gap fill. For example, I might use this verb here and ask them to complete a sentence using that verb, so that I can check that any spelling changes that take place are correct and the final one is going to be an unscramble,...  [Read more]