Michael Keefer

Lewis believed in a different approach to that of teaching English as a set of grammar structures into which vocabulary could be placed. He shifted the emphasis through 180 degrees, suggesting that the basis of language should be ‘lexis’, i.e. groups of words which are naturally put together (collocations). By learning about the lexical chunks of language these could be used for real communicative tasks rather than striving for grammatical mastery.  [Read more]

In the area of poststructuralist theorists, two well-known names would be Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida. However these two theorists did not specifically apply their work to the field of education. Deborah Youdell has applied post structuralist thought to the field of education and is the author of a number of useful books in this area. See for example: Youdell, D. (2006). Diversity, inequality, and a post-structural politics for education. Discourse: Studies in the cultural politics of education.  [Read more]

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) is a field that encompasses teaching English as a second language (ESL) and teaching English as a foreign language (EFL). It involves teaching English language skills such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking to non-native speakers. TESOL resources aim to provide educators with the tools and strategies necessary to effectively teach English language learners. Understanding the basics of TESOL is crucial for educators looking to enhance their teaching methods and help students improve their language proficiency. When it comes to teaching English grammar, there are several resources that educators can utilize to help students grasp the rules and structures of the language. Some of the best resources for teaching English grammar...  [Read more]

Are you looking to pass the Cambridge CELTA exam with flying colors? Look no further! With the right preparation books, you can boost your chances of acing this challenging test. In this guide, we'll explore the best CELTA exam preparation books that can help you succeed. From grammar guides to practice tests, these resources are essential for anyone aiming to become a certified English language teacher. 1. **Grammar Guides** 2. **Practice Tests** 3. **Lesson Planning** 4. **Teaching Skills Development** One of the key components of the CELTA exam is a solid understanding of English grammar. To help you master this essential skill, consider investing in a comprehensive grammar guide. Books like "Practical English Usage" by Michael Swan or "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy are...  [Read more]

1. Discover the Magic of Brittany 2. Enhance Your Teaching Skills with ITTT 3. Immerse Yourself in Brittany's Rich History and Culture 4. Prepare for a Rewarding Career in Teaching English Abroad Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey that will not only enhance your teaching skills but also allow you to immerse yourself in the rich culture of Brittany? At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we offer a unique opportunity for aspiring English teachers to earn their TEFL certification while experiencing all that this enchanting region in France has to offer. Brittany is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality, making it the perfect setting for your TEFL training. ITTT is a leading provider of TEFL and TESOL courses, with a reputation...  [Read more]

Unlock the Rich Cultural Heritage of Brittany on a TEFL Course Brittany, a region in northwest France, is renowned for its unique Celtic heritage, stunning coastline, and rich cultural traditions. By enrolling in a TEFL course in this picturesque region, you not only get the opportunity to immerse yourself in its captivating beauty but also to explore its rich cultural tapestry. From ancient megalithic sites to vibrant festivals, Brittany offers a diverse range of experiences that will enrich your teaching skills and broaden your understanding of the world. Discover the Charm of Brittany's Historic Sites and Landmarks One of the highlights of studying in Brittany is the chance to visit its many historic sites and landmarks. From the iconic Mont Saint-Michel to the medieval town of Dinan,...  [Read more]

Creating Materials In my experience of teaching English, I think the most fun I and my students had was with created materials, or realia, used in conjunction with the planned lessons in the text. As a photographer, I had a number of images that could be printed out and used in games, for vocabulary lessons and also as a basis for dialogues created by the students themselves. An article about realia by Stefan Chiarantano (2005) describes using plastic fruit, toy animals, Christmas cards, maps and other items to introduce new vocabulary to his young students. Cultural items, such as the Christmas cards, can also be used to teach students about customs in other nations. They are often very curious about other customs and their very curiosity will improve their attention spans and help them...  [Read more]

1. Why Choose TEFL Training in Brittany, France 2. Benefits of TEFL Training with ITTT 3. Course Options in Brittany, France 4. How to Enroll in TEFL Training with ITTT Are you looking to enhance your teaching skills and explore new horizons? Consider TEFL training in the picturesque region of Brittany, France. With its stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant culture, Brittany offers the perfect backdrop for your educational journey. By choosing to pursue your TEFL certification in this charming location, you can immerse yourself in a unique learning experience while gaining valuable skills that will benefit you in your future teaching career. Brittany, located in the northwest of France, is known for its breathtaking landscapes, medieval architecture, and Celtic heritage. By opting...  [Read more]

Games in the Classroom Teachers and researchers have moved away from the separation of linguistic skills as the best and only way to instruct students learning other languages. Today, more emphasis is being placed on purposeful games in the classroom which create a more carefree and fun environment for its learners. This method, when carefully chosen, produces confidence, creates competition and teammanship, and promotes a desire to win the prize...which is fluency of a 'once' strange language. In the end, everyone wins, since the goal is fluency of a foreign language with a teacher who becomes the hero, because she makes her lessons meaningful and entertaining at the same time. Games can be wonderful communicative device in the classroom setting and should be a central part of educating...  [Read more]

Volunteer Teaching As I began my TESOL course in Phuket, I met all types of people wanting to be teachers. Some students needed to work immediately after graduation and others were going on to a college or university to further their academic careers. I was in the position of having to return home and finish other work commitments before I could embark on a teaching career. I soon realized that if I was going to be confident in my new found teaching skills and to have the opportunity to build on what I had learned, I was going to have to do something proactive in the area of teaching English as a second language even though I was not in the position to take a full time teaching position. In pondering my predicament, I realized that I did have an option that would serve me and people...  [Read more]

Teaching Styles We all learn in different ways, and similarly, as teachers we tend to have different ways of teaching which come more naturally for us. As teachers, we need to be aware of what our particular style is, but we should then try to adapt the way we teach to fit the needs of our students as well. There are many different categorizations of teaching styles, but rather than discuss the ways styles are categorized, I will simply summarize the ones most commonly referred to. Probably the most traditional one is the direct instruction style. Direct instruction is very teacher-centered, and provides for little if any student-teacher interaction or group interaction. The teacher is the focus of attention and provides all the information necessary for the student to excel in...  [Read more]

Computer Aided Language Learning With the advent of the internet and its increasing importance in the classroom, Computer Aided Language Learning, or CALL, has become a viable and useful source for both teachers and students. CALL first became prevalent in US classrooms in the late 1070’s. Since its introduction it has gone from a primitive, structured Q&A program, to full-fledged language programs such as Rosetta stone. Although programs like Rosetta Stone have experienced success, many experts believe that CALL should be used to augment rather than replace face-to-face learning environments. This was one of the big questions facing ESL teachers in the late 90s, how to integrate CALL and its resulting technological concerns successfully into the classroom. Such things as whether an...  [Read more]

Phonetics and TESOL Phonetics, the study of the sounds of human speech, and in particular “Articulatory Phonetics”, are not commonly taught to native speakers of English, let alone learners of English as a second language. However if the learner is serious with their English and wish to progress to an advanced level, learning phonetics, in particular the International Phonetic Alphabet, would be of immense benefit. English spelling is often contradictory, devoid of relation to the pronunciation of a word, and lacking in clear patterns. Patterns that do exist are numerous, with a large number of exceptions, and all of this makes it very difficult for the learner of English as a second language to master pronunciation. The International Phonetic Alphabet puts all of the individual...  [Read more]

Building Confidence in Students Education is certainly the birthright of all people. The motivation of every nation should be to generate literate, well-educated and intelligent residents who are able to add to the proper progress and progress of the whole society. There is still mystery on how accurately a foreign language is learnt. On the subject of building confidence there are yet more theories which are even more difficult to confirm. I myself do not trust that confidence is built using one magic activity, but rather it is continuously acquired all over the learning process. That’s why, all the theories I pick to focus on three things Grammar, Drilling, and of course the role of the teacher. All of these will prepare the student for circumstances they might meet later. [1] After...  [Read more]

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]