Speaking Lessons

  For the lesson that even takes place, there are a number of things that you need to have considered. Obviously, you need a very clear idea of what it is you're expecting the students to have to do and they need to know why. It's very important before you ask them to do an activity that they have an understanding of the purpose of that activity. You should, secondly, have had a thought about what they already know. Linked to that is, will it be necessary to do any form of pre-teaching before I can expect them to do this activity and finally, we need to make sure that we have prepared all our materials and our instructions for this particular activity. So, we'll consider a straight arrow ESA lesson, the focus of which is to be speaking skills. So, we'll start with our engage and in...  [Read more]

  The final stage of the lesson will be the activate and the activate phase is going to form the main speaking activity within the lesson. So, it's very very important that here, we do a good demonstration of what it is that we're expecting them to do, that we elicit the type of target language we're expecting them to produce from the activity. So, one way we could go around it is to, firstly, form pairs. Each pair is going to be given a card and onto that card they're going to write the country and a month. What the teacher can then do, just to add a little bit of spice to it, is to collect all of the cards and shuffle them around and then redistribute them to the pairs so that they get a card that doesn't have their country or their month on it. What they're then going to do is...  [Read more]

  Before we move on to the planning of a lesson for speaking skills, something that we need to look at first is the idea of the accuracy versus the fluency of speaking. Accuracy relates to the correct usage of grammar and vocabulary, whereas fluency relates to our ability to continue speaking without any interruption. Now, ultimately within a whole ESA lesson or within language learning itself fluency and accuracy are equally important. Within an ESA lesson, however, depending upon which stage we're at in that lesson, then we're either focusing on accuracy or we're focusing on fluency. Remember in the ESA lesson, in the study phase, this is where we're looking at the target language where we're doing our language learning, so it's very important in this stage that we focus on the...  [Read more]

  So, we'll focus first of all on a speaking skills lesson and perhaps a starting point for this would be to ask a question which is: Why do we speak to each other? The reason that it's important to ask ourselves this question is that whatever answers there are to this should be present in our lessons. So, why do we speak to each other? Well, there are a multitude of answers to that but when you boil them all down to their essence, they probably actually come down to one or two things. We communicate to each other by speaking because of either a need. We need something. We want something or a desire to achieve something. 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...  [Read more]

  So speaking activities will come in many different forms but we can generalize them into three basic types. Control activities tend to be used in the study phase and here, the teacher will be helping the students in terms of what they need to say and how they go about saying it. So, there's a high level of structure within a controlled activity. A guided activity has slightly less structure than this and it can be used in either the study or the activate stages themselves. The final type of activity or class of activity is called creative activity and this one would be used in the activation phase. In a creative activity, we're giving a scenario or a very small amount of structure and we're asking the students to actually create their own answers to this particular question....  [Read more]

One of the best ways to encourage English language learners to speak in class is by creating a supportive and inclusive environment. This can be achieved by promoting a culture of respect and understanding among students. Teachers should ensure that all students feel valued and respected, regardless of their language proficiency. Building a sense of community within the classroom can help students feel more comfortable speaking up and taking risks with their language skills. Encouraging peer collaboration and providing opportunities for students to work together can also help foster a supportive environment where learners feel safe to practice and improve their speaking skills. Incorporating engaging activities into the lesson plans can help motivate English language learners to speak in...  [Read more]

In Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), speaking fluency and pronunciation play a crucial role in effective communication. Fluency refers to the ability to speak smoothly and continuously, demonstrating a good grasp of vocabulary and grammar. On the other hand, pronunciation involves producing sounds in a way that is easily understood by others. Developing fluency and pronunciation skills is essential for learners to communicate effectively in real-life situations, build confidence, and enhance their overall language proficiency. To enhance English speaking fluency, teachers can incorporate various strategies into their lessons. Encouraging regular practice through speaking activities such as role-plays, discussions, and presentations can help students gain confidence...  [Read more]

Teaching pronunciation is a crucial aspect of TESOL as it directly impacts learners' communicative competence. Poor pronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. By focusing on pronunciation, students can improve their listening and speaking skills, leading to increased confidence in using English in real-life situations. There are various strategies that TESOL teachers can employ to help students improve their pronunciation. One effective approach is the use of minimal pairs, where students practice distinguishing between similar sounds that may cause confusion, such as /l/ and /r/ in English. Another strategy is to incorporate pronunciation drills and repetition exercises to help students master difficult sounds and intonation patterns. Incorporating...  [Read more]

Are you ready to take your teaching career to the next level with ITTT's comprehensive TESOL lesson plans? Our innovative and dynamic lesson plans are designed to help you create engaging and effective lessons that will inspire and empower your students. Whether you are a seasoned teacher looking to refresh your curriculum or a new teacher seeking guidance, our TESOL lesson plans are the perfect resource for you. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) is a leading provider of online TESOL courses and resources, trusted by thousands of teachers worldwide. Our TESOL lesson plans are carefully crafted by experienced educators and curriculum developers to meet the needs of English language learners of all levels. With a focus on practicality and effectiveness, our lesson plans cover a...  [Read more]

A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate is a qualification that equips individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge to teach English to non-native speakers. It is typically obtained through a training program that covers various aspects of language teaching, such as lesson planning, classroom management, and language assessment. TEFL certificates are offered by numerous institutions and can vary in duration and intensity. Yes, you can teach English with a TEFL certificate in non-English speaking countries. In fact, having a TEFL certificate is often a requirement for teaching English abroad, particularly in countries where English is not the primary language. Employers in these countries value teachers who have received proper training in TEFL as it demonstrates...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word youthquake. This word describes a change in cultural standards brought about tastes and values by the young population. The word is a combination of youth and earthquake indicating the power of the young. 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. The course book is necessary for the teachers to have. It helps to see how and what to teach /prepare. The language vocabulary is a guide as a covered...  [Read more]

Discover the best online ESOL courses for beginners offered by ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). From interactive lessons to expert instructors, our programs are designed to help you achieve fluency in English as a second language. Whether you are looking to improve your language skills for personal or professional reasons, ITTT has the resources and support you need to succeed in your language learning journey. In our beginner ESOL courses, you will learn essential vocabulary, grammar rules, and communication strategies to build a solid foundation in English. Our experienced instructors will guide you through each lesson, providing feedback and support to help you progress quickly and effectively. With a focus on practical language skills, our courses are designed to help you...  [Read more]

Integrating language skills in English language teaching is crucial as it provides learners with a holistic approach to language learning. By integrating skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, students can develop a well-rounded proficiency in the language. This approach mirrors real-life language use where these skills are often used together. It also helps students see the interconnectedness of language skills and how they support each other in communication. There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can use to effectively integrate language skills in their lessons. One approach is to use a task-based learning method where students work on meaningful tasks that require the use of multiple language skills. Teachers can also incorporate authentic materials such as...  [Read more]

Engagement is a crucial aspect of effective teaching in TESOL as it helps to create a positive and interactive learning environment. When students are engaged, they are more likely to be motivated to participate actively in the lesson, leading to better retention of information and improved language acquisition. Engaging lessons can also foster a sense of community among students, making the learning experience more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved. There are various strategies that TESOL teachers can employ to make their lessons more engaging for students. One effective approach is to incorporate hands-on activities and real-life tasks that allow students to apply their language skills in practical contexts. Interactive games, role-plays, and group projects can also help to...  [Read more]

Pronunciation plays a crucial role in effective communication in the English language. Clear and accurate pronunciation enhances comprehension, fluency, and overall communication skills. Mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. Moreover, pronunciation is closely linked to confidence levels in language learners. Students who struggle with pronunciation may feel less confident in speaking English, affecting their overall language proficiency. There are several strategies that teachers can use to help students improve their pronunciation skills. One effective approach is to focus on individual sounds and phonemes in English. By breaking down the language into its basic sounds, students can practice and master the pronunciation of each sound....  [Read more]

--- Incorporating technology and multimedia tools into TEFL teaching practices can enhance the learning experience for students in numerous ways. Technology allows for more interactive and engaging lessons, catering to different learning styles and preferences. It also provides access to a wide range of authentic materials, such as videos, podcasts, and online articles, which can make the learning process more relevant and interesting for students. Additionally, technology enables teachers to create a more dynamic and student-centered classroom environment, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity among learners. When integrating multimedia tools into TEFL teaching, it is essential to select resources that align with the learning objectives and cater to the students'...  [Read more]

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) involves instructing non-native English speakers in the English language. To create a successful teaching framework, it's essential to have a solid understanding of language acquisition theories, cultural sensitivity, and the needs of your students. Familiarize yourself with methodologies such as communicative language teaching, task-based learning, and the use of technology in language education. Remember that TESOL is not just about teaching grammar and vocabulary; it's about facilitating communication and language fluency in real-world contexts. A comprehensive TESOL teaching framework should include several key components. Start by assessing your students' language proficiency levels and learning styles to tailor your lessons...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), it is crucial to recognize that students have different learning styles. Understanding these learning styles can help teachers adapt their lessons to cater to the diverse needs of their students. There are generally three main types of learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Visual learners prefer to see information presented in a visual format, such as charts, diagrams, or videos. Auditory learners learn best through listening and speaking activities, while kinesthetic learners learn best through hands-on activities and movement. For visual learners, incorporating visual aids such as pictures, videos, charts, and diagrams can greatly enhance their learning experience. When teaching vocabulary, using flashcards...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word assertation. This word is a noun and describes the act of asserting. The word comes from the Medieval Latin word 'assert?ti?n' meaning “to affirm or assert”. 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. Planning lessons is the most important thing in the life of a teacher. This determines everything: the future of the class, the progress and motivation of the students etc. I always try to...  [Read more]

Confidence plays a crucial role in the language learning process, especially in speaking skills. When learners lack confidence, they may feel anxious or hesitant to speak, hindering their progress. Building confidence in speaking English is essential for learners to overcome their fear of making mistakes, engage in conversations, and ultimately improve their fluency. As a teacher or facilitator, it is important to recognize the significance of confidence in language learning and to implement strategies that help learners develop this essential skill. There are several effective strategies that can help English language learners build confidence in speaking. One approach is to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where learners feel comfortable expressing themselves without...  [Read more]