TEFL Gap

This term refers to one of the most commonly used exercises in the English language classroom. The gap-fill worksheet normally contains a set of written sentences which are missing certain key words; the student’s task is to fill in the missing words with the right vocabulary to complete the sentence. This type of exercise can be used to practice and re-enforce the specific vocabulary or grammar points that have been taught during the lesson. Gap-fill exercises can also be used to test a student’s progress as part of regular review sessions during the curriculum.   [Read more]

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]

As the demand for English teachers continues to rise in the Philippines, it is crucial to address the issue of gender pay disparity within the profession. Despite the advancements in gender equality globally, studies have shown that there is still a significant pay gap between male and female teachers in the country. This article aims to delve into the factors contributing to this pay gap and explore potential solutions to ensure fair compensation for all teachers. 1. Educational Attainment: One of the factors that contribute to the gender pay gap among English teachers in the Philippines is educational attainment. Studies have shown that male teachers tend to have higher levels of education compared to their female counterparts. This disparity in educational qualifications often...  [Read more]

--- Teaching English abroad is a rewarding experience that allows you to immerse yourself in a new culture, make a difference in the lives of others, and develop valuable skills. Many people worry about how a gap in their employment history may affect their ability to teach abroad. However, with the right approach, you can overcome this challenge and pursue your dream of teaching English in a foreign country. --- One way to address a gap in your employment history when applying to teach English abroad is to be honest and upfront about it. Explain the reasons for the gap, whether it was for personal reasons, further education, travel, or other pursuits. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills you gained during this time that could benefit you as an English teacher. Demonstrating...  [Read more]

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--- Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding and enriching experience, especially during a gap year. While specific requirements may vary depending on the country and program, there are some common prerequisites to consider. Typically, a Bachelor's degree is required, although some countries may accept candidates with an Associate's degree or TEFL certification. Additionally, having a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification is often necessary. Fluency in English is a must, and prior teaching experience or foreign language proficiency can be beneficial. Some programs may also require a criminal background check and a health screening. --- Teaching English abroad as a gap year experience offers a multitude of...  [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]

  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]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we look at some of the most common business English exams people take around the world. Many EFL teachers around the world need to prepare their students for these international proficiency tests. 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. Looks like this is the first time when the program has brought something that we've looked at before to use in the test....  [Read more]

In a country as diverse as India, English language teaching presents unique challenges and opportunities. With over 22 recognized languages and a population of more than a billion people, the linguistic landscape is incredibly varied. English is often seen as a gateway to better job opportunities, higher education, and social mobility. However, the disparity in English proficiency across different regions and socio-economic groups is stark. This creates a significant challenge for educators looking to provide quality English language instruction that is accessible and effective for all. India's linguistic diversity is both a source of richness and a barrier to effective English language teaching. While English is one of the official languages of India and is widely used in business,...  [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]

  This particular methodology is known as a straight arrow ESA lesson. If every single lesson that we undertook with our students was a straight arrow ESA lesson then it is quite possible that the students would be able to predict what is going to come up next and whilst this is good for the lower level students, then it could potentially become a little bit boring for our higher level students. So what Harmer did in his ideas about ESA, was to generate two other types of ESA lesson that we can use to try and generate a little bit more interest. So, the other two types of ESA lesson that we can follow: The first is known as a boomerang lesson and the second is known as a patchwork lesson and what we're going to do is to have a look at those other types of ESA lesson in a little bit...  [Read more]

Authentic materials play a crucial role in TEFL as they provide learners with real-life language usage examples. They help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world communication, making the language more relevant and practical for students. Authentic materials also expose learners to different accents, dialects, and writing styles, preparing them for diverse linguistic encounters outside the classroom. Authentic materials come in various forms, including newspapers, magazines, advertisements, brochures, menus, songs, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and social media posts. Each type offers unique opportunities for language practice and cultural exploration. Teachers can choose materials that align with students' interests and language proficiency levels to maximize engagement...  [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]

--- One of the most common challenges faced by TEFL teachers is classroom management. In a diverse classroom with students from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, maintaining discipline and keeping students engaged can be a daunting task. Strategies such as establishing clear expectations, setting up routines, and using positive reinforcement can help create a conducive learning environment. Additionally, understanding the cultural norms of the students can also aid in managing the classroom effectively. Another significant challenge for TEFL teachers is overcoming language barriers. When teaching English to speakers of other languages, communication can sometimes be hindered by differences in language proficiency. Teachers need to employ various techniques such as simplifying...  [Read more]

4. Conclusion: Maintaining and Nurturing Positive Relationships with TEFL Students Establishing rapport with your TEFL students is essential for creating a positive and conducive learning environment. When students feel comfortable and connected to their teacher, they are more likely to engage in the learning process, participate actively in class, and feel motivated to improve their language skills. Building rapport also helps in gaining students' trust, which is crucial for effective communication and successful teaching outcomes. There are several strategies you can employ to build rapport with your TEFL students. Firstly, show genuine interest in your students by getting to know them on a personal level. Ask about their interests, hobbies, and backgrounds to create a sense of...  [Read more]

Discover the world of teaching English as a foreign language with an accredited online TEFL/TESOL certification from ITTT. Whether you are a seasoned educator looking to expand your skill set or a newcomer to the field, our comprehensive courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the classroom. At ITTT, we take pride in offering high-quality, internationally recognized TEFL/TESOL certification courses that cater to a wide range of individuals. Our programs are ideal for aspiring teachers, current educators, gap year travelers, and career changers. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we have trained thousands of graduates who have gone on to teach English all over the world. Our online TEFL/TESOL certification courses are flexible,...  [Read more]

--- Real-world tasks in TESOL refer to activities that simulate authentic situations where language is used outside the classroom. These tasks aim to connect language learning to real-life contexts, making the learning experience more meaningful and engaging for students. By incorporating real-world tasks, TEFL teachers can provide students with opportunities to apply language skills in practical scenarios, leading to improved retention and motivation. There are several benefits to integrating real-world tasks into TEFL lessons. Firstly, these tasks promote the development of practical language skills that are essential for communication in real-life situations. Secondly, they enhance student engagement by making learning relevant and meaningful. Additionally, real-world tasks help...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) online comes with its own set of challenges. One major obstacle is establishing a connection with students in a virtual environment. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be difficult for teachers to gauge students' understanding and provide immediate feedback. Additionally, technical issues such as poor internet connection or platform glitches can disrupt the flow of lessons and impact the overall learning experience. To overcome these challenges, TEFL teachers can utilize various strategies. Implementing interactive activities and multimedia resources can help engage students and make the online learning experience more dynamic. Providing regular feedback through written or audio recordings can also help bridge the communication gap and...  [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]