Affective Filter Language Learning

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Vocabulary is one of the most important skills required for teaching and learning a foreign language. It is vital for effective communication and understanding of written text. A rich vocabulary helps individuals express their feelings, ideas, and needs while also enhancing their overall understanding of others. Vocabulary develops with age and presents one of the biggest challenges when learning a second language. The Stages of Vocabulary Knowledge The Four Types of Vocabulary in Teaching Teaching Strategies for Vocabulary Acquisition Overcoming Challenges in Teaching Vocabulary Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The 21st century has completely changed language learning around the world. Nowadays, learning a foreign language is a matter of surfing the internet and finding several courses or online apps the make it incredibly easy. In addition, young learners today have developed a series of skills that also give them a higher chance of learning languages compared to previous generations. However, this has also made people more laid-back and less motivated to try and learn other languages. Listen to this blog post: Motivation and Discipline Discipline Techniques Are you ready to teach abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jairo G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As a young child, I was, for some reason, obsessed with the idea of learning French. I tried a couple of languages, including Finnish at some point, but kept going back to French. I have no idea why because I was never exposed to the culture or the language itself at that age. I doubt I even knew anything about the country itself. I think I assumed learning French would make me sound smarter but, the joke's on younger me, I have no skill in French and never have. I tend to struggle with romance languages in general. My Personal Second Language Experience My Choice Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nicole H. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are many tools a teacher of language can use to impart important aspects of the target language like grammar and vocabulary to their students. For example, writing keywords on the board from a text may be a useful way to highlight important words or key information for learners. Furthermore, worksheets can be particularly helpful with grammar exercises, allowing students a lot of repetition and free-hand practice with the language point. Memes as a Tool What are Memes? Activate Phase Who to Teach With Memes? Useful or Not? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Levi L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions...  [Read more]

Minh Huy Hoang TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In an era defined by technological advancements, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education has become increasingly prevalent. One notable area where AI has made significant strides is in the realm of language learning, especially for foreign students studying English. This dynamic relationship between AI and English language acquisition has not only transformed the way individuals learn but has also opened up new possibilities for personalized and efficient learning experiences. Tailoring Instruction to Individual Needs Engaging Tools and Immersive Learning Bridging Formal and Informal Learning AI and Human Instructors: A Perfect Duo Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many...  [Read more]

  Also in the 1970s la señal came up with a new methodology called "Suggestopedia". As psychological theory was developing, one of the ideas that came up was something called ?the effective filter?. Basically, the effective filter is a barrier to learning. It's the reasons why we inhibit our learning of a particular language. There are two main elements to the effective filter, two sets of factors, if you like, those are known as internal and external factors. The external factors to learning, the reasons why we have barriers to learning, may be just simple things such as external noise. So, people talking to us while we're trying to learn and so on and so forth. Perhaps more important are these internal factors and the internal factors one of the main things here is our previous...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences I have had the opportunity to study several foreign languages, some in a formal setting, some self-taught. Through my personal experiences learning other languages, I have developed some insights into language learning. I would like to describe some of my experienc| ITTT | TEFL Bloges, and some of my thoughts on what I have learned from them, and from this course. How I started learning languages How my job influenced the language interest Challenges of learning on your own Benefits of the ESA teaching approach How to distinguish a skilled teacher Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kim T. My first experience in language learning began at age...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Language is the key to communication, and grammar is the foundation that unlocks its potential. Often viewed as a daunting challenge, mastering grammar is an essential step in language acquisition. Beyond the complexities lie five compelling reasons why grammar should be at the core of every language learner's journey. 1. Building Strong Foundations 2. Bridging the Gap for New Concepts 3. Achieving Native-Like Fluency 4. Uncovering Language Nuances 5. Realizing the Role of Grammar in Language Proficiency Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are...  [Read more]

Luciana Campos Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In today's interconnected and globalized world, learning a foreign language can significantly enhance career prospects. Several popular languages can be particularly beneficial for career growth. According to a blog by Graduate Coach, English, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese are among the most popular languages for career advancement. The ability to speak, explain, and negotiate in another language makes an individual more employable, increases confidence. It even can lead us to a higher salary. Additionally, learning a new language can improve business acumen, communication skills, and cultural awareness. These are all highly valued skills in the professional world. How might the digital world assist us in learning another language to...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In the realm of education, the debate between one-to-one teaching and traditional classroom settings continues to thrive. The advantages of tailoring lessons to suit individual needs, nurturing confidence, and forging strong teacher-student relationships are enticing, yet the downsides of limited peer interaction and potential constraint on exposure to diverse learning styles must not be overlooked. Pros of One-to-One Teaching Tailored Learning for Individual Needs Building Confidence and Motivation Enhanced Teacher-Student Relationship Accelerated Learning and Continuous Assessment Cons of One-to-One Teaching Limited Peer Interaction and Collaboration Reduced Exposure to Diverse Learning Styles Challenges for Teachers in...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In educational literature, the term Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is defined in various ways, influenced by factors such as socio-cultural aspects, the specific language being learned (e.g., second, third, or fourth language), and whether the learning occurs solely in a classroom. Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis Monitor Hypothesis Natural Order Hypothesis Input Hypothesis Affective Filter Hypothesis Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Let's examine SLA theory through the lens of Stephen Krashen's five hypotheses: Krashen proposes two mechanisms for language development. The first is an unconscious process akin to absorbing...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences A global language is a language spoken internationally, the most popular one being English. It is learned by many people as a second language. Word Origin Global Communication Language Structure Cultural Importance Challenges For Learners Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Damian B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. A big part of the lexical units in the English language was taken from German, Latin, French, and other European countries. People think that languages have a strong relation between dominance and cultural power. Also read: What to Watch Out for Before Signing Your TEFL Contract...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences I've taken four years of college Russian. Throughout my time at my university, I learned a few things about both learning and teaching a language that have helped me become a better ESL teacher. Creating a Comfortable Classroom Environment The teacher doesn't know everything. Using a Variety of Teaching Aids and Materials Always Be Respectful and Use the Right Language Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: This post was written by our ITTT graduate Leif O. One crucial aspect of learning a language is making sure that everyone in the class is comfortable. While this is true with young learners, this is especially true for adults. Adults don't want to make mistakes. Business professionals have devoted their...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences My first language was French –-the language of my Cajun-born mother. She wanted to pass on her cultural heritage and therefore spoke to her first-born child, me, only in French. However, once I was put into kindergarten and was unable to communicate or understand any of my teachers or classmates, my parents reverted to English because they feared to set me back in school. Personal Experience Different Learning Modes Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Madeleine K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Despite understanding their fear, I did not appreciate my parent's decision. I was very...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences It is a truth acknowledge in all cultures that our parents are our first teachers. What the adage means is very simple but profound. Learning begins at home. Learning is bolstered also at the home. The success of a child's educational endeavor later in life also owes a lot to the home. First Steps Home Reading Activities Supporting in Formal Learning Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: In learning the English language and the different language skills, parents can also be of great assistance to their children. Below are some ways parents can provide help to their kids and boost their chance of succeeding in their English language learning endeavor and a majority of the support that parents can provide to their...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Embark on a journey through the fascinating world of language learning for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Delve into the developmental nuances of preschoolers and school-age/pre-puberty learners, while uncovering a treasure trove of effective teaching approaches. Whether you're an educator, parent, or language enthusiast, this article offers valuable insights and practical strategies to ignite young minds and unleash the full potential of language acquisition at each stage. Preschoolers (Ages 4-6): Fostering Creativity and Imagination School-Age/Pre-Puberty Learners (Ages 6-12): Developing Language Proficiency Tailoring Instruction for Success Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles:...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas It is inevitable that everyone will make mistakes when trying something new for the first time. Because there is no way to avoid them, mistakes should be accepted, treated as normal, and even encouraged. It is always better to make some mistakes in the attempt than not to try at all, and this is particularly true when learning a new language. My Own Foreign Language Experience Translating This Environment to the Classroom Dealing With Mistakes Practice Makes Perfect Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I studied French for four...  [Read more]

Luciana Campos Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In today's world, it is essential for young adults to learn proper pronunciation to communicate effectively and confidently. Proper pronunciation helps others understand what we are saying. It is crucial for successful communication, especially when speaking English. Traditional methods of teaching pronunciation can be time-consuming and stressful for students. However, pronunciation is an essential component of language acquisition. So, there's no way to run! Gamification as a means for learning to pronounce Tips on Pronunciation Last Remarks Related articles Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! I guess you expected me to start by providing...  [Read more]

Undoubtedly, the demand for online English teachers is surging. With the proliferation of diverse online teaching platforms, students worldwide are accessing specialized English lessons, from one-on-one sessions to group interactions, and from foundational speaking modules to tailored courses for business professionals. This expansive and versatile online English teaching landscape has amplified the need for teachers from varied backgrounds. Are TEFL qualified teachers in demand in English speaking countries? Are online English teachers in demand in China? Yes, TEFL qualified teachers are in demand within English-speaking countries. The online teaching field offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing educators to be based anywhere, from the comfort of their homes to anywhere around the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas A New Perspective on Lesson Planning Prior to beginning this course, I had only considered lesson planning in the form of worksheets and topics, a brief lecture here and there, and some talk activities placed sporadically throughout the lesson. I also understood the critical nature of talking and listening as a means of gaining proficiency in a new language, but I did not think there would be a way to square this need with other aspects of what I perceived to be my own general education experience. Introducing the Engage, Study, Activate (ESA) Model Engage: Fostering Comfort and Preparation Study: Promoting Engagement and Confidence Activate: Culminating Experience and Real-Time Practice ESA: A Community of Learners Are...  [Read more]

Certainly! Teaching English abroad uniquely positions you for rapid foreign language acquisition. Immersion in a new culture, surrounded by native speakers daily, is one of the most effective methods to grasp a language. As an English teacher abroad, every interaction - from daily errands to classroom engagements - becomes an invaluable opportunity to hone your linguistic abilities. What are the benefits of learning a foreign language when teaching English abroad? Can I learn Chinese while teaching English abroad? Can I learn Arabic while teaching English abroad? Can I learn Spanish while teaching English abroad? Can I learn French while teaching English abroad? What other languages can I learn while teaching English abroad? Embracing a foreign language while teaching English...  [Read more]

When teaching English abroad, the profiles of your students can be diverse, influenced by the teaching location and the type of institution you are associated with. You might find yourself guiding university students, professionals from the hospitality sector, or even top-tier business leaders. On another spectrum, you could be in a public school, teaching a young cohort ranging from five to sixteen years old. Will I be teaching adults when teaching English abroad? Will I be teaching young learners when teaching English abroad? Can I also earn extra cash as a private tutor when teaching English abroad? A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their classes are full of adults of various ages and backgrounds. This is particularly true across Europe...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas What could be more important for learners than building confidence at a young age? Teachers play a crucial role in helping students develop lasting confidence. Active learning allows students to try new things, accomplish tasks, and boost their energy and self-assurance. By providing opportunities for independent exploration and growth, language learning becomes a platform for building confidence, especially in young and flexible learners. Appreciation as a Confidence Booster Challenging Confidence through Language Usage Individual Approaches to Confidence Building A Nurturing Atmosphere for Confidence Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Admittedly, learning grammar may not be the most appealing part when learning a new language. It usually connects with conjugations, tenses and in some languages, the position of the verbs, for example, German. Grammar itself can cause a huge problem for both the teacher and students to carry out the language class smoothly. People might argue that unconscious imitation is the best approach to learning a language since it is the most natural way. I would like to say this is the idealist method. Truth speaking, not many students are able to enjoy the bilingual or even multi-lingual background. Moreover, even with the mother tongue, people will encounter grammar courses in school. This essay focuses on the necessities and importance of learning grammar...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Stories serve to be entertaining and educational in most cultures. A nice bedtime story for young children becomes a ritual in a lot of families nowadays, it makes up a sweet memory for a lot of people. When the listener is interested in the story, even when there is no verbal communication between the storyteller and the listener, there is still a bond between them. Therefore, storytelling is such a powerful tool teacher could use. Storytelling could make the lesson more interesting and memorable. To build the bond between the students and the teacher during storytelling, the teacher has to make sure the attention of his/her audiences are fully attracted. To make sure the stories are interesting for students the teacher has to consider several factors...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Do you ever write emails in English for work or leisure? Are you unsure how to end your email? Are you too formal or not formal enough? The guide below shows you the best ways to end an email in a formal, professional, informal and/or friendly manner.   You can never really go wrong using "Regards". This greeting isn't overly formal but still professional. When in doubt, go with it! This is another classic way to end an email! "Best wishes" is a great mix between formal and friendly, but make sure it fits in with the tone of the email you are writing (it might not fit every occasion). This sign-off sets an expectation. You are clearly saying that you will be grateful WHEN the person you are emailing delivers on something....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Language is one of the most significant aspects that differentiate humans from other species. The method of human communication is considered unique as it incorporates both spoken and written communication. The use of language in communication consists of the use of words in a structured or conventional way. Language acquisition is considered one of the most unique and impressive aspects of human development both psychologically and cognitively. However, every human acquires the language they encounter as children. It is from this point that they can learn multiple languages, although these languages will always be unique from the first language they were exposed to. The uniqueness of the first language from the languages learned exposes the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly emerged as a game-changer across various industries, including education. The integration of AI tools in the classroom has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn and teachers teach. One such tool is ChatGPT, an AI chatbot that simulates conversation with human users. In this blog post, we will delve into what AI and chatbots are and how ChatGPT can be used in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classrooms. We will also explore the benefits and challenges of using AI tools like ChatGPT in education. Watch the live webinar about this topic Defining ChatGPT, chatbots, and artificial intelligence So what is ChatGPT? The Benefits of Using A.I. in the EFL Classroom Personalized learning...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In the Chinese area, English as a compulsory course in school has to be learned by students for years. Since the government has strengthened the importance of English in Gaokao (College Entrance Examination ) these days, every Chinese family wants their children to start on English learning as early as possible. There is no need to highlight the importance of English to a Chinese family at all. Bilingual daily life Create English surroundings Apply for online English course Find a foreign teacher Be a good example Regular reading Communicate with teachers Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Xiaoyu Z. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Here are some great synonyms for the word "nice" that will make your writing and essays more interesting.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]