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4 Insights on the Role of Evaluation and Testing in Education - TEFL Blog
Jon ITTT
Alumni Experiences
To begin with, our experiences both as students and teachers everywhere have shown that many teachers at all levels of the educational system take evaluation and testing for granted and therefore tend to be very casual in their attitudes in setting and marking examinations. It should be noted that examination and evaluation form an integral part of the educational process as a whole and benefit both the teacher and the student. The term "evaluation" is often used as though it were synonymous with testing. A test simply refers to a particular situation set up for the purpose of making an assessment. In order words, the term test is an instrument of measurement of educational parameters, usually related to attainment.
The purpose of evaluation and testing... [Read more]
How to Build Your Teaching Career as a Non-Native English Teacher - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Budget and Salary TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Hello everybody, my name is Liza and I am super glad to welcome you to my weekly live session. Please let me know that you can see me clearly and hear me clearly. Today's live session is going to be devoted to a really popular question in my direct messages. I've received several requests to talk about teaching career advice and I hope everybody will find something interesting in this live stream.
Watch the live session here
Unfortunately, I'm not sure how to pronounce your name, but the question is, have you experienced talent-based learning?
Moses says, I don't have any teaching experience but I have a bachelors in English literature and a masters in another field. I am currently planning for an English teaching... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Classroom Management For Teaching English As A Foreign Language Rapport Building - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Our next consideration is going to be building and maintaining rapport. The importance of rapport is that within our communicative activities, we're asking the students to talk to each other. If they feel comfortable with each other and with us, then that interaction is much more likely to be useful. So how do we actually build and maintain rapport? Well, it's easiest if we consider two stages of the course itself. What we can do at the start of the course and what we can do throughout the course to help build and maintain that rapport. So at the start of the course, it's very useful if we ask the students to create a name card and to make that name card visible to everyone. Secondly we need to try to do some ice breaking activities that will allow the students to interact with... [Read more]
ITTT - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Lesson Planning
Lesson planning is an important part of being a teacher. While experienced teachers may appear to not require a plan it is only because they have probably taught a lesson so many times that the majority of their plan is in their head. They will still have a good idea of how they want and expect the lesson to proceed. Inexperienced teachers will need the structure a good lesson plan provides. A good plan acts as a guide to your planning.
It helps a teacher consider the direction of the lesson and possible pitfalls and diversions. It also helps a teacher keep on track during the lesson but should not be so restrictive that it prevents flexibility in class. A lesson plan also serves as a record of what you have taught before enabling you to easily see what to review at later dates and to... [Read more]
Rome wasn’t built in a day but your TEFL journey can start in an instant. Fill in an application form and start living and working in Europe. - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Opportunities abound for the TEFL teacher in Europe and it is a popular destination for many upon completing their TEFL certification. Teachers with a specialism in teaching business English will do well in countries such as France and Germany, but there are plenty of teaching jobs to be found across the whole region. The requirements for English teachers in Europe do vary from country to country and this infographic aims to highlight the differences and similarities between them.
For those countries in the European Union, teachers who are EU citizens are preferred as many schools are unwilling to deal with the extensive paperwork involved in hiring teachers from outside the EU. That is not to say that teachers from countries outside of the European Union cannot find work there, just... [Read more]
Punishment in the Classroom: Is it Correct or Not? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Since we should appraise students, we should punish them as well. I do not believe that the decision of whether or not to punish is up to us. Therefore, discipline is a key to success for both teachers and students. Thus, once we deal with a bad conduct case, there are strategies to use to overcome it.
Listen to this blog post:
The Code of Conduct
Rapport
Physical Punishment
Are you ready to teach English abroad?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Assane D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The main purpose of a code of conduct is to make things better whenever possible; otherwise, it could not bring positive changes. We exert punishment with regard to... [Read more]
What is English for Specific Purposes (ESP)? ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
English for Specific Purposes includes courses of English taught to business people and those involved in a variety of professions that require a certain level of English proficiency in order to perform their jobs successfully. These include pilots, medical workers, engineers, scientists, lawyers and those working in the tourism and hospitality industry, among others.
The difference between teaching ESP and teaching general English is that for ESP students you only teach them what they need to know to perform their role effectively. A pilot is not going to need to know how to buy groceries at the local market but is going to need to know how to communicate with other pilots and ground staff all over the world, following international aviation guidelines.
Another... [Read more]
Big populations create a big demand for EFL teachers. Asia has many TEFL teaching opportunities in amazing cities rich with culture and charm. - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
When deciding where you would like to teach it is important to make sure that you are aware of the requirements for English teachers in your chosen destination. Asia is a large continent with many opportunities for English teachers both new and experienced. Each country has its own regulations regarding the types of visas, qualifications etc. that teachers are required to have and this guide aims to show these requirements.
If you are looking to teach in Japan or South Korea, you will require a bachelor’s degree in any field. Other countries such as China and Cambodia do not have such strict requirements and it is possible to find work without a degree. In some other countries where a degree is officially required it can be possible to still find work without one but you would... [Read more]
Where to Find Teaching Resources? ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Starting your first teaching job can be a nerve wracking experience for any newly qualified teacher. With any luck you will find yourself working in a well equipped school with a set curriculum and all the resources you’ll need readily available. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and some schools may not even have a chalkboard for you to use let alone the latest IWB hooked up to the students’ iPads. In this case it is important for a teacher to know where to look for appropriate materials for their classes, whether it is to supplement those resources already provided or to start a course from scratch.
If you know that you are headed to a school with limited resources before you leave home,and this could be the case for anyone volunteering in... [Read more]
TEFL & TESOL Jobs - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Vademecum
Outlined above are some of the possible jobs teachers can take in order to move on in their EFL career. Below we expand a little more on what each role involves.
Teacher Trainer – This position is one that some teachers move onto after teaching for a couple of years. Duties often include teaching a particular module of the course such as grammar, phonology, lesson planning etc. Teacher trainer jobs can be found advertised online but your best bet may be to remain in contact with the centre where you completed your initial training.
Director of Studies – The Director of Studies (DOS) is a senior managerial position that includes overseeing the academic program, managing a successful teaching team, providing support and training for teachers, helping the school to grow and many... [Read more]
Q&A with a Non-Native ESL Teacher: "I can't find a job! What to do?" - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
hey guys it's lizzy here and today we are going to discuss a really crucial issue uh so i would like to uh draw everybody's attention to the problem of getting a job as a non-native esl teacher uh for some reason um i get constantly asked about this situation and people usually say like i got tefl certified but i can't find a job or in general i can't find a job without any reasons and i don't know what to do so um i believe that this uh point uh is super important to uh cover that is why uh today i decided to have this q a session uh with you and address your problems and try myself try try my best to help you out to overcome this trouble to overcome this problem so um what we are going to do is um we are going to communicate via the chat box so uh make sure uh that if you have a... [Read more]
Teaching English without a Degree ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Below we look at the different regions of the world where you can work as an English teacher without having a university degree. Bear I mind that labour and immigration requirements for any country are always subject to change and that you should always contact your local consulate for the most up-to-date information before making your plans.
Europe probably offers some of the best opportunities for those without degrees with a large number of countries in the region not requiring them as prerequisite for teaching English. In countries with high demand for business English instruction such as France you are more likely to succeed with some business experience behind you rather than a degree.
Africa is a good destination for those looking to volunteer their services as English teachers... [Read more]
Africa and the Middle East are known for their rich resources. The fast expanding economies also have some of the highest TEFL salaries globally. - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
No matter where in the world you intend to teach after completing your TEFL course, there will be certain requirements that you will need to meet in order to work as an English teacher. These requirements may involve qualifications, visa regulations, experience or whether you are a native or non-native English speaker. Countries in the Middle East/North Africa region differ somewhat in what is required of English teachers wanting to work there. This infographic aims to highlight the main requirements for some of the countries in the region.
A TEFL certificate of at least 120 hours is generally a minimum requirement for the countries on our list and you'll need a degree if you are planning to work in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Oman and Bahrain, but not if... [Read more]
What Can You Do With a TEFL Certificate ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Many people dream of starting a new life in another country and earning a TEFL certificate is a great way to make that dream a reality. One of the obstacles to moving abroad is finding work that you are able to do to support yourself comfortably overseas. Unless you already work for a company that has offices in your desired location it can seem difficult to find a way to earn money abroad. However, as a qualified English teacher your skills will be in demand in almost all countries around the world and you are highly likely to find work in your dream destination.
A TEFL certificate also enables you to earn money while travelling. Rather than spending just a short while in a handful of countries before your savings run out and you have to head home, you can earn a living while taking... [Read more]
Different types of teaching jobs ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Many people dream of starting a new life in another country and earning a TEFL certificate is a great way to make that dream a reality. One of the obstacles to moving abroad is finding work that you are able to do to support yourself comfortably overseas. Unless you already work for a company that has offices in your desired location it can seem difficult to find a way to earn money abroad. However, as a qualified English teacher your skills will be in demand in almost all countries around the world and you are highly likely to find work in your dream destination.
A TEFL certificate also enables you to earn money while travelling. Rather than spending just a short while in a handful of countries before your savings run out and you have to head home, you can earn a living while taking... [Read more]
Secure employment with set working hours in great locations anywhere in the world. This is the the EFL teachers way of life. - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The reasons people have for starting a career in teaching English are as wide ranging as the people themselves. For some it is a chance to gain valuable experience of the world before heading home and starting a different career. For others, it represents the chance to make a new start, or it is a means to perpetuate a life of travel and adventure.
Whatever your reasons for becoming an English teacher you are bound to be curious about the kind of lifestyle you can expect while teaching abroad. For beach lovers there are plenty of opportunities for TEFL teachers in many tourist spots around the world. Locals employed in the tourism industry want to improve their English language skills creating plenty of private tutoring opportunities and some hotels employ English teachers directly to... [Read more]
What do you need to be able to Teach English Abroad - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Whether you want to teach as a volunteer in the depths of the jungle on the Thai-Myanmar border or as a business English instructor to corporate high-flyers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, you will need at the least a recognised TEFL/TESOL certificate.
Although it is still possible to find jobs where simply being a native speaker of English is enough to secure the position these opportunities are becoming few and far between and earning a 120-hour certificate with a reputable organisation should be your priority before starting out. A bachelor's degree is not a necessity for the majority of countries around the world and there are plenty of opportunities out there without such a qualification.
Teaching experience is also not a necessity for the majority of teaching positions but the higher paid... [Read more]
IELTS and TOEFL ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
A couple of acronyms that you are likely to come across as an English teacher are IELTS and TOEFL. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is a United Kingdom and Commonwealth based test of English language skills. TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language and is a U.S. based English language skills test. These two are the main international English-language tests and are used by universities, governments and employers to assess the English proficiency of international students, immigrants and potential employees. TOEFL tests are mainly aimed at foreign students looking to study in U.S. universities and a Junior TOEFL test is also offered for middle school children. IELTS on the other hand has two types of test, there is the academic test for... [Read more]
5 Reasons Why Establishing Rapport in a Classroom Is Important - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Do teachers' interactions with students matter? After all, a teacher's role in the classroom is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge or skill in such a manner that a learner can accomplish a specific outcome. Is it necessary for a teacher to know students' weekend plans or when Sally is going to take her driver's test? Does know students' interests give a teacher an advantage when it comes to selecting the methodology and techniques, he/she selects in teaching subject-specific knowledge or computer skills in a classroom? If the answer to the above questions is yes, then how can a teacher best establish rapport in the classroom that leads to effective teaching?
Listen to this blog post:
1. Comforting students on the first day
2. Creating classroom... [Read more]
Latin Americans have a unique attitude for learning English and living life to the full. Jobs are plentiful in this region for our TEFL graduates. - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Whether you are a newly qualified teacher or are simply looking to move on to a new country after teaching for some time, it is important to research the requirements for English teachers in your chosen destination. Finding out what qualifications are needed, whether you need a visa before arriving etc. in advance will help you to create a successful plan and avoid disappointment farther down the road. This infographic looks at the requirements needed for teaching in Latin America.
With regard to qualifications the majority of countries in the region will require at least a TEFL certificate. While preferred, a degree is not always necessary in most Latin American countries making it a great destination for those who have not completed a university degree. One exception is Costa Rica... [Read more]
TEFL terms explained ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
As with most professions the world of Teaching English as a Foreign Language has many of its own particular and sometimes peculiar terms and jargon. Getting to grips with the wide array of acronyms in the industry can sometimes feel like learning a whole new language!
So if you have trouble telling the difference between your IWB (Interactive Whiteboard) and your OHP (Overhead Projector), this infographic is a great guide to what’s what in the English language teaching industry. Two of the most commonly used phrases in English teaching, and two that cause most confusion are TEFL and TESOL. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and TESOL means Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Another term, TESL, means Teaching English as a Second Language. TESL is... [Read more]
Etiquette Asia ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Working as an English teacher in a foreign country is an excellent opportunity not only to teach students how to speak English but also to teach them about the culture of your home country. It is equally important for English teachers to take the time to learn about the particular social customs of their host countries. Whether you are in a meeting with your colleagues or are invited to a social event, there will be things that will undoubtedly be done differently than back home, sometime in quite bewilderingly different ways.
Learning the reasons behind the way these things are done will help you to understand why and as a result help you to have a more fulfilling experience in your host country and help you in the classroom. In many countries in Asia deference is shown to those with... [Read more]
Top Tips for Ensuring Effective Administration of a Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
For a class to function properly it necessitates the teacher to put his /her student in a confident position, in this sense the teacher must know when to be firm with students and when to give them liberty.
What is the classroom?
Main methods of work organization
Grouping
Working on behavior
Instructing
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate CHIFON R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Classroom here refers to a room in a school or an establishment where a group of students is being taught by a teacher or a group of teachers. Classroom administration, on the other hand, is the process of ensuring... [Read more]
Etiquette Middle East ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Being an English teacher in a foreign country enables you to share aspects of your own culture with your students while they are learning English from you. This helps to broaden their minds as well as develop a better understanding of the culture behind the language they are learning.
Equally important is the need for the English teacher to develop an understanding of, and show an interest in, the cultural and social practices of their adopted home. Simple, innocent gestures from your home country could cause great offense to your hosts, while every day interactions in a new country can make a foreigner feel awkward and uncomfortable. A little consideration and understanding of how things are done in your new home can go a long way to making your experience a truly positive one. The... [Read more]
Classroom Management: How to Build an Effective Teaching Environment - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Arguably, classroom management can make or break a teacher. For many prospective teachers, the sheer thought of it can invoke apprehension when studying pedagogical theory, however when embarking on a teacher training placement many of the necessary techniques and considerations can be learned on the job. This summative writing assignment will briefly discuss the different aspects of classroom management that I have previously encountered as a Science teacher and any potential extra considerations required when teaching English. This will be considered in three perspectives: Structured lessons, student and classroom arrangement, and teacher interpersonal skills and how these perspectives can be used to build an effective teaching environment.
What issues... [Read more]
TESOL/TEFL in English-speaking countries ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
If you are looking for work as an ESOL teacher in the United States the best places to look are those with large immigrant populations such as Florida, California, Texas and New York. Due to immigration restrictions non-US citizens will have difficulty finding legal work in America and most jobs will tend to be reserved for US citizens only. For teaching jobs in government schools teachers will need to be licensed by the state education department. Private language schools require a TESOL certificate only.
In Canada the majority of jobs can be found in Vancouver, Toronto and Ottawa. Although Canadian citizens have the best chances of securing a teaching position, those from commonwealth countries may find it easier than those from other countries. The Canadian government runs the... [Read more]
Good advice and planning before an interview can settle your nerves and provide you with the answers to tough questions. What questions might you be asked? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
So you’ve completed your TEFL course and started applying for jobs in your dream destination country? The next step on becoming a successful English teacher is the TEFL interview.
Interviews for teaching jobs can take a couple of different formats and these are face-to-face, over the phone, or via Skype. Each type of interview has its own particular points that need addressing. For face-to-face interviews it is important to be early but not too early make sure that you research the route to the school before the interview day. You must remember to dress smartly; many teaching jobs are in holiday destinations and some people seem to forget the difference between what is suitable for work and what is suitable for the beach. If you are being interviewed over the phone, be clear on the... [Read more]
Some of the differences between American English and British English ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
British and American English differs in several ways that encompass vocabulary, grammarand spelling, and a student is not wrong if they use either version. Teachers should teach the English that they themselves speak but also have an awareness of the differences between the two. If a teacher is required to teach a course book that is in a version of English different to their own, then they should teach the English used in the book.
Some of the differences in vocabulary covered in this graphic are fairly well known such as ‘pavement’ (GB) and ‘sidewalk’ (US), others not so much as in the case of ‘fortnight’ (GB) and ‘two weeks’ (US). While the differences between the two don’t generally matter, a teacher may prefer to teach one version... [Read more]
Finding an EFL teaching job - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
You've passed your TEFL course and armed with your new certificate you are ready to head to the classroom. There are thousands of teaching jobs available around the world but where is the best place to look? Many people start online and there is plenty to choose from.
Searching for jobs online can be a good way to find jobs when you start looking from home; it is also a great way to suss out the local job market in a certain country. The downsides about online job adverts are that each position will attract numerous applications and if you are non-native speaker or do not have a listed qualification the employer may disregard your application without properly considering it. There is also a higher chance of scams being posted on the internet and you should always remember that if a... [Read more]
TEFL Hua Hin - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL Thailand ▷ ITTT course
Thailand is known as the Land of Smiles. The culture is warm, friendly and genuine. There is a big expat community out there, so you’re in a new and exciting culture but also engaging with many different cultures through the expat network as well. The travel opportunities are wonderful, either around Thailand itself or to neighboring countries. AND the food is delicious and fresh!
Hua Hin is a beautiful city on the beach in central Thailand, approximately two and a half hours away from Bangkok. The area has some amazing beaches, mountains, viewpoints, temples, night markets, water parks, and dining experiences for you to choose from and enjoy at any time of the year.
Hua Hin itself features a beautiful, powdery sand beach, plenty of waterside seafood restaurants, a lively night market... [Read more]