Esl Learning Strategies

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Reading comprehension is a crucial skill for ESL (English as a Second Language) students to develop. As teachers, it is essential to select appropriate resources and employ effective techniques to maximize the benefits of reading activities in the classroom. In this blog post, we will explore various types of reading materials, discuss strategies to improve reading comprehension skills, and highlight the importance of integrating discussions into the learning process. Types of Reading Materials Authentic Materials: Non-Authentic Materials: Strategies for Improving Reading Comprehension Skills Skimming and Scanning: Summarizing: Predicting: Discussing: Conclusion Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles:...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences The term "Learning difficulties" can roughly be defined as an issue in the brain causing disturbances in processing information (Good Therapy, 2019). In the long-term explanation, these can be explained as neurological challenges affecting the way the brain receives, processes, stores, and analyzes information, as these effects an individual's ability to develop reading, writing, and math skills (Kid Sense Child Development, 2023). Learning difficulties affect millions of children and teens, and many of them struggle with multiple learning difficulties. Any individual with learning difficulties might not learn as quickly as their peers or might find some aspects of learning hard and challenging. Strategies for Overcoming Learning Difficulties Exploring...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are different types of classes. We will be teaching and adults and children. Let's take a more detailed look into each group. ESL teachers are often working with beginners; however, some people could have been exposed to English previously. We can refer to these students as 'false beginners.' This subgroup could include adults who have learned the language before and may have forgotten it without consistent use. Adults beginners may tend to be more motivated than young beginner learners because adults make the decision to study English by themselves. Children may be told to learn and externally motivated by parents or family members. We should keep in mind that a beginner without previous exposure to the Roman alphabet may require more initial work...  [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]

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]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Unlock the secrets to inspire young ESL learners! Discover proven strategies for a vibrant classroom, fostering confidence, and embracing diversity. Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Unveil the realm of learning difficulties. Discover insights into causes, strategies, and resilience against challenges. Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Explore the pros and cons of one-to-one language teaching. Personalized learning vs. limited peer interaction. Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Teachers, new and experienced spend a lot of time planning lessons and preparing materials. Anything that can help reduce this task is always welcome. Here are five trusted and tested sites to do just that. ...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences Upon completion of my TESOL course, the best thing I have learned is actually plural and not limited to one item. Most importantly a TESOL instructor needs to be able to reach all students with varying needs, styles and preferences of learning in order to ensure the highest degree of probability that his or her students learn English, while keeping all students in the class as engaged as possible at all times. Activities to use in the classroom Using technology in the classroom Learn strategies and techniques to improve your lesson with a course from ITTT! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dina P. For this reason, I have developed an ongoing list of strategies and techniques that I have...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog post, we will look at five strategies you can use t boost your effectiveness within the class and also as a general way of increasing your online business. Ideas covered include the use of gamification and individualization. Watch the video about this topic Gamification Individualization Charting your course Strategies of content delivery Narrowing down your niche Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This idea isn't new but not many teachers appear to try to apply it to their online classes. There are several reasons why you should try it. (Especially as the majority of online classes are for young...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences ESL teachers must acknowledge that it is not equal teaching English Lessons to children, teenagers, and adults, there are some wide differences between the practices used in each case, classroom, population, levels, and country where English is taught, on this paper we will check how an ESL lesson may be affected by these variables, and how we could overlap them on the practices used in teenagers and adults English lessons. Basic concepts Self-concept Personal Experience Adults learning process Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Javier V. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. To analyze all the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Navigating the delicate balance between fostering language fluency and ensuring grammatical accuracy poses a perennial challenge in ESL classrooms. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the nuanced world of error correction strategies, exploring how educators can address language errors effectively while nurturing the fluency and confidence of their students. From distinguishing between errors and mistakes to crafting a three-stage correction process, join us on a journey through practical methods and considerations for creating a supportive and growth-oriented learning environment in ESL settings. Errors or Mistakes? Are You Working on Accuracy or Fluency? Correction Process: Self-correction Peer correction Teacher...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to young learners requires special attention to foster a supportive and encouraging classroom environment. The success of ESL students is greatly influenced by the teacher's ability to motivate and engage them. It is important that teachers explore effective strategies and techniques for encouraging young ESL students in the classroom. These strategies can include creating a positive learning atmosphere, implementing interactive activities, providing constructive feedback, and promoting cultural inclusivity. Creating a Positive Learning Atmosphere Engaging with Interactive Activities Providing Constructive Feedback Promoting Cultural Inclusivity Nurturing Growth and Diversity Empowering a Bright...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The world is becoming a global village and as English is an official language for many of the countries, it is a need for people to learn English to be able to make communications and networking. While learning English, it is important to get a good teacher using good teaching methods. However, it is not an easy task to teach or learn English in a country in which people mainly use their mother language which is not English. In Myanmar, likewise, there are many obstacles for students to improve their English language skills even though English was taught since their kindergarten. Education System The Lack of Resources The Lack of Practice Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Vocabulary represents one of the most important skills necessary for teaching and learning a foreign language. It is the basis for the development of all the other skills like Reading comprehension, Listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and pronunciation. Vocabulary is the main tool for students to use English effectively. When he/she is confronted with a native English Speaker, when watching a movie or when listening to a favorite song, when reading a text or when writing a letter to a friend, students will always need to operate with words. WHY IS VOCABULARY IMPORTANT? TECHNIQUES FOR MEMORIZING VOCABULARY: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vivian M....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Learning grammar is, suffice it to say, one of the most important points to focus on. Equally, for foreign students, they need to know not just about vocabulary but how and why vocabulary "hangs" in a certain way within a sentence. In my teaching experience, grammar has been difficult from the standpoint of getting the student to agree with the fact that it is important. I've found that many clients have been indoctrinated into believing that grammar is "hard", "boring" "dull" and worst of all, "unnecessary". This has been a challenge, to say the least. As a foreign language teacher, I've had to not mention grammar at all and introduce it as "how to use English correctly". This new perspective for a person who has experienced a bad time with English...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The word 'drilling' in education refers to a teaching technique in which the teacher creates a certain pattern or structure to be practiced repeatedly by the students, for them to ultimately develop a system where they may identify and use the pattern or structure independently. Drilling as a technique has been put to use in teaching almost all subjects, but its efficacy has been particularly acknowledged in the field of language teaching, for training students in both pronunciation as well as grammar. However, just as it has been lauded for being a foolproof system of making students 'practice' a language, drilling has also been criticized for being a mechanical and largely monotonous process of memorization, followed by reproduction that is often...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Classroom management is an important element for having a successful classroom, especially for an EFL teacher. It goes beyond having a clean and organized room; it is a skill necessary for creating an effective learning environment. When a teacher possesses proper classroom management skills, they can establish a positive atmosphere that can significantly impact a student's life. An organized classroom and effective classroom control provide a greater chance of building relationships and gaining trust and respect from students. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss two important steps and provide examples of classroom management, highlighting why these steps are crucial for EFL teachers like myself. Setting the Right Tone for...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In recent years, online education has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity, and this trend extends to English language learning, particularly among children. As someone with a multifaceted background in teaching English and Chinese, translation, and various administrative roles, I have had the privilege to experience the dynamic evolution of language education. In this comprehensive essay, I aim to delve deeply into the topic of teaching English to children online, addressing the unique challenges it poses and exploring an array of effective strategies to create an enriching and interactive learning environment. Challenges of Teaching English to Children Online: Effective Teaching Strategies: Creating a Positive...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas The development of classroom management understanding and skill is a process acquired over many years and characterized by discontinuities, especially as the teacher encounters new teaching contexts. In addition, beginning teachers' perspectives on classrooms are often incomplete and rapidly reorganize their pedagogical knowledge during student teaching. Developing an understanding of classroom management thus requires experience in classroom contexts to be pragmatic; that is, to be integrated into the network of scripts, expectations, and routines that the teacher will utilize in the classroom and result in the effective management of students. CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT MODELS Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related...  [Read more]

Minh Huy Hoang TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In developing countries, encouraging lazy students to cultivate a passion for studying English can be a challenging task. However, with the right strategies and approaches, we can greatly improve their motivation and help them discover the benefits of mastering the English language. This article presents five effective tips to inspire even the laziest of students to love studying English. Tip 1: Make English Relevant to Their Lives Tip 2: Implement Interactive and Creative Activities Tip 3: Foster an Enthusiastic and Supportive Learning Environment Tip 4: Utilize Technology and Multimedia Resources Tip 5: Set Achievable Goals and Celebrate Success Conclusion Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Teachers are also human beings. Losing our temper in front of students can happen, but it's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes. I have lost my temper once at the very beginning of my teaching experience. It had been an embarrassing and regretful memory that negatively affected my teaching for quite a long time. I lost my confidence in managing the class and doubted if I could become a good teacher. However, as I love children and education, I have been trying to regain my confidence and be more professional. Steps to Recovery: Rebuilding Confidence After a Temper Outburst 1. Reflection and Acknowledgment 2. Apologize and Take Responsibility 3. Address the Issue with Your Students 4. Use It as a Learning...  [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 What is peer learning and is it useful in an ESL classroom? Let's first define what is peer learning. "Peer learning essentially refers to students learning with and from each other as fellow learners without any implied authority to any individual, based on the tenet that 'Students learn a great deal by explaining their ideas to others and by participating in activities in which they can learn from their peers' (Boud, 2001)" (Gwee, 2003). Language Level Grouping within the class Communication between students Disadvantages Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Soo Parra C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [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]

Hoàng Minh Huy TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Language is a tool for communication; we use it to share our ideas and learn about those of other people. Communication occurs anywhere speech is present. Without speaking, we are unable to communicate with one another. Therefore, speaking skills are crucial for language learners of any language. The Importance of Speaking Skills in Language Learning The Benefits of Fluent Speaking in a Second Language Challenges Faced by Language Learners in Speaking Strategies for Improving Speaking Skills in English The Global Impact of English 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! English skills include speaking,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When teaching students most of the time we mainly focus on just teaching them the language and having them pass some tests and that is how we measure if they have learned well or not. In reality, it is a bit different though. Knowing how to read, speak or write a language does not necessarily translate to the student excelling in the language. There is another often ignored factor called confidence. Confidence is necessary for success in many parts of life and it is no different when learning. One of the greatest gifts we can give our students is to instill in them a strong sense of confidence. In doing this, we enable them to be higher achievers. Why Is Confidence important? 1. Mistakes are not bad 2. Saying Good Things is Great 3. Use Visual Aids Do...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching is itself a challenging task when it comes to teaching a beginner student. If the student is an adult or young the challenge might be there. There are means and methods of overcoming such challenges for both the teacher and the student. Analysis test Students behavior Lesson plan Developing materials Why should the teachers be more attentive to beginner students? What are the methods and techniques for teaching beginner students? 1. Using the review technique 2. Make a vocabulary journal 3.Technology implementation 4. Engage them Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sonal L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Type in "teaching grammar effectively" into Google and the reader will be confronted with pages and pages of advice/frameworks/theories on how to effectively teach grammar. 8 Do's and Dont's for Effective Grammar Instruction 8 things to avoid Alternative Approach Theory Explanations Examples Exercises Supplementing the coursebook Carry-over 7 tips for effective grammar instruction Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Most of the content does acknowledge that there is no "golden rule" for effective grammar teaching before imparting their particular key rules or areas that should be incorporated into teaching grammar. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joe S. Please note that this blog post might...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Classroom management encompasses all facets of what occurs in the classroom throughout a lesson. It includes components of classroom discipline, but it focuses on providing a peaceful learning environment that is comfortable, structured, engaging, and respectful of both the students and the teacher. Classroom management takes into account not just how the instructor or facilitator presents the curriculum, but also how students interact with the teacher and others in the classroom, as well as the learning atmosphere in which students learn because students cannot learn in a disorderly setting. Classroom Management Strategies Establish an Agenda Create Excitement for Class Content Developing a Classroom Management Plan Giving Incentives Use...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Effective teachers not only possess expertise in content knowledge but they are also great classroom managers. If teachers cannot manage their students then they cannot teach their students. Learning will only take place when the classroom is well managed. The first day of school is the most important day for teachers to create 'rules' in the classroom. The Essence of Classroom Management Teacher Responsibilities Relationships Expectations and Directions Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nikki D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Classroom management must happen on the very first day of school...  [Read more]