Esl Teaching Methods And Techniques

  Before looking at the methods or approaches themselves, there are some terms that we need to define. These are the approach, the method or the technique. Basically, these are hierarchical. The approach is an overriding set of principles that a method can actually make use of, whereas the technique are the things that we actually do in the classroom to approach that method. So, these three words are going to appear during the presentation. Again, for each of either the approaches all the methodologies we're going to ask four questions. So be it an approach or a method for each of those things: Where did it come from? What's its background? What does it involve when we're talking about actually in the classroom, in other words techniques? What is positive about it? What appears to...  [Read more]

  "In terms of the things that are negative about it, we've already said that it doesn't develop speaking but perhaps the biggest negative point about this particular methodology is that it's very unnatural. Ok, so despite the criticisms of this particular method, and particularly the fact that is unnatural, this particular methodology was in use all the way through the 17th, 18th and 19th century and indeed it's still in use today. However, Gouin in the 1880s and Berlitz in the early 1900s decided that this particular methodology was so unnatural that they wanted to come up with something new. The method that they came up with, they called the direct method. You will also sometimes see it as the natural method. What these two people were saying is that if we wish to learn a language...  [Read more]

  The purpose of grammar translation then is to basically translate between L1 and L2 and vice versa. So, we could take a simple example. Let's imagine that our native language was English and our target language was French and let's assume that we want to translate a document from French into English. Let's take a simple sentence. Here's a sentence in French "Ouvre la fenêtre" and we'll add "s'il vous plaît" at the end. What we want to do is to take this L2 and translate it back into English. Now, if we have a reasonable knowledge of French then we may well know that this particular verb "ouvre" "to open" translates directly and this female form of the and finally the fenêtre "Open the window" and this polite form of "please". This is all very well if the two structures that...  [Read more]

  Our next methodology is called the silent way and it's accredited to Caleb Gattegno and was developed in or around the 1970s. This particular methodology moved on from the behaviorist stimulus response to what's called a theory of constructivism and this constructivist approach was very very different, very radical to anything that had been tried before. The background to this particular methodology was that there was a French mathematics teacher who found that his students were finding it very difficult to understand particular concepts. What he realized was that what they needed was a more visual representation of the information. So he came up with a series of colored rods to help with those concepts in mathematics. He gave his name to those rods and they're called Cuisenaire...  [Read more]

  Before we move on to the final methodology for today, let's just recap and see where we are at this point in time. We're looking at different learning methodologies. Each of those methodologies takes its premise from being somewhere on this particular spectrum of ?nature versus nurture? and where we are on this spectrum gives us a starting point for the background or theory to that particular methodology. So, we?ve had a look starting in the 17th century and the classical method and moving on as the ideas of psychology developed to various methods, such as audiolingualism, the silent way, Suggestopedia and TPR. Each of these showing a development as knowledge about learning increased and each of these takes a different starting point on our English spectrum. Below you can read...  [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]

  Our final methodology is accredited to Jeremy Harmer and it's known by the letters ESA. Around 1998, Jeremy Harmer produced a book called "How to teach English" and basically what Harmer did, is a background to this book is to do what we have done today and to work through all of the different methodologies that have come about over the last 300 years. He highlighted for each of those methodologies what was good about it, what was positive and what didn't appear to work and then put all of the positive things into a melting pot and came out with this methodology, which he called ESA. It's a three-stage methodology, where each of the letters represents a particular phase of the lesson. The first one being called the engage phase, the second the study phase and the final one the...  [Read more]

  So what we're going to do is to run through a series of methodologies that were created mainly in the 1900s that adopted the idea that language learning should be much more communicative, much more natural. The first one is called audiolingualism and it's also called the army method because of where it was developed. Basically, psychology, during the 1950s and 60s, was building up new theories about behaviorism. Perhaps the most famous experiments that were done in this particular area were by Pavlov, where he was showing that most animals undergo a stimulus response mechanism and he had a series of famous experiments, where by ringing a bell, he could cause a dog to salivate, that would be his response, in the expectation of getting some food. This behaviorist idea of stimulus...  [Read more]

  So let's take an example of what those drills might involve. So here is an example of a repetition drill. I will model the language and then my class will repeat after me. So "This is a cup." "Spoon" ? "This is a spoon." "Knife" - "his is a knife." Thank you. The reason that it's called or also called the army method is that it was the method adopted by the United States military who had personnel stationed around the world at the end of Second World War and they realized that they needed those personnel to pick up the language very quickly and one of the positive things about this particular methodology is that you do very quickly learn vocabulary. Another positive thing about it is that you quickly learn the correct pronunciation of that vocabulary. However, there are some...  [Read more]

  Our next particular methodology is accredited to James Asher around 1965 and is called total physical response. Asher looked at the way in which we learn our native language and he saw that most children, before they even went to school, have picked up a very large percentage of both the grammar and the vocabulary that they would use in their native language before any type of formal schooling. So Asher started to have a look at ideas of how to use the whole of our brain in language learning in the way that we do when we're very young. It's accepted that within our brain there are two hemispheres, one is the left hemisphere the other is the right hemisphere, and one of the functions of the left hemisphere is language learning. One of the major functions of the right hemisphere is...  [Read more]

  This presentation is going to focus on the theories, methods and techniques of teaching and we're going to start with a quote. This is an interesting quotation because it contains within it a philosophical argument and it's a philosophical argument in the way in which we learn. Basically, this one is saying that the intelligence of their own children comes about due to a natural process. So this one could be said to be due to nature. This is exactly the opposite of this one, which is saying that they're teaching the environment that we create, creates that intelligence. So this one can be said to be due to nurture and this argument 'nature versus nurture' has been going on for thousands of years. These two viewpoints are two ends of a scale, or a continuum if you like, and every...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In the language classroom, there are many roles that a teacher should be able to play to be well-rounded. In different situations and problems, a teacher will need to change his/her roles to complement the matter or to solve the conflicts. I would like to discuss a few roles that a teacher would need to play in a classroom: Entertainer, motivator, and leader/manager. Attention-grabbing skills Confident work Management skills Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Po W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Holding a student's attention could be the most important element to have an effective lesson. One...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When we start to learn new things as children, we tend to do that with the help of games. That is why in many classrooms of young learners, we find games to be a highly popular medium amongst educators. It is a way of absorbing and processing a piece of information in a fun and educational way. But when we grow up, we somehow forget the necessity of games in the classroom. Ice Breaker Ways to Include Games into Your Lesson What Games to Choose? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Anna B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. When it comes to learning a second language, children immerse themselves in...  [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]

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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In any language, there are four basic skills. They are equally important and teachers should try to include them in every lesson. Reading and listening are known as receptive skills while speaking and writing are known as productive skills. Teachers may focus more on one particular skill in each lesson while still integrating the others. Complexity of Skills Readers and listeners utilize, among others, the following skills: Problems in receptive skills and techniques to improve receptive skills Teachers could use several strategies to improve listening and reading skills. Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Milena S. Please note that this blog post might not...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, Youcef shares his experience of taking a TEFL course with ITTT. He loved the course and enjoyed learned a lot about teaching methods, different techniques, and classroom management. He is now ready to take his new-learned skills into his classroom and provide his students with the best learning experience possible. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There are a lot of teaching methods. Some of them are more popular, some of them less. But the theme of this summative task is about efficiency, not about the most interesting or the most popular method. So, is drilling an effective teaching method? If we want to ask this question, first, we need to consider the following question: "What is drilling?". After this, we can discuss the pros and cons of this method. What is drilling for? Skills Group size Students' Level Advantages and Disadvantages Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dmitry S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In short, drilling is a...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Being an English teacher, teaching skills are very important. The quality of learning result depends on many factors, but the teacher's methods are the essential elements for learners' learning progress, motivation, enthusiasm, etc. to help them have the best result in studying English. I will concentrate on "How to teach vocabulary effectively". The Role of Vocabulary in Communication Engagement Delivering New Means of Communication Practicing Acquired Linguistic Devices Other Ways to Teach Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nhat D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. It can't be denied that the...  [Read more]

  Jerzy is from Poland but is currently living in Latvia. He completed our 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course to further his education and career opportunities. He enjoyed learning about the ESA method and other techniques. Moreover, he did not think that lesson planning would be that useful and is now able to independently structure and create interactive lessons for his students. He is excited to make use of the new skills in teaching overseas. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas No one denies the importance of English language in the present time as a global language. If a language was a house, vocabulary would be construction material to build up that house. Language and Vocabulary Textbooks Visual Clues Games Audio-lingual Approach Video Format Tests Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dung N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Therefore, studying a language cannot be separated from studying vocabulary. Besides, vocabulary plays an important role because it appears in every language skill. However, it is not easy to study perfect English vocabulary. It is difficult to...  [Read more]

We will follow a largely chronological order as we delve into the different strategies for teaching English, from time-tested methods to modern approaches. The Classical Method The Direct Method Audio-Lingual Method Task Based Learning Total Physical Response Engage Study Activate CLIL Conclusion This approach, also known as grammar translation, was originally used for teaching classical languages like Greek and Latin. It places a strong emphasis on grammar, particularly verb conjugations and language rules. Also known as the "natural approach", it strives to mimic the way we acquire our mother tongue naturally. Consequently, only the target language is employed, prioritizing speaking and listening skills. As the name suggests, this method primarily emphasizes listening ('audio') and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This is my teaching experience so l will tell it in the form of a story. In 2011, l sat for my Advanced Level final exams and then applied for a post of temporary teacher at a school in an area called Date. Beginning of 2012, l traveled to Date from Harare to begin what l call a character building turmoil. I was an inexperienced 20-year-old girl who was about to take on a class that would be sitting for its final exam come to the end of that year, with half the class being my former primary school classmates and the other half not thinking much of me. My Experience Building Confidence The Importance Of Communication Conquering Doubts And Fears Choice Of Assignments Being Patient Are You Ready To take Your TEFL Course? Related Articles: Listen to this...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog we will look at three of the most common ways that ESL teachers can work and earn a living online. These three methods are: Working for a company, working on a profile marketplace and finally freelancing. We will conclude with some general pros and cons for teaching English online. Sara Stojanovic TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Discover 5 invaluable tips for ESL teachers to excel in online teaching! Master the platform, plan classes carefully, understand students' needs, participate actively, and seek feedback. Elevate your online teaching game! Federico Riva Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas In this blog we look at three ESL teaching methodologies which are very popular throughout...  [Read more]

hey everybody it's lizzy here and i'm glad to welcome you at another livestream session with itttt uh it's been quite a long time since we've met previously actually it was like last year uh because i had quite a long vacation and i hope that you still remember me because um i kind of missed this live stream sessions uh so as i have already mentioned uh today's live stream session uh is gonna be devoted to um quite an interesting point which is the esl strategy for 2022 uh and i also want to say that um well we kind of discussed this thing already but the problem is that uh not every teacher is ready to implement this idea so i hope that today's live stream session is gonna be valuable for you um from the perspective of uh getting inspired somehow and probably changing your um mindset and...  [Read more]

Sarah Jennings TEFL Information Working as an English teacher offers a unique opportunity to explore the world while making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. One of the most significant benefits is the chance to immerse oneself in different cultures and environments. By teaching English abroad, educators have the opportunity to live and work in diverse locations, gaining first hand experience of local customs, traditions, and languages. 1: Exploring the world 2: Making a difference 3: Financial Benefits 4: Personal Growth English is taught as a second language in diverse ways across all countries, adapting to local contexts and educational systems. Methods range from immersive language programs to traditional classroom instruction, incorporating technology, cultural exchange,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas A method of teaching contains the techniques used by teachers to impart knowledge to students. These strategies are determined partly on the subjects to be taught and partly by the nature of the learner. In this task, I will give some examples of different teaching methodologies, compare these techniques, and explain why it is important that teachers, mostly who are teaching in a foreign country should know these methods. ESA Methodology PPP Methodology Effectiveness of the ESA Method Deeper Understanding Do you want to teach English to ESL students all over the world? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nathalie L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

International TEFL and TESOL Training, in conjunction with TEFL International, provides internationally recognised and accredited TEFL courses in a wide variety of interesting and exotic locations, right around the world. At ITTT we are proud of our in-class TEFL certification courses and what we are able to achieve in four short weeks of training. The majority of our trainees arrive with no prior knowledge or experience of teaching English, yet by the end of the course they leave us feeling confident in their ability to take on teaching positions in countries all over the world. Please click on the following links for further detailed information relating to our courses: Please click on the links below for further information about our individual course locations. Or click here below if...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Drawing on my substantial personal teaching experience, I naturally gravitated toward this topic for a summative task. Throughout my six years of teaching English, I have encountered various settings, approaches, and challenges. Here, I recount my journey from a language school to one-on-one tutoring, highlighting my evolving teaching methods, materials, and strategies. From Language School to One-on-One Teaching Embracing One-on-One Tutoring Crafting Engaging Lessons Interactive Learning and Progress Evolving with Proficiency Shaping Language Skills Insights from Teaching Individual Students Tailoring Learning to Individual Needs Focusing on Adult Learners Crafting a Unique Teaching Methodology Expanding Knowledge with...  [Read more]