Esl Tefl Tesol Difference

TESOL and TEFL, though frequently confused, address distinct teaching environments. TESOL encompasses teaching English to non-native speakers, whether in English-speaking countries like the U.S. or elsewhere. Conversely, TEFL is specifically geared towards instructing English in regions where the language is foreign. TEFL = Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESOL = Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Where are TEFL and TESOL most commonly used? What are the technical differences between TEFL and TESOL? TEFL is predominantly used in the UK and Europe, whereas TESOL is the preferred term in the United States, Canada, and Australia. These terms, while often used interchangeably, indicate regional preferences for English teaching certification. Despite the difference in...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences There are many similarities, but also many differences, in teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English as a second language. Teaching English as a foreign language is when you teach English in a country that does not have English as an official language. Teaching English as a second language is when you teach English to someone who speaks another language as their first language, normally in a country where English is the official language. I have taught both English as a foreign language (EFL) and English as a second language (ESL) and these two experiences had quite a few similarities and quite a few differences. EFL and ESL Example Similarities between EFL and ESL Differences between EFL and ESL "This was a big difference for me as a...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences In my experience, many teachers are not really sure about the difference between teaching ESL and teaching EFL in the classroom. In this post I will try to explain both situations and give some insight into each as they are actually quite distinct. The Basic Difference Potential Problems of Both Situations Typical Students of EFL and ESL The Importance of Speaking English in the Classroom Are you ready to teach English in an ESL or EFL classroom? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amal S. ESL refers to teaching English as a Second Language in a English-speaking country where the student's native language is not English, while EFL refers to teaching English as a Foreign Language in a country...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Just like any profession, teaching English has specific terms and acronyms that can be used to describe the job. While teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is an overarching term to describe the job of teaching English to those who do not use English as their native language, ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) must be distinguished. ESL and EFL describe different locations, purposes, and techniques for teaching English. Additionally, it may be beneficial for instructors to experience teaching both ESL and EFL to be a well-rounded and sympathetic instructor. English as a Second Language English as a Foreign Language For Teachers' Consideration Influence on Teaching Experience Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

In the field of English language teaching, acronyms like TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA frequently surface, often leading to confusion for both newcomers and seasoned educators. While course providers, job boards, and teaching resources brim with these acronyms, understanding their distinctions is crucial. So, what sets TEFL, TESOL, and CELTA apart? What does TEFL mean? What does TESOL mean? What does CELTA mean? Which type of course should I choose? What if a course doesn't meet this criteria? Does the quality of a training course vary by location? TEFL stands for 'Teaching English as a Foreign Language.' A prevalent term in the world of teaching English overseas, TEFL isn't tied to a specific training program or provider. Instead, it broadly encapsulates various training and...  [Read more]

ESL (English as a Second Language) pertains to students learning English while living in an English-speaking environment. In contrast, EFL (English as a Foreign Language) is for students learning English in a country where it isn't the primary language. Essentially, the distinction lies in the learning context: ESL learners are surrounded by the language daily, while EFL learners study English in settings where the primary language isn't English. What do EFL and ESL actually stand for? What are the main differences between EFL and ESL? Teaching strategies for English as a second language Teaching strategies for English as a foreign language EFL and ESL represent the two primary categories of English language learning globally. While understanding these definitions isn't mandatory (since...  [Read more]

Where are TEFL and TESOL primarily utilized? TEFL finds its main application in the UK and Europe, whereas TESOL is the preferred terminology in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Despite their interchangeable usage, these terms reflect regional preferences for English teaching accreditation. Nonetheless, both TEFL and TESOL certifications offer comparable training and qualifications. What are the technical distinctions between TEFL and TESOL? Should I get TEFL or TESOL certified? Why get TEFL / TESOL certified. Video Testimonials. TEFL and TESOL, though frequently interchanged, possess distinct technical scopes. TEFL is geared towards teaching English to individuals in non-English speaking regions, typically for purposes like travel, business, or personal enrichment. In contrast,...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas ESL is English which is usually taught to students in an English speaking country. EFL is English which is taught to students in a foreign, non-English speaking country. As it is true of many European countries, where is common to learn to speak more than one foreign language. For these reasons ESL is typically the term used in the United States, an English-speaking nation, whereas EFL is more often the term of choice in countries where English is not the native language. What's ESL? What's EFL? Teaching ESL versus teaching EFL ESL Students Need... 1. Hands-on English lessons suitable for their immediate needs. 2. Explicit cultural instruction. 3. Bridges towards integration. EFL Students Need 1. Lots of practice using English, especially...  [Read more]

hello hello uh it's liza here um while i'm waiting for uh more people to join us let me introduce myself for those who will watch it um as a recording so my name is lisa i am a tefl expert uh at itt team and i am also a self-employed online esl teacher i am a non-native speaker and i am based in ukaterenburg russia so i hope that today's session will be useful for as many people as it is possible because it basically covers one of the most controversial topics uh in tefl certification so uh to be more exact uh the main point of today's session is uh what are some differences between tefl tesol and uh the other certifications which are celta and delta and uh right now please let me know if you can hear me clearly and see me well uh there is a chat box uh so you can communicate with me via...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! This is a worksheet to practice the difference between the he and she pronouns with your ESL students.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

TEFL and IELTS, while both situated within the realm of English language education, serve distinct purposes: In essence, while TEFL certifies teaching capabilities, IELTS gauges English language proficiency. What does TEFL stand for? What does IELTS stand for? TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. It is a widely used term in the teaching profession, referring to the instruction of English to non-native speakers. It is primarily used in contexts where English is taught in countries where it is not the native language, for instance, teaching English to French speakers in France. However, it also broadly applies to any context or location where English is being taught. In addition to representing the act of teaching English, TEFL also signifies the training courses and the...  [Read more]

In the field of English language instruction, various abbreviations often get mixed up, leading to confusion. A typical mix-up occurs between the terms EFL and ELL. Simply put, EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language, and ELL signifies English Language Learner. EFL pertains to the course or class, while ELL denotes the English student. What exactly does "EFL" mean? What does "ELL" stand for? EFL, or "English as a Foreign Language," denotes programs specifically constructed for ELL students. Many educational institutions offer EFL classes designed for English learners, utilizing EFL-centric curricula and programs. The term EFL broadly encapsulates the techniques and resources employed in teaching English to learners. ELL, an acronym for "English Language Learner," represents students...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching a whole class of students is a lot different than teaching a single student in a one-to-one setting. When teaching a whole group, I have had to split my attention in so many directions. When I teach a student one-to-one, my whole focus is solely on that one child. Diversity in the classroom 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 Jennifer H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There can be a wide range of diverse students in a classroom setting, which can create more of a demand for attention from the teacher, in some situations. For example, I have seen...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When approaching formal and non-formal language it's imperative to keep in mind that people are by nature designed to be different, therefore arguing which is more important is a waste of time. Based on cultural upbringing and life experience both play an important role in regards to teaching a student. Formal and informal language are used daily, though, both habituate different societal spaces and their ratios change. Either can bleed into each other when language becomes really interesting. The Use Of Formal Language The Use Of Non-Formal Language Things to Keep in Mind Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our ITTT graduate Thomas H. Defined simply formal language avoids "I",...  [Read more]

The acronym TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language. While this term is used for the physical act of actually teaching English abroad, it is also commonly used to refer to the training courses that many prospective teachers complete before heading overseas, as well as the qualification they receive upon successfully graduating from the course. By gaining a TEFL certificate it is possible to find work as an English language teacher in almost any country of your choice worldwide. TEFL - Teaching English as a Foreign Language TESL - Teaching English as a Second Language TESOL - Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages ELT - English Language Teaching TEFL Qualifications Choosing a TEFL Certificate Course Online or In-Class TEFL Course Finding a Teaching Job Teaching Hot...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences The term business English is used to cover the English language taught to a wide range of professional people, and students in full-time education preparing for a business career. There's a lot more to learning a second (or third or fourth!) language than just vocabulary and grammar because languages are used differently in different contexts. Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our ITTT graduate Rupanpreet K. Business English is the type of English used in business contexts. Some types of English, like novels or law briefings, welcome long, sophisticated vocabulary. Business English isn't like that. Good writing is direct and to the point. There is less focus on grammar in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas When we talk about the English language, we are referring to its base form or proper English as the Brits would say. American English is a version of British English, which has been modified over time and has thus been altered to suit the different geographical locations, different culture and so on. Lexical Differences Grammar Structure Spelling Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: There are several areas of the English language which present the most noticeable differences and these are in vocabulary, grammar, and spelling. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kristian B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There are hundreds of...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When it comes to learning English, non-native speakers can feel quite torn on whether they should learn British English or American English. They have their similarities, but can contrast each other strongly. The differences can be confusing for English speakers as well. The diversity in spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary can really throw you off. In this article, I will be focusing on these three topics. Let's explore spelling, shall we? Important Spelling Differences Differences in Word Choice Same Word - Different Pronunciation Other Things to Consider Are you ready to teach English abroad? Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Tabitha C. Growing up in the USA, I learned to spell in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching English to high-school students and teaching English to university students are uniquely different and require different skills and teaching methods. High school students are in a period of development known as adolescence. One of the leading developmental psychologists, Erik Erikson, defines adolescence as a period of struggle between identity versus role confusion (Hutchison, 2013). During adolescence, high schoolers are going through many physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes (Hutchison, 2013). They are struggling to define who they are in this world not about their parents. They want to make their own choices in life based on their reasoning. A high schooler may choose on their own to learn English as a foreign language, but...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences American English and British English are two varieties which are taught in English teaching programs around the world. Although it is accepted that no one version is corrected, there are certainly preferences in use. Someone who can speak, read or understand one variety of English, he/she'll also probably be able to understand most of the other varieties without problem. Pronunciation differences Vocabulary differences Spelling differences Grammar differences Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sumeyra Y. The differences between American and British English can be categorized in four ways: British English and American sound remarkably different. The...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Anyone who has tried to learn a language as a second language is likely to express at some stage or another how difficult it is. We speak of absorbing our first language and having to work hard for our second. We will often look towards those who have learned more than one language at the same time, bilingual for example, as being lucky and that the path was easier for them. So, is the first language easier to learn and why, and can we use those techniques to learn or teach a second language? Language of Our Close Environment Artificial Process Which Language is Easier to Learn? Do you want to teach English as a second language? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kevin A. Please note that...  [Read more]

British and American English showcase several key differences that learners should be aware of: These differences underline the richness and diversity of the English language, influenced by geographical and historical contexts. Differences in vocabulary Differences in grammar Collective nouns Have and take Prepositions Past tense verbs Differences in spelling Differences in dates Vocabulary discrepancies constitute a major source of confusion. Numerous words have distinct meanings in the two language versions. While teaching English, it is natural to focus on the words that make the most sense to you personally. However, it is important for students to be aware of alternative terms to avoid confusion later on. While the extensive list of vocabulary differences is too lengthy to present...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are several differences that exist when a teacher is teaching one student only versus teaching a class of students at a given time. For this essay, each difference will be compared against each other to effectively highlight the distinction between the two. Student-Centered Approach Choice of Materials Challenged Motivation Students' Individual Needs Student-Teacher Relationships Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Roxanne C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Firstly, if the student doesn't show up for class, then that's it, the class cannot go on as that student is the only person the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Second language acquisition is used to refer to any language other than the first language, so it refers to the acquisition of any language after the acquisition of the mother tongue. How do we learn languages? Why does a person need to learn a second language? What is assimilation? What is developing during second language acquisition? Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Abdelkabir E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. It functions as a recognized means of communication among members who speak some other language as their mother tongue. For example; English as a second language is learned in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas This summative essay will exam the importance of teaching the differences between American English and British English for EFL learners. I will examine the intention behind teaching these differences, and when these teachings should be applied, and to what effect and purpose. This essay will focus primarily on the problems of pronunciation and spelling, which are the two main differences. I am a British citizen, born and raised in London, England, and currently teach at a public high school in Tokyo. Spelling Challenges for Beginners and Intermediate Learners What do Students Think? Grammar Interesting Experience for Adults Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Lesson planning for an individual ESL student can be successfully adapted from lesson planning for a group once the teacher recognizes the differences and similarities between teaching a group and teaching an individual in a one-to-one setting. My first teaching experience was volunteering to teach a multilingual, adult class. After the class ended, Yordanka, one of the students, approached me for private help with her English conversation skills. I kept the following concerns in mind when conducting one-to-one sessions with Yordanka. These concerns address seven issues: student needs, student talk versus teacher talk time, trust between teacher and student, scheduling, lesson duration, the timing of lesson elements, and supplies. Listen to this blog...  [Read more]

The generally recognized acronym for the field of teaching English is ELT which simply means: English Language Teaching. Within this huge field there are a number of specialisms. One such specialism is the teaching of English to learners for whom English is not their first language. Three common acronyms that are often used when applied to this scenario are TEFL, TESL and TESOL. By defining the terms we will show that the idea of comparing one versus the other, i.e. “TEFL vs TESOL” is not particularly useful. So what do they mean? When the English teaching is to non native speakers and takes place in a country where the first language is not English. Examples would be teaching English in Peru or teaching English in Taiwan. TESL applies when teaching English to non native speakers in a...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations TEFL Information Before we start to look at the differences between teaching monolingual and multilingual classes, we should first define what these terms actually mean. Advantages of teaching a multilingual class Disadvantages of teaching a multilingual class Advantages of teaching a monolingual class Disadvantages of teaching a monolingual class Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Multilingual classes will have a range of first languages, so they have different L1's. An example here may be the teaching of English to a group of students from a range of countries, in an English speaking country. An example could be a class of Europeans from different countries,...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas This is a frequently asked question, and it can start to be answered by asking another question… Where are you in your ESL teaching career? Regardless of your answer, there will be a course that will meet your specific needs. So what are the options?Let us start with the basics; the minimum qualification required by most ESL employers worldwide is a 120-hour TEFL or TESOL certificate course. The good news is that there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved. TEFL or TESOL Travel to learn or stay at home? What are onsite TEFL courses like? What are online TEFL courses like? a. 120-hour TEFL certification b. Specialized TEFL courses c. Diploma level courses Combined TEFL courses Are you ready to teach...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information There are three common ways of earning your TEFL/TESOL certificate; in-class, online or a combination of the two. But how do they differ and how can you decide which course is the right one for you? In-class TEFL/TESOL training Online TEFL/TESOL courses Combined TEFL/TESOL courses Which course is best for you? Listen to this blog post Get learning and start teaching! Related Articles: The first option is the in-class TEFL course and this is best for people who like a structured study environment and have the ability to attend a four week on-site course. Trainees on in-class courses benefit from more than 120 hours of study time, the advice of experienced and qualified teacher trainers, foreign language learning experience, welcome meal and excursion,...  [Read more]