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The Problems That Japanese Elementary Schoolers Face Studying English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
In the wake of the upcoming 2020 Olympics in Japan, there has been an increase in elementary school level English classes. As an assistant language teacher half into my fourth year, I have had the rare chance to work the entirety of my time in one elementary school where I have had many great memories. However, being present every day I began to notice that some students were struggling or in some cases, not even trying when it came to English class. Talking with my peers and colleagues from other elementary schools as well as my own, there are some common problems that many students seem to experience in an English class. These problems include learning in a counter-productive environment, inconsistent exposure to the language, and a lack of... [Read more]
Five Fun ESL Activities Every Teacher Should Know - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
The following activities may be adapted for use as warmers, engage activities, structured practice or free practice style activities. They may also be adapted for level and age.
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The first one is really simple but can be one of the best activities to improve grammar. Some students even at the higher levels are lacking automatic habits, which are really important for grammatical skill. Basically this activity is a grammar drill and it is supposed to be used as a warmer or as an ice-breaker activity. The main objective is to help your students automate some grammatical... [Read more]
How Discipline Affects Motivation In and Out of Japanese Classrooms - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I work in two schools. I am an assistant language teacher at one commercial (low-level English) high school, and an integrated (high-level English) academic junior high and high school. I have had experiences with different kinds of students, Japanese-English teachers, and classroom atmospheres. In Japan, students take an entrance exam to get into high school. If they scored low on the entrance exam, then they are placed in the lowest ranking class. Each school has a certain number of classrooms for each grade. Both of my high schools have six classes total for each grade. There are usually around forty to forty-two students in each class as well. Teaching forty plus students in a crowded classroom is difficult. And unlike many stereotypes of... [Read more]
Why Japanese Students Struggle with Communicating in English - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
During my stay in Japan, Japanese people often told me how they can't communicate in English despite studying the language for six or more years in school. In Japan, students in junior and senior high learn English grammar and vocabulary in compulsory formal English classes. English is also taught in elementary school as foreign language activities. Yet despite spending several hours in English classes, many Japanese people graduate high school with poor English communication skills.
Education system
Class culture
Learning goals
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rachel M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or... [Read more]
Five Online Teaching Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
TEFL Information
Online English language teaching is one area of the TEFL field that has grown rapidly in recent times and it is only going to become more popular. With this growth comes an increased demand for teachers which is a very positive thing for anyone who doesn't have a full university degree. While some online employers do insist on a degree, the two most important ingredients when applying for online teaching jobs are generally a TEFL/TESOL certification and in some cases being a native English speaker.
Cambly
PalFish
SkimaTalk
Lingoda
Open English
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For anyone without a degree, the best thing to do is to offer as much else to the employer as possible. As mentioned, a TEFL/TESOL certification is essential... [Read more]
Typical Challenges for Japanese Native Speakers in ESL - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daisy C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Grammar
Pronunciation
Japanese schools
Japanese culture
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One problem facing many Japanese students learning English is differentiating between countable and uncountable nouns. In the Japanese language, the same word is often used for 'much' and 'many'. In English, 'much' is used to describe countable nouns, and 'many' is used to describe uncountable nouns.
A problem facing many EFL learners, especially Japanese learners, is idioms. The English language has thousands of idioms, which are used in everyday life. These are... [Read more]
The 2 Pronunciation Problems ESL Students Suffer From in Japan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
There are several pronunciation problems that students of English will face in Japan; however, I will focus on two.
1. Differences in the phonetic systems of two languages
2. Lack of exposure to authentic English resources
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Brandie K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
The first of these problems they face is the fact that Japanese doesn't have some of the same sounds in its' alphabet as English does. For example, Japanese does not have a hard R sound; instead, it has a sound that is a mix of R and L. So, when students from Japan go to say rice, for many... [Read more]
What is a TEFL curriculum? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Across the globe, there are five widely accepted levels of EFL learners, which are represented in the teaching materials and book series available for students and teachers.
These levels are commonly referred to as:
Note: Any levels above these are typically termed 'advanced' and aren't usually taught in standard settings.
Please note that different curricula may categorize these levels in various ways. For instance, the Touchstone series from Cambridge uses a four-level scale, which, however, covers the same content as a conventional five-level scale. Another series, "Cutting Edge," encompasses six levels, including an advanced level, along with the standard five.
Let's examine some representative syllabus content for each level from the "Cutting Edge" series, 3rd Edition, published by... [Read more]
5 Reasons Why Grammar Is Vital in Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Language is the key to communication, and grammar is the foundation that unlocks its potential. Often viewed as a daunting challenge, mastering grammar is an essential step in language acquisition. Beyond the complexities lie five compelling reasons why grammar should be at the core of every language learner's journey.
1. Building Strong Foundations
2. Bridging the Gap for New Concepts
3. Achieving Native-Like Fluency
4. Uncovering Language Nuances
5. Realizing the Role of Grammar in Language Proficiency
Conclusion
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are... [Read more]
Personal Teaching Experience: Navigating a Changing Curriculum as a Co-teacher in Japanese Elementary Schools - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
In Japan, elementary schools typically employ an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) to provide support to homeroom teachers during English classes. I have been working in such a capacity for the past two and a half years, first through an international program and currently as a direct-hire via my local city hall. Until recently, mandatory English classes at the elementary school level have been limited to the fifth and sixth grades, but new national requirements are being rolled out that will require mandatory English classes as early as third grade while doubling English classroom hours for the fifth and sixth grades.
English Language Tests
Designing Activities
Team Building
Group Lesson Planning
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL... [Read more]
Top 5 Free Resources for ESL Teachers - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
Even experienced teachers have difficulty sometimes thinking of new ways to plan and deliver their lessons. The following list gives a set of 'go to' resources, for new and experienced teacher alike, to use for ideas and activities. These examples have been chosen on the basis that they are actually useful, saving teacher time when looking for lesson ideas and materials at all levels and in a wide variety of teaching situationsEach of the websites indicated were correct for the time of writing. You may need to find alternatives if domain names have changed. Also be aware that over time, popular free website resources are sometimes later monetized, either partly or in full.
The British Council
The Internet ESL Journal
ThoughtCo... [Read more]
The 5 Best Programs for Teaching English in Europe - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information
Here we will look at the best government programs for teaching in Europe. We will mention five different programs in no particular order.
Watch the video about this topic
TAPIF (Teaching Assistant Program In France)
Central European Teaching Program (CETP)
Teach and Learn in Georgia (TLG)
the Academic Information Agency (AIA)
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The first one is France and the first program is TAPIF ( Teaching Assistant Program In France) so this is a government initiative that places applicants into French state schools to work as teaching assistants. This program has been around for a long time, it's a great opportunity to live and... [Read more]
Problems Japan Faces in Developing English as a Second Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
There are several challenges Japan faces when it comes to learning English as a second language. Japanese culture is a bubble. Everything, including their ad signs, TV, games, government, studies, work and even the internet is filled with one language; Japanese. In a world of globalization, where your goods and services can come from literally any part of the globe. Japan is one of the few remaining homogenous cultures where English is still seen as an optional language. As the global economy becomes more global, the English language will likely become less optional, but essential. In addition to the cultural issues, Japan's English curriculum in the school is largely unchanged from the '60s according to my Japanese cousins and uncles still living in... [Read more]
Top 5 Skills Teachers Need To Set Their Students Up For Success - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Teachers play important roles in the lives of the students in their classrooms. Teachers are best known for their role of educating the students. The best teachers possess excellent communication skills, understand classroom management and appropriate discipline techniques to ensure a positive learning environment. As with all skills, teachers need to continue to improve their teaching skills by sharing with other teachers, continuing education and classroom experience. There are five important skills that teachers need in the classroom to set their students up for success. The focus needs to be on strengthening these skills to increase the effectiveness of the lessons.
1. Giving Clear Instructions
2. Checking For Understanding
3.... [Read more]
5 Important Reasons to Use Games in The Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
"Learning is not a game, although you learn by playing"
1. Useful Method
2. Students' Needs
3. Rapport Between Students
4. Way of Evaluation
5. Encouragement
Listen to this blog post
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When we teach it is not only a matter of writing on the board and expecting the students to absorb all the information and knowledge we have, it's a matter of thinking and sharing what we know with the students. The best way of doing this is by connecting with them through games.
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Juan G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
As a teacher, I believe that games bring you a methodology for teaching... [Read more]
Teaching in Japan: Problems of Local Learners - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
In this essay I will be discussing the problems for young Japanese learners of English, and what problems Japanese learners often encounter as well as explaining some of the reasons why teachers can run into problems while teaching in Japan. I will be referring to the book "The Smart Guide to Teaching English in Japan' by Charlie Moritz and Martin Bragalone, as well as drawing from my knowledge and experiences of studying and volunteering in Japan. Japan can be a challenging but rewarding country to work in, despite stereotypes of Japanese people being polite and studious so it is important to consider that reality can be different when teaching in Japan.
Eikaiwa
Juku
ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)
Kindergarten/International preschool
Do you want... [Read more]
Inspiring Students to Embrace English Learning in Developing Countries - TEFL Blog
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
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Contributing to the Classroom as an ALT in Japan - TEFL Blog
Asia Ridley
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
English education in Japan has been prominent for decades and starts in elementary schools. It is in high demand as the relationship between the U.S. and Japan as well as the abundant amount of tourism. Last year straight after graduating from university in the United States, I moved to Japan and began teaching English. I was fortunate to pass the interviews and become part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme {JET}. Being an assistant language teacher {ALT} in the Japanese education system versus a conversation school has its differences. Therefore I will be diving into how one can contribute to the classroom as an ALT.
Japanese Elementary School
Collaborating with your Homeroom Teacher
Outside of the classroom
Conclusion
Are you... [Read more]
5 Simple Ideas on Teaching Grammar - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
I think of myself as having been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity to learn other languages at a young age. I was taught French in primary school and at home, I learned or acquired Spanish. At school, I remember my language teacher being very textbook-oriented and she focused and followed the book to the "T". I picked up easily on the grammar because I had already learned Spanish at home and I was also very keen to learn foreign languages, especially French. The grammar didn't seem difficult or boring to me at all because I had already been exposed to the language at a very early age. However, many students didn't feel the same way I did and had difficulty with the subject and therefore, developed a disinterest in learning another language.... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Productive Receptive Skills/game Example Jeopardy - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The next example of a game that we can adapt very easily for classroom use is the game of Jeopardy and in this particular game, what we can do is to have a set of levels for our questions, I'd say one through five, where one is going to be the easiest example and five is going to be the most difficult and then, in each of these sets of boxes, we can have various grammar points, such as tenses, perhaps modals, vocabulary and maybe even conditionals. So what the students can do is they can pick a particular topic first of all and within that topic, they can pick the level of the question that they want and then we can have a set of cards that have been created to fit into these slots and we can ask them that question at that level. So, a very simple adaptation of the game jeopardy as... [Read more]
Where is the best place to teach English in Japan? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Deciding on the best place to teach English in Japan depends on individual preferences. Tokyo, the bustling capital, offers the allure of city life and the most job opportunities. Osaka combines vibrant urban experiences with rich history, while Kobe is renowned for its international atmosphere. Beyond the main cities, there are countless towns that provide an authentic cultural immersion. Regardless of location, teachers can expect a competitive salary and a unique cultural experience.
Tokyo
Osaka
Kobe
Sapporo
Fukuoka
Unsurprisingly, Japan's most densely populated area, Tokyo, tops the list. It is a realm of its own, brimming with teaching opportunities thanks to its nine million-plus residents and offering the country's highest salaries. Although the cost of living is notably high,... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Tesol Tefl Reviews Video Testimonial Leslie - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Leslie is a Canadian English teacher at a junior high school in the Japanese countryside. In this TESOL review, Leslie tells us she is looking to open her own English language day care centre at her home and with this in mind she took the 120-hour certificate course with ITTT as well as the 50-hour young learners course to bring her qualifications up to date. Hopefully for Leslie this will be the first step on a rewarding career as the owner of a successful English language school in Japan.
Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can... [Read more]
What is the JET Program for teaching English in Japan? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) is a prestigious initiative, established by the Japanese government more than 30 years ago, aimed at enhancing English language proficiency among Japanese students. Annually, the program recruits approximately 5,000 international participants, placing them in schools across Japan.
Beyond its educational goals, JET uniquely prioritizes fostering cultural ties between participants and the Japanese community. Given the competitive salary and array of additional benefits, securing a spot in the JET Program is highly sought-after, making the application process quite competitive.
What are the requirements for the JET Program?
What teaching positions are available through the JET Program?
What are the benefits of the JET Program?
The Japan... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Tesol Tefl Reviews Video Testimonial Mehmet - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Mehmet has been living in Mongolia for ten years and has been teaching for the last five of those years. Mehmet took the online course with tutor support and videos ITTT. In this TESOL review video, Mehmet tells us how he found the videos in the course to be useful and that he would recommend the course to anyone considering teaching English.
Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next.
Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!
This part is troubling... [Read more]
5 Tips on How to Impress Business Clients as a Business English Teacher - TEFL Blog
Joanna Dineva
Teaching Ideas
Like it or not, ready or not, English is the global language of business. Globalization in business is widespread both in market globalization and production globalization. More importantly, more and more multinational companies are mandating English as the common corporate language—Airbus, Daimler-Chrysler, Fast Retailing, Nokia, Renault, Samsung, SAP, Technicolor, and Microsoft in Beijing, to name a few.
Listen to this blog post:
1. Dress to impress!
2. Be professional.
3. Needs Analysis.
4. Provide a course success report.
5. Distribute a course evaluation at the end of the course.
But relax!
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This corporate strategy of adopting a global language policy has also increased the demand for a specialized English teacher: The Business... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Pronunciation And Phonology/oh Sound - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Here we have a set of five words, which all share one sound: the ?oh? sound, as in ?go?, ?show?, ?dough?, ?note? and ?boat?. They?re five different spelling patterns to tell our students so they can identify when to make the ?oh? sound. We can have a simple letter ?o?, ?ow?, ?ough?, ?o? with the magic ?e? which turns our vowel into what we knew as long sounds and the ?oa? as in ?boat?. Now, for a non-native learner, perhaps they can handle something like this. They remember that these spelling combinations help to produce the ?oh? sound and they can go about their business looking at the words and memorizing this knowing that these spelling patterns will produce the sound ?oh?. Now that?s okay until we get to a situation where we can also have words like ?to?, ?cow? and also... [Read more]
Getting Student Placement Right - The Best Desk Arrangements for EFL Students - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
As a teacher of English as a foreign language, or any subject really, you have to consider the seating arrangement in your classroom. Studies have shown that seating arrangements where the teacher can see the faces of all of the students at all times increase student engagement and are therefore beneficial for their learning. Considering this, here are the best desk arrangements for EFL students that you should try out in your classroom!
Single Rows
U-Shape
Double Rows
Clusters
More things to consider regarding desk placement:
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Setting up the students' desks in single rows is great for teacher demonstrations and independent table work. While this arrangement is very formal and... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Pronunciation And Phonology/place Of Articulation Part 1 - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Place of articulation deals with the placement of the vocal organs when producing a sound. Before we can cover the particulars of places of articulation, we'll need to take a look at the various vocal organs and their locations. Moving from the front to the back we'd begin with our lips. We can use both lips in order to create a sound or we can use one of our lips with one of our rows of teeth, usually the top, in order to produce another sound. We also have other sounds, which use both of the rows of teeth. Further back we have what's called the alveolar ridge. That's the bit of the mouth that may get burnt when we're eating a pizza that's a bit too hot and the cheese burns just behind there our top two teeth. That again is the hard bit just behind our top teeth, called the... [Read more]
Regional foods of Thailand - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Teach English Abroad
SOURCE: absoluteresorts . files . wordpress . com/2013/09/food4pak-en-big . jpg?w=370&h=
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What type of TEFL teacher is most in demand? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Before discussing the demand of different TEFL teachers we must first be aware of the different roles that these teachers can take. Perhaps the first distinction or grouping would be between online and onsite teachers. What are the different roles TEFL teachers take?
For online teaching there are a few types of teaching jobs that you can undertake. These include:
For onsite teaching there are also a few types of teaching jobs available, such as:
Which teachers are in most demand?
What other roles can TEFL teachers move into?
Conclusion
There is no single answer to this question as it depends very much upon whether you want to work online or onsite and if so, which country you are considering. It will also depend to a certain extent on your qualifications and experience.
In general, the... [Read more]