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Why Games Are So Important in the English Language Classroom - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Games are one of the most important components in an EFL classroom. Foreign language learning games can be considered as a framework to provide a meaningful context for language acquisition. Students can improve their understanding of written and spoken English via games, as well as learn new words, structures, pronunciation, and spelling, all while having a great deal of fun.
The Versatility of Games in the Classroom
Games Are Not Just About Having Fun
The Many Benefits of Games in the Classroom
Games Are Not Just For Young Learners
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shiva R.
Games can be used to warm up the class before your lesson... [Read more]
Why Playing Games in Class is Important? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
All humans are raised with an innate love for games. Since we were all children, playing games was our pastime activity. When comes to teaching either young learners or adults, in-class games are the foundation stone of learning.
Business English
The Effect of Games
Strategy
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Pavlina M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Teaching Business English (BE) to clients/adults must be a fun procedure. There are many reasons why a teacher must use games when teaching English in class regardless of students' age or occupation.
To begin with, students can learn with... [Read more]
Games in the Classroom - The Antidote to Foreign Language Speaking Anxiety - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
When an English speaker is traveling in the Philippines, it is not uncommon for a friendly conversation with a local to end with the local stating they have a nosebleed and escape from the conversation. In Filipino culture, nosebleeds indicate that the brain is too stressed. Although Filipinos pride themselves in being fluent in English, many are not as confident to speak it when the time requires.
BACKGROUND: Too Anxious to Speak
INTRODUCTION: Work VS Play
MOTIVATION
SETTING
CONFIDENCE
CONCLUSION
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Terence L.
This phenomenon of foreign language speaking anxiety is not limited to just the... [Read more]
The Importance of Games in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
"Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn." O. Fred Donaldson (Pulitzer nominated author, and renowned play researcher).
Traditional Approach
Two Styles of Teaching
Effects of Game Play
What Games to Use?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kristel-Ann I. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
In a traditional school, students are expected to study the lesson from the book and from what the teacher discussed. It is a straight discussion without activities, and evaluation is through worksheets. They could only play games after school hours. Nowadays, schools... [Read more]
Games in the Classroom ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
There are many games that can be used in the TEFL classroom, from simple games that only require a pen and a whiteboard to more elaborate board games. There are some games that have been specifically designed to be used in English language classes, while other, everyday games that we usually play for fun can also be adapted to be used with your students. You can even create your own games!
There are many misconceptions about using games in the classroom. Some people believe that studying should be serious and that there is no place for this kind of “entertainment” in the classroom. Others believe that games are only for children and that adults are not interested in playing when they should be studying. Neither of these assertions is true, research and experience has shown that... [Read more]
The Struggles of Teaching Difficult English Language Patterns - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many different types of peculiarities when concerning the English language, and this essay is aimed at the difficulties in teaching those peculiarities to learners that are not fluent in the English language. It can be difficult for native English speakers to progressively learn the subtle nuances as children graduating to young adults and navigating complexities of the language as adults; deciphering whether or not these peculiarities warrant further investigation or retention based on usage and context. These oddities of the English language can be exponentially more difficult for those attempting to learn the English language as a second language, having fully grasped the complexities of their own language only to have to navigate the... [Read more]
Can I learn a foreign language while teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Certainly! Teaching English abroad uniquely positions you for rapid foreign language acquisition. Immersion in a new culture, surrounded by native speakers daily, is one of the most effective methods to grasp a language. As an English teacher abroad, every interaction - from daily errands to classroom engagements - becomes an invaluable opportunity to hone your linguistic abilities.
What are the benefits of learning a foreign language when teaching English abroad?
Can I learn Chinese while teaching English abroad?
Can I learn Arabic while teaching English abroad?
Can I learn Spanish while teaching English abroad?
Can I learn French while teaching English abroad?
What other languages can I learn while teaching English abroad?
Embracing a foreign language while teaching English... [Read more]
Mastering the Language of Healing: The Vitality of Teaching Medical English Abroad - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Learning English as a foreign language in healthcare has become increasingly common and essential due to globalization and the growing demand for healthcare professionals in diverse settings. This article emphasizes the significance of teaching Medical English and highlights the need for qualified instructors with a medical background.
The Impact of Language Proficiency in Healthcare
Developing Students' Language Proficiency
Incorporating Authentic Materials
Cultural Competence in Healthcare
Advancement Opportunities for Healthcare Workers
Conclusion
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions... [Read more]
Two Main Ways of Teaching Vocabulary to English Language Learners - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
Vocabulary has a direct impact on written and spoken language comprehension. All students come to school with differences in their vocabulary knowledge, and part of teaching them how to be successful in English is to teach them vocabulary. Vocabulary development plays a critical role in helping English language learners increase their ability to communicate in the receptive and expressive domains in English. This is why vocabulary must be explicitly and systematically taught.
Learn how to teach vocabulary effectively with a TEFL course today!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Gina A.
Research suggests the following three big ideas about teaching and learning new words:
Also read: 4 Super... [Read more]
How Might Language Teachers Productively Blur the Line Between Tasks, Games, and Testing? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
In the following essay, I consider something like a continuum from task to the game to assessment, but only in the bookend learning moments of "input" and "output." I often think of learners in my classrooms as a gray box—not quite a "black box," the inner workings of which are completely mysterious, but a thing into which we only ever have uncertain, provisional insight. We can do all sorts of theorizing about language acquisition and psychometry but will never have anything as exact as a litmus test. However accurate my notion is, it motivates me to focus on things that are much more knowable and observable: the inputs and outputs of a learning situation.
My Personal Experience
Teacher as a Medium of Real Life Communication
Activate Phase of The... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - English Grammar Past Simple Teaching Ideas 2 Teaching English Second Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
In this video for a teaching English second language teaching idea the students are given a sheet of paper with a series of pictures and each picture has a prompt with complicated verb structure as well as irregular verbs. The students will have to look at the prompts and order the pictures so as to make a story in the past simple tense. For higher level students you could remove the prompts and leave it up to them to create their own story. Teaching English as a second language is an increasingly popular career move. Not only do get the opportunity to help a variety of people around the world achieve their language learning goals but you also get to experience what it is like to live in another culture, often quite different to your own, which is always a rewarding experience. To... [Read more]
A Journey in English Teaching: From Language School to Personalized Success - TEFL Blog
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]
Top Tips for Playing Games During the ESL Class - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Teaching Ideas
Learning foreign languages is a very exciting and very responsible deal. A significant role in teaching foreign languages, in particular, English, belongs to games in the classroom. Games enhance students' mental activity, helps them consolidate material of the lesson, therefore it's a very important activity. The developing value of the game we can find in itself, because where is a game - there is emotion. Where is emotion, there are attention improvisation and imagination.
How to Implement Games?
Teacher's Part
Examples of Games
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Ivan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions... [Read more]
Games as a Teaching Method for Adult ESL Students - TEFL Blog
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?
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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]
Top 5 Tips: How to Learn a New Language When Teaching English Abroad - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Destinations TEFL Information
Teaching English abroad is an exciting adventure for many and it offers plenty of opportunities for traveling, exploring a new culture and making new friends from around the world. While you do not need to speak any language other than English to be a successful teacher, many people choose to embrace the opportunity to learn a foreign language while teaching English overseas.
1. Take Language Classes
2. Participate in Language Exchanges
3. Learn Verbs!
4. Go Exploring on Your Own
5. Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes
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Are you ready for your adventure abroad?
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Being able to speak the language of the country you are choosing to live and work in not only makes your life there a lot easier, but it will also... [Read more]
TEFL Costa Rica - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ English Language Teaching Assistants Needed For School In Costa Rica
Date posted:2020-06-13 | Writer: International Schools Partnership | Email: [email protected]
International Schools Partnership are currently recruiting Graduate Learning Assistants for our schools in Costa Rica. Successful applicants will be appointed to a school on a fixed-term basis for the academic year. This is an ideal position for recently qualified EFL teachers. After successful completion of the programme, GLAs may be able to apply for and complete an iPGCE at one of our schools with a view to becoming a permanent teacher.The GLA programme has been specifically designed to provide recent graduates who are interested in a teaching career with the opportunity to work as teaching assistants in our international schools. It’s the perfect opportunity for those looking to... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - English Grammar Present Simple Forming Questions Teaching English Second Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The structure of the question form of the Present Simple tense is the topic for this ITTT video. The positive and negative forms are discussed in other videos. Question Form: auxiliary verb 'do/does' + subject + base form of the verb Do I/you/we/they teach? Does he/she/it teach? Teaching English as a second language is an exciting and rewarding experience. The major qualifications necessary to gain a position teaching English as a second language are an internationally recognized TEFL or TESOL Certificate. ITTT has a range of courses that will provide you with the skills to begin your career teaching English as a second language. If you are interested in gaining your qualification follow the link above.
Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - English Grammar Future Perfect Usages Teaching English As A Foreign Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
This training video from one of ITTT's teaching English as a foreign language courses reviews the usage of the future perfect tense. This is used to talk about actions that will be completed by a point in the future. "I will have finished my TEFL course by the end of the year" If you are interested in teaching English as a foreign language the first thing you should think about is getting qualified. Many EFL employers require their teachers to have some form of teaching qualification and a 120-hour TEFL certificate meets that requirement. Follow the link above to browse the selection of TEFL courses that ITTT has to offer.
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... [Read more]
The Practical Value of Games in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Education and teaching are always changing. Thus, teachers are constantly thinking of new ideas and techniques they can implement in their classroom and teaching plan to more effectively educate their students. Presently, the notion of games within the classroom is widely popular among teachers. One may think that this relationship between games and learning is ironic, as most individuals classify games as a hindrance to education. However, through its engaging attributes, the tendency to boost class morale and motivation, and overall improvement within student's creativity, games in the classroom that inspire education are very effective when teaching.
Engagement Power
Attention-Grabbing Power
Revision Applicability
Ice Breaker
Do you want to teach... [Read more]
The Point of Using Games in a TEFL Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Teaching language to children is a rather delicate and complex process that requires a careful approach and patience from the teacher. To make this process more vivid and interesting for children, it is necessary to remember the existence of such an important and very useful tool as games.
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Basis
Motivation
Approach to games
Teaching point
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aleksei K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
In my opinion, games act like some kind of a magic wand which forms the foundation of trust between the teacher and the child, helps to build a... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Classroom Management For Teaching English As A Foreign Language Giving Instructions - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Our next consideration is that of giving instructions to our students. In order for those students to effectively carry out an activity, we need to make sure we have given clear and unambiguous instructions. It's also very important to check that the students understand the activity before you start. If you've done that work correctly then the teacher shouldn't need to say anything once an activity has started because the students are very clear about what they're supposed to be doing. So some ideas when giving instructions. As we've mentioned use simple language. Secondly, rather than trying to explain an activity, then do a demonstration which is visual. Thirdly, try to use wherever possible common words that come up within every activity. These would be things like ?look?,... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Classroom Management For Teaching English As A Foreign Language Grouping Students - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Our next consideration is going to be how we actually group our students. There are perhaps three types of grouping arrangements that we can consider and within those we'll have a look at the potential positive and negatives of those particular arrangements. So firstly, what arrangements can we use? We could arrange our group as a whole class so all of their activities will be done as a whole class. They could be working as individuals and the final grouping arrangement we'll consider is that of small groups or indeed the use of pair work. So for each of these types of arrangements what are the potential positive and negatives with that type of arrangement? For the whole class certainly one of the main positive features is that it gives that class a sense of belonging. Secondly the... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Classroom Management For Teaching English As A Foreign Language Classroom Arrangement - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The dynamics of classroom interaction is often dictated by the arrangement of the classroom itself and the way in which the classroom is arranged could depend upon a number of factors and they might include things such as the age of the students, so for example we're unlikely to have the same arrangement for adult learners as we would have for young learners. It could also depend upon the actual physical space available. The physical space may determine how we have to arrange our classroom to maximize the opportunity for interaction and so forth. It will also depend on what material is available and by material in this case we're talking about the actual desks and chairs and so on and so forth. Perhaps the final thing we might put here is that it could also depend upon the... [Read more]
How Teaching Slang and Idioms Can Help Students Understand the Context and Connotations Surrounding the English Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Throughout this course, it was mentioned that language does not happen in isolation. It is a product of the various aspects of culture, values, and context that make up the environment in which the language is used. Language can be used in vastly diverse and varied manners, and within different contexts have unique meanings. In the same way, slang and idioms are created based on specific contexts that exist within a society or group within a culture.
Cultural Awareness
Creativity and Fun
Motivation Aspect
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Temi O. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Proverbs,... [Read more]
170-hr course in Teaching English as a foreign language with online specialization with tutor support (for teaching abroad & online) - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
170-hr TEFL Certificate with tutor (Specialization in Teaching Online)
Our 170-hour Teaching English as a Foreign Language with Online Specialization has been designed for those who would like to gain a qualification to enter the TEFL/TESOL employment market and wish to maximize their options. Through this course we will give you the knowledge and skills needed to teach English in both classroom and online settings. The course is taken in two parts: First, our 120-hour certification is completed. This is followed by a further 50-hours of study looking at the particular skills needed to teach English online. One added benefit of the course is that on completion you will gain access to a unique graduate network, connecting you to ITTT alumni currently employed by many of the... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - English Grammar Future Perfect Teaching Ideas Teach English As A Foreign Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
This video from one of ITTT's teach English as a foreign language courses covers three teaching ideas for the future perfect tense. The future perfect is used to talk about things that will have been completed by a certain date in the future. The first idea involves asking students the following question "What will you have done by ...?" with an appropriate time in the future. For example: "What will you have done by the time you are 25?" "I will have become an English teacher". The second idea involves giving students monthly calendars to complete and asking them to say what they will have done by the end of the month. The last idea involves asking questions about a famous person and what they will have achieved in the future. "How many awards will she have won by 2025?" "How many... [Read more]
10+ Activities for Teaching English Winter Camp - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Teaching Ideas
Having to organize and hold a winter camp is a daunting task, especially for new teachers who haven't done it before. For these kinds of English camps, teachers typically create up to 10 lesson plans for the duration of the camp. Winter camps can last anywhere between one week to a month or even longer. The main goal of an English camp is to have a fun and memorable time with the students while practicing their English.
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It's all About Fun… and Props!
Making Sock Snowmen!
Making Christmas or New Year's Cards
Have Handouts Ready
Powerpoint/Computer Games
Board Games
When Your School Doesn't Have a Budget or Supplies
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What is a TEFL course? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
More and more employers now expect their English teachers to have a minimum of a 120-hour TEFL certificate. Gaining a TEFL certificate shows your commitment to the profession and gives you an introductory preparation to the knowledge and skills needed to teach English.
Types of TEFL course
Course content
Which course is best for you?
There are three main routes to a 120-hour TEFL certification.
There are two main areas covered in a TEFL course,
1) Teaching skills
2) Language awareness
A good TEFL course will give you a solid grounding in the basics of the English language. You will learn how English grammar works and how you can explain it.
Topics covered will typically include;
Depending on which type of course you undertake, onsite, combined or online, the topics presented throughout... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Classroom Management For Teaching English As A Foreign Language Giving Individual Attention - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Our next main issue is going to be that of giving students individual attention. Here many classroom management and leaving potential discipline problems can be avoided by applying some simple rules to giving your students attention. The first one is to think about the way in which you ask questions. Don't ask questions in a predictable order. If you just go around the class asking questions from one person to the next then the person at the end of the class will know that it's going to be some time before you actually get to them. So try to mix up the way in which you're asking questions. In terms of answers to questions don't allow individual students to dominate all of the answers. One of the things that we can do to help this particular issue is to use the students names as... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Classroom Management For Teaching English As A Foreign Language Rapport Building - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Our next consideration is going to be building and maintaining rapport. The importance of rapport is that within our communicative activities, we're asking the students to talk to each other. If they feel comfortable with each other and with us, then that interaction is much more likely to be useful. So how do we actually build and maintain rapport? Well, it's easiest if we consider two stages of the course itself. What we can do at the start of the course and what we can do throughout the course to help build and maintain that rapport. So at the start of the course, it's very useful if we ask the students to create a name card and to make that name card visible to everyone. Secondly we need to try to do some ice breaking activities that will allow the students to interact with... [Read more]