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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]
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
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
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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]
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
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
Related Articles:
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
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!
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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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Where to teach English Online: Best Websites to Teach on for Both Native and Non-Native Speakers - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
hello everybody so lisa's here and i'm super glad to um welcome you to today's session i'm excited that um it didn't take long uh after the previous one and by the way if you didn't see uh the previous lifestyle i strongly recommend you to do that because um last week we discussed uh teaching in china and i know that many people are interested in going abroad to teach and to discover new cultures so if you want uh to know a little bit more about it um just feel free to check out the previous life and today we are actually going to talk about a slightly different approach to teaching which is online teaching uh it is also super valuable and uh today's session uh will will take approximately 45 minutes so we'll cover um first we'll cover um some of the teaching modes in online teaching... [Read more]
Teach with no Degree - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Teaching English in schools and language centers is an extremely popular way to earn a good living while experiencing life in different parts of the world. In recent years more and more people have also taken advantage of the huge worldwide demand for the English language by teaching English online from within their home country. Whether you would prefer the adventure of teaching overseas or the convenience of working from home, Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a realistic option for anyone who has a good standard of written and spoken English.
If you have already conducted some research regarding teaching English abroad or online you might have come across the suggestion that a full degree is required in order to secure a good quality teaching position. However, this is... [Read more]
Reach To Teach Recruiting - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Reach To Teach is ESL Teacher Placement Agency placing thousands of happy native English teachers into schools around the world. Whether you are looking for a government teaching program or want to work at a private language school, the professional recruiters from Reach To Teach can help you make the right decision and find a suitable teaching position in your desired location!
Reach To Teach places teachers into the following regions.
If you want to teach English in China and immerse yourself in Chinese culture and learn Mandarin Chinese, teaching with Reach To Teach is the perfect opportunity for you. Reach To Teach currently works with many exciting young learner, adult, and online schools for teachers that want to teach in China. Your salary as an English teacher in China will be... [Read more]
How to teach EFL - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
EFL stands for English as a Foreign Language and is to almost all purposes the same as ESL, English as a Second Language. These two are also equivalent to ESOL which means, English to Speakers of Other Languages.
For each of these terms, when we talk about the teaching of them, we add a ?T' to the front of each acronym and hence we arrive at the terms TEFL, TESL and TESOL. As they are basically the same we will refer to just one from here on, TEFL for the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language and EFL for English as a Foreign Language.
TEFL qualifications
Onsite courses
Online courses
Combined courses
Teaching jobs
Almost all TEFL teaching positions require a minimum qualification of a 100 to 120-hour TEFL certification. Courses provided to cover this certification are usually... [Read more]
How to teach English in Asia - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
hi everyone hello here's linda again from itt and today we're talking about something really really interesting and exciting teaching english in asia and all you need to know how to get to asia the best countries in asia where to teach with the highest demand and also the best sort of recruiters and teaching job platforms where you can find the best jobs for teaching english in asia and i'm super excited about this topic today um i myself i've been uh pretty much based in asia since 2012 2013-ish and um i spent some time in china and um i also and now i'm actually in south korea and i've been here already for a while so it's gonna be six years soon and um so i'm so excited to share my experience with you guys and hopefully maybe some of you can also share your experience if you have... [Read more]
How to Obtain a Work Visa to Teach English in Mexico - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Visa and Legal Destinations
Mexico is a popular destination for many teachers due to its immense job market and seemingly limitless opportunities for those with a TEFL certification. On top of that, it is possible for most teachers to secure a work visa, making it a very attractive location for those seeking a stable career teaching English abroad. Moreover, Mexico does not require its teachers to possess a four-year degree and non-native English speakers can also secure a good quality position. If you are interested in teaching in an exciting location in Latin America, here's how to obtain a work visa to teach English in Mexico.
Requirements for a Work Visa in Mexico
Visa Application Process for Teaching English in Mexico
Waiting for Your Visa to Get Approved
Getting... [Read more]
Teach English Online - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Teaching English online has become increasingly popular in recent years. One reason for this is the rapid growth in demand for TEFL qualified teachers around the world, particularly in areas where in-class training options are hard to come by. More and more teachers are deciding to go for the online teaching lifestyle as it allows them to set their own working hours and teach from anywhere they choose. Teaching English online provides a great deal of freedom that is perfect for anyone who wants a change from the normal 9-to-5 routine.
Teaching English online is a rapidly expanding area of the TEFL market. It is even suggested that beyond 2020 there may be more people learning English online worldwide than face-to-face in a classroom setting. By choosing one of our popular course packages... [Read more]
Teaching English in South Korea - Should You Teach in the Countryside or City?
Prachi and Morgan from AlienEating
Destinations Alumni Experiences
Teaching. It's frustrating, exhausting, and a whole lot of kid wrangling.
City Teaching
Rural Teaching
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It's also rewarding, eye-opening and will give you more patience than you ever thought possible. I had no idea how much went into this job. One day when I'm in Forbes 30 Under 30, I'm going to personally send a tower of Ferrero Rocher to every teacher in the world. This job is a huge responsibility and it's more difficult than I ever imagined. I urge everyone to dip a toe into the teaching world at least once.
I've taught English in South Korea for two years now in both the open countryside and bustling city. It may not seem like there's too much of a difference, but there are a few things to keep in... [Read more]
Why should I teach EFL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) offers multifaceted benefits. Firstly, it presents an opportunity to profoundly impact students' futures, enabling them to elevate their job prospects and support their families. The adventure of teaching overseas attracts many, and with a TEFL qualification, the world becomes your potential workplace. Beyond career opportunities, teaching EFL bolsters students' confidence, paving the way for their academic and professional achievements. Choosing this path means embracing travel, enriching lives, gaining invaluable experiences, and witnessing the transformative power of education firsthand. Ultimately, the fulfillment derived from watching students attain their aspirations creates lasting memories.
Teaching EFL allows you to travel
Teaching EFL... [Read more]
What will I have to teach my ESL students? - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Teaching Ideas
There is a wide variety of TEFL and TESOL courses available worldwide, from online courses to intensive in-class courses. Regardless of the type of certification taken, graduates of these courses will find a huge range of teaching opportunities available to them. Here, we will consider some of the many different teaching situations that you may find yourself in. These range from Kindergarten teaching to teaching English (ESL) courses to university students, and we suggest some of the main roles you will have for each.
Young Learners
Business English
General English (schools and language centers)
English for Specific Purposes
Academic English
Kindergarten
Conclusion
Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language?
Related Articles:
Check... [Read more]
Teach Travel Abroad Tips - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
If you have already graduated from one of our TEFL certification courses and have yet to decide on where you would like to teach, or you are thinking about signing up for a course and are looking for an insight into the most popular teaching destinations, then the following guides might provide some welcome inspiration.
Below you will find dozens of countries from all corners of the world where there are plenty of good opportunities for teaching EFL. Click on the countries that interest you to access a wide range of travel tips, country facts and other useful information.
South Korea is one of the most popular destinations in the world for teaching English as a foreign language as it offers an exciting culture, beautiful natural scenery and a multitude of EFL jobs with high salaries and... [Read more]
Should I teach English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Whether you are just looking to earn some extra cash during a gap-year or are planning a more serious move into the world of education, teaching English as a foreign language has many benefits. The demand for TEFL qualified teachers is continually growing in many parts of the world and opportunities for making teaching a career are abundant. Also, if you decide that it is time to head back home, there are many directions in which your overseas teaching experience can take you.
Are TEFL teachers in demand in English speaking countries?
Are TEFL teachers in demand in China?
Are TEFL teachers in demand elsewhere in Asia?
Are TEFL teachers in demand in Europe?
Are TEFL teachers in demand in Latin America?
Can I make a long-term career out of TEFL?
What qualifications do I need to make... [Read more]
How do you teach English one-to-one? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Before delving into the specifics of conducting one-to-one lessons, we need to be mindful of certain preliminary steps essential for effective lesson planning.
Initially, you must assess your student's English proficiency level. This is usually achieved through a level test. The level test typically begins with a verbal conversation to gauge the general competency level of the student. English proficiency is often categorized on a five-point scale:
A basic level test could involve asking progressively complex questions to pinpoint the level at which the student begins to struggle.
Once the level test is completed, the next step is a needs analysis. This process aims to ascertain why the student is learning English, as needs will vary among learners. Younger students might seek to enhance... [Read more]
How to Teach English Abroad as a Volunteer - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Volunteer English teaching is a very popular option with many people. It can take many forms and can be undertaken in a huge range of countries worldwide. Here we look at a few issues that might help you find the best places to teach English as a volunteer.
1. Where can you volunteer?
2. Where is the best place to go?
3. Why should you teach English as a volunteer?
4. Here are some variations on the volunteering theme.
Are you ready to teach English abroad or online?
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!
There are volunteer opportunities available on every continent and within many countries in each continent. There are too many opportunities to mention individually and the... [Read more]
What should I teach English beginners? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
When teaching English to absolute beginners, it is pivotal to start with foundational elements. Begin with essential vocabulary - items like family names, household objects, basic adjectives, and common places. Introduce them to subject pronouns, commonly used verbs, and foundational sentence structures. While the challenge is real, many English teachers find this level especially rewarding. Remember, every word they grasp is a significant achievement, so using engaging and interactive methods can make the learning process enjoyable and effective.
How do I start teaching English to total beginners?
How do I teach English pronunciation to total beginners?
How do I quickly build vocabulary for complete beginner students of English?
How do I teach English grammar to complete beginners?
... [Read more]
Where is it easiest to teach English? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
As the demand for English skills rises globally, certain destinations stand out for their ease of transitioning for TEFL teachers. Based on factors such as job availability, straightforward visa processes, favorable income-to-cost of living ratios, and local hospitality, countries in various regions emerge as top picks. Notably, South Korea leads the pack, with other countries such as Colombia, Germany, Morocco, and the UAE, all scoring highly.
South Korea
Germany
Colombia
Morocco
The United Arab Emirates
South Korea is a favorite destination for TEFL certified teachers, primarily due to the myriad of job opportunities and competitive salaries. The typical teacher's wage ranges between $2000 and $2500 per month, and the cost of living is affordable. Additional perks often included in your... [Read more]
Why Teach in China ▷ Infographic - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Teaching English in China is as popular as ever. In 2014, 7.26 million students graduated with Bachelor and Master degrees and the numbers for 2015 are expected to rise. There are over 30,000 organizations or companies offering private English classes, with the Chinese market having nearly doubled in size in the last five years and is now worth around $3.1 billion.
English teachers in China can expect to make between 6,000 - 16,000 RMB ($942 - $2,500 USD). Those teaching at an international school, however, can make up to 30,000 RMB ($4,700 USD).
How far exactly will your salary get you in China? Most teachers put away a good amount of their salaries and save them up. You can live quite comfortably when teaching in China.
Most foreigners are settled in the... [Read more]