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Tefl reviews - Lesson Planning Part 1 Why Do We Plan Lessons - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Hello. This presentation is going to cover this section on lesson planning and what we're going to do is to have a look as to why we go about planning a lesson, what do we actually put in it? We'll create an empty lesson plan pro-forma and then having done that what we'll do is to fill in that lesson plan for a particular teaching point. So, our starting position is going to be: "Why do we plan lessons at all?" There are a number of reasons why we need to plan a lesson. The first and foremost perhaps is that it's going to create a logical sequence for our lessons. If we didn't have a lesson plan, it is quite possible that we could go all over the place and it would become confusing for the students. By having this plan, what we've created is a structure that we can work from. So,... [Read more]
The Importance of Lesson Planning for ESL Teaching - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
TEFL Information
Having a form of structure has always been a vital element in order to perform any task to my best ability. Therefore, lesson planning was a subject which I knew would be a large factor in order for me to become a successful teacher.
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1. A lesson plan keeps a check on time within a class.
2. A lesson plan is a written record.
3. A lesson plan allows the teacher to be prepared.
Other things to keep in mind
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jessica M.
The two main principles of a successful class are direction and flexibility; flexibility relies strongly on the teacher's experience and... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Lesson Planning Part 2 What Does A Lesson Plan Contain - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
So, the document itself needs to contain some general information about the class, for example the name of the teacher, the date and time of the lesson, what level of class is being taught and in what room, how many students are we expecting, this is important, when we've got things like photocopying and materials to do, what is the context of the lesson, in other words, what is the lesson actually about, what vocabulary or grammar point is this lesson covering and sometimes it's also useful to write out what the focus of the lesson is. So, in effect, the context of the lesson is telling us the grammar point, for example, that might be the present continuous tense, whereas the focus is telling us how we're going to go about teaching it. Another example to illustrate this: Let's... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Lesson Planning Part 4 Lesson Plan Example - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Okay, so we're going to use this pro-forma as our lesson plan and we're going to fill one out as though we were planning for an actual lesson. So, we start off with some basic information about the class. So, the name of the teacher, date and time and the class level. In this particular case, our class is going to be an elementary class and the room will be room 3. Having looked through the registers we see that the expected number of students for this particular class is going to be 10. This will help us in creating our worksheet copies. The context of the lesson for this class is going to be present continuous tense and it may well be the first time that this particular level of class has been introduced to this tense. So, our focus is going to be fairly general and it's going to... [Read more]
ESA (Engage-Study-Activate) Writing Skills Lesson Plan for an Elementary English Class - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Teaching writing skills to elementary English learners can be an exciting and rewarding experience. With a well-structured lesson plan, you can engage students, introduce key concepts, and provide opportunities for practice. In this blog post, we'll walk you through a sample one-hour straight arrow ESA (Engage-Study-Activate) writing skills lesson plan, tailored for an elementary English class.
Engage (10 minutes):
Study (25 minutes):
Activate (20 minutes):
Summary (5 minutes):
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To kickstart the class, begin with a lively warm-up activity that activates students' prior knowledge and generates interest... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Lesson Planning Part 3 What Does A Lesson Plan Contain - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Then, we have a set of objectives and aims. Here, the learner objectives relate to what we're hoping the students are going to be able to do by the end of your lesson and quite often, that can be a useful way of writing out what the objectives are. So, we would start the sentence "By the end of the lesson, students should be able to?" and then a list of two, three or four items that we're expecting the students to be able to do by completing this lesson. The learner objectives are different to the teacher aims the teacher aims are what you are expecting from that lesson itself. Now, when you first start teaching, quite a normal aim might be to complete the lesson successfully, to get through the whole thing without having any problems. As time goes on and you become more... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Lesson Planning Part 6 Lesson Plan Example Study Phase - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The first part of my study phase is going to be the board work and I'm going to use the information that I generated in the elicitation part of my engage phase to move on to the actual board work. What I'm going to do is to show the structure of this particular tense. So, the phase study I'm expecting to take about ten minutes on this particular part and, again, the interaction will mainly be the students talking to me. So, how am I going to achieve that with this information? Well, we could ask the students to have a look at the sentences themselves and to tell us what they can see. If we look at each of the first words in here, then at this level, I should hopefully be able to elicit from my students what each of these words have in common and they may well give an answer that... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Lesson Planning Part 5 Lesson Plan Procedure Engage - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
So, now we're going to fill the actual procedure of the lesson plan out itself. We mentioned at the start, the first thing we do, is to get some general information about the class that we'll be teaching and then, in order for someone to be able to cover our lesson, we need to present enough information in our lesson plan that they can actually carry it out. What I'm going to do is for each stage of the lesson, I'll indicate what I'm going to do in the lesson and then, we'll cut away from that to have a look to see how that will actually be achieved. So, our lesson is going to be based on a 45-minute lesson and the first phase is going to be the engage phase and it's going to be a straight arrow ESA lesson. I'm going to take approximately five minutes on my engage phase and in the... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Lesson Planning Part 7 Lesson Plan Example Activate Phase - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
So, having elicited this particular structure, what I'm now able to do is to move on to the actual study activities. Typically, they will be in the form of worksheets to check that the students actually understand this information. So, I might prepare three activities. They may not do them all but, for example, I could prepare these three study activities. So, the first one is going to be a fairly straightforward matching activity, where perhaps they match the subject to its correct verb "to be" in that part of the sentence. The second one is going to be a gap fill. For example, I might use this verb here and ask them to complete a sentence using that verb, so that I can check that any spelling changes that take place are correct and the final one is going to be an unscramble,... [Read more]
Master Your TEFL Interview Demo Lesson: Tips and Strategies for Success - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Hi, welcome Linda here, from ITTT. Back with another live session this week. And this week we're talking about the demo lesson and how to hold effective demo lessons for your TEFL interviews so you get hired. Yeah, welcome back, I'm back here again. You know we go live every week. I hope you know by now. Don't forget to like and subscribe so you always stay up to date, you never miss any of our upcoming live sessions. We usually go to go live at this time on this day so please stay tuned, give us a like, give us a subscription wherever you're watching from. We're actually live on Facebook and on YouTube at the same time, so whichever platform you prefer you can tune in.
Of course you can leave a bunch of comments as well, please let me know where are you right now, where are you watching... [Read more]
ITTT - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ Lesson Planning
Lesson planning is an important part of being a teacher. While experienced teachers may appear to not require a plan it is only because they have probably taught a lesson so many times that the majority of their plan is in their head. They will still have a good idea of how they want and expect the lesson to proceed. Inexperienced teachers will need the structure a good lesson plan provides. A good plan acts as a guide to your planning.
It helps a teacher consider the direction of the lesson and possible pitfalls and diversions. It also helps a teacher keep on track during the lesson but should not be so restrictive that it prevents flexibility in class. A lesson plan also serves as a record of what you have taught before enabling you to easily see what to review at later dates and to... [Read more]
Essentials of Lesson Planning - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A lesson plan is the starting point when thinking of a pending class, it is in the lesson planning stage where you can put your ideas onto paper. The lesson plan is evidence that you have thought about what you are going to do and why you are doing it. A lesson plan gives a teacher a structure to follow, not only in the sense of content but timings of activities and materials they are planning to use, and what learning the teacher hopes will take place.
Documenting your work
What to focus on?
Key points of your lesson plan
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yolande D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent... [Read more]
How to Make Up a Strategy For Your Lesson - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Generally, anything planned well in advance comes out much better and well organized as compared to something that is just done anyhow in any manner without any planning. As a teacher, it is important to know what you want to teach, why you want to teach and most importantly how you intend to teach. All these questions can only be answered when Lesson planning is done.
Teaching Goal
Students' Age
Lesson Stages
Learners' Level
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lucia F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
In trying to answer the questions raised above it is clear that the teacher will know... [Read more]
Why You Should Focus on Lesson Planning - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Every great teacher knows that the secret to a successful lesson is a solid plan. There is more to teaching than what happens in the classroom.
Things to Include In Your Plan
What Will You Achieve
Parts of a Lesson Plan
Flexibility
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Madisen H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Teachers spend lots of time outside of class analyzing student needs and getting creative to prepare the ideal lesson for their students. Many important things should be included in these plans. Lesson planning contributes to both the day-to-day success of a class, as well as its long term... [Read more]
The Importance of a Lesson Plan and its Structure - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Standing in front of a class, a teacher procrastinates by asking each student random questions and scribbling on the board, but something is wrong. The students seem restless and the teacher looks uncomfortable. The teacher then springs into action by quickly shuffling through a stack of papers on their desk while the students look around blankly at one another. Their attention is dwindling.
"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin
Misconception
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Bryce W. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Be prepared, and be ready! When teaching,... [Read more]
The Components of an Effective Lesson Plan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A lesson plan is a series of instructions written by the teacher on how to cover his lessonIt is also a working document to refer to during the lesson ad a record of the class content useful for future lessons or for other teachers.
Structure
Teaching Materials
More Things to Consider
Anticipated Problems
Interaction
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An effective lesson plan should be flexible and open to change. How a lesson plan is written depends upon the teacher. It's complicated because it doesn't exist the perfect way to write a lesson plan. It can be formal following a specific pattern or written in the form of notes but simplicity is essential.
This post was written by our TEFL certification... [Read more]
The Basics of Planning and Reviewing a Lesson - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The lesson plan functions as a roadmap for the teacher, providing an organized framework for the planning, preparation, and execution of the lesson and serving as a record of what has been completed. It should not be a detailed script, but rather a guide that allows for flexibility and adaptation in the classroom. The plan is a living document that may continue to be refined and enhanced after execution, incorporating lessons learned.
Basic Class Identification
Learner Objectives
Personal Aim
Language Point
Anticipated Problems and Solutions
Procedure Information
Lesson Review
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Simona H. Please note that this blog post might... [Read more]
Lesson Planning and its Primary Goals as They Are - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jenny M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
What is lesson planning?
Positive outcomes from planning
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The fundamental of lesson planning is just like how someone would be planning for an upcoming vacation trip. This planning includes an objective, anticipated problems, places to visit, and also the amount of time needed for each activity. Lesson planning is similar where it will lists out how the lesson will proceed step by step through the different activities within different phases and also how much time each step will take. Although planning is required, it is... [Read more]
Lesson Planning and Collaboration: The Strengths of ESA - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
A New Perspective on Lesson Planning Prior to beginning this course, I had only considered lesson planning in the form of worksheets and topics, a brief lecture here and there, and some talk activities placed sporadically throughout the lesson. I also understood the critical nature of talking and listening as a means of gaining proficiency in a new language, but I did not think there would be a way to square this need with other aspects of what I perceived to be my own general education experience.
Introducing the Engage, Study, Activate (ESA) Model
Engage: Fostering Comfort and Preparation
Study: Promoting Engagement and Confidence
Activate: Culminating Experience and Real-Time Practice
ESA: A Community of Learners
Are... [Read more]
Lesson Planning for Structured ESL Classes - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The lesson plan is a structure of the course that you will give to your students, a clear guide as to what you want to achieve and how you are going to do it. A good lesson plan generally consists of learner objectives, personal aims, language points, procedure, phase, and interaction, etc. It is of great importance because it can help teachers to have confidence in class, make the class go more smoothly and help to improve the course.
What is lesson planning for?
Lesson flow
Course effectiveness
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yanfen G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Firstly, it can help... [Read more]
Lesson Planning as a Medium of Effective Learning - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
A lesson plan is the instructor's road map of what students need to learn and how it will be done effectively during class time. Then, you can design appropriate learning activities and develop strategies to obtain feedback on student learning. Having a carefully constructed lesson plan for each 3-hour lesson allows you to enter the classroom with more confidence and maximizes your chance of having a meaningful learning experience with your students. A successful lesson plan addresses and integrates three key components: Learning Objectives, Learning Activities, Assessment to check for student understanding.
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Goals
Benefits
General Misconceptions
Teaching Approach
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today!... [Read more]
Check-List of Reasons to Follow a Lesson Plan - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Lesson planning whether it be for an English lesson or any other subject is one of the most important tasks of a teacher. Lesson planning can be time-consuming for the teacher but will cut out several complications during the lesson and after. In the end, it is worth the extra time to put together a lesson plan or plans.
Benefits
Flexibility
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shinae P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Below is a few reasons why a teacher should plan his/her lessons. These reasons are not all the reasons there are as to why you should lesson plan but they are the reasons I... [Read more]
One More View on Consistent Lesson Planning - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
This is different thoughts on this as with on one hand some people say that it makes the lesson too rigid and on the other side other people say that it is essential for every teacher to do. I have been teaching English for about 3 years now. I feel I have improved in different areas of my teaching. The area that I have noticed the biggest change in over the course of those 3 years is my lesson planning. When I started teaching I would mostly just get the topic of the lesson and then basically just teach from my head using that topic. However, after a while, I got to speak to my fellow teachers and they introduced me to the importance of lesson planning and how to do this the proper way. I began to see the results almost immediately after I started... [Read more]
Enhancing Listening Skills: Key Considerations for Adult ESL Classes - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Listening is possibly the least covered of the four skills needed by ESL learners in most classrooms. As it is a fundamental skill, teachers should try to create as many listening skills lessons as they do for the other three skills: reading, writing, and speaking.
Challenges of Listening Compared to Reading
The Stages of Listening
The Receiving Stage: Hearing and Attending
The Understanding Stage: Decoding and Comprehension
The Evaluating Stage: Forming Opinions and Thinking Ahead
The Remembering Stage: Processing and Storing Information
The Responding Stage: Verbal or Written Answers
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Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials!... [Read more]
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
For educators in the TEFL field, having a structured lesson plan is a key to successful teaching. While some prefer crafting their own, others benefit from readily available online resources. Leveraging free online resources not only saves time but also offers insights into diverse teaching strategies. If you are looking for free TEFL lesson plans, there are numerous online platforms worth exploring. Here is a curated list of recommended sites where you can access these invaluable resources:
Where can I get free TEFL lesson plans?
UsingEnglish.com
TEFL.NET
The British Council
Lanternfish ESL
ThoughtCo
BusyTeacher
English Is a Piece of Cake
The Internet TESL Journal
iSLCollective
Online English Expert
Off2Class
This website offers over 1,000 free lesson plans for English teachers, sortable... [Read more]
How To Create, Carry Out and Review Your EFL Lesson - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A good teacher will bring their own passion, style, and experience in every lesson. Some teachers may have a great deal of teaching experience, while others may be new to the role. The teachers with less teaching experience may find great benefit in putting time and effort into their preparation through Lesson Planning. While more experienced teachers may be able to naturally feel their way through a lesson, perhaps even the syllabus, and frown upon Lesson Planning as being too rigid or structured, for a new teacher I believe it is a necessity to achieving their success.
What is the Aim of Lesson Planning?
How to Write a Lesson Plan?
Lesson Plan Structure
Lesson Revision
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Related Articles:... [Read more]
Key Functions and Principles of Lesson Planning - TEFL Blog
Jon ITTT
Alumni Experiences
Lesson planning is an indispensable part of successful lessons. Generally speaking, lesson plans have various functions that are conducive to the classes.
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The function of a lesson plan
Lesson planning principles
What should a lesson plan include?
The ESA method
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Juan W.
First and most importantly, lesson plans can help teachers think and deliver classes logically through different stages of the classes. It can also give teachers hints needed. When teachers plan lessons, there are several aspects that need to be taken into consideration, such as lesson... [Read more]
The Art of Preparing Working Lesson Plans - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Doing up lesson plans for my up and coming TEFL classes is something that I am quite excited about. I suppose it is because I see an opportunity for creativity and that gets my juices flowing. I love the engage, study and activate model that was taught to us, both in the TEFL course itself as well as in this course on teaching business English lessons to adults. I would like to share some ideas that I have reaped from this course on how I would prepare a lesson plan for the to engage, study and activate methodology.
Engagement
Giving New Information
Applying New Information on Practice
Points to Remember
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Bonnie B. Please... [Read more]
3 Creative Zoom Lesson Plans for Children - TEFL Blog
Hoàng Minh Huy
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Due to the pandemic, distance learning has replaced traditional classroom instruction worldwide. Teachers in Hong Kong are attempting to find ways to instruct their students while at home under quarantine. To help you stay inspired when instructing online, I'm going to share some enjoyable games and activities to play with kids using Zoom in this post. If you've never used Zoom, you must give it a try with your students; you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Show and tell
Draw and guess
Board game
Conclusion
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Because students are staying at home in a cozy environment rather than attending actual classes... [Read more]
Effective Planning for Inclusive Business English Lesson - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The demand for teaching business English has been dramatically increased following the globalization of business. Many people think teaching business English requires detailed knowledge in the field where students are working. However, many students take business English classes because they want to learn and improve their communication skills with customers and coworkers, such as presenting a new product or describing the information to consumers, more than learning about their own business. Therefore, having special knowledge of the student's business is not necessary for teaching business English.
Students' Age and Abilities
Anticipated Problems
Placement Test
Methods
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This... [Read more]