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3 Ways to Overcome Stressful Situations in The Classroom
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A classroom is a place where most individuals engage in attaining new information and interacting with others for a particular purpose. Stress, one of the major causes of various illnesses, can arise from both the teacher and the students within the classroom. Often times, when the stress level rises, the level of interest in the task ahead is usually reduced and the task remains undone or the individual simply quits. This end result can, however, be avoided as the purpose for learning in to eventually gain a greater understanding of the information being taught. The essay will, therefore, focus on ways to overcome stressful situations in a classroom.
1. Setting Goals
2. Create a Fun Atmosphere
3. Speak Your Heart Out
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Role-play: Complaining at a shop - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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This is a role-playing game to practice complaints in a shop. There are four different situations to complain about.
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Problems for Young English Learners in Public Schools in China - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Since the opening of China to the Western world, Chinese society and economic prowess have both continued to grow at exponential rates. This has led to its status as a rising power, culturally and economically, and an international power increasingly interconnected with many parts of the globe. As Chinese educational infrastructure tries to match pace with the rapidity of the country's progress, one educational mandate that has persisted in importance over time has been that of English learning for all young learners across the country. The government sees English proficiency as a matter of national economic competitiveness, in fact requiring that English is taught as part of the public school curriculum as preparation for China's 高考 (gaokao),... [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
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How soon can I get TEFL certified and start teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Securing a TEFL certification and landing a teaching job abroad varies based on several factors. The type of TEFL course, your chosen teaching destination, and your dedication play pivotal roles. Typically, allow about four to six months from starting your course to beginning a teaching role abroad. This accounts for course completion, job hunting, and logistical preparations. However, for those eager to expedite the process, there are strategies to fast-track your journey into the TEFL world.
How long will it take if I enrol on an international in-class TEFL course and then stay on to teach?
How long will it take if I complete an online TEFL course and then interview for jobs from home?
How long will it take if I complete an online TEFL course and then travel to my destination to find a... [Read more]
How to Cope with Stress in the Classroom when Students Feel Miserable - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many important factors that a TEFL or TESOL teacher needs to consider their students when teaching. One of these factors is the stress of their students. Every student has a reason and motivation for wanting to learn and study English. However, this motivation can also come stress to perform with excellence or to learn it at a quick pace. This is stress can easily overwhelm even the brightest and most diligent and passionate of students. While the students themselves will be the final initiators to deal with their stress, there are ways that the teacher can help as well.
Know how stress looks like
Strategies to conquer stress
Personal example
Understand there can be anticipated problems
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!... [Read more]
Tips on How to Help Students Cope With Stress - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
As an English Speaking Person, I have had the stress of learning French as a Second Language, so I understand fully how difficult and stressful it can be to learn another language. I am here today to give successful ways to help overcome stress when students are learning English as a second language.
Personal Qualities
Teaching Approach
Let's look at some different age groups and what can help them with stress.
Pre-Teens to Teenagers
Business Class
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Heather C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Being a teacher who is kind and encouraging while trying to build... [Read more]
At ITTT we offer a range of certificate legalization options
ITTT offers a full range of certificate legalization and authentication options. Some course graduates are informed that their certificate should be authenticated, legalized, apostilled or validated. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a consistent or clear definition of exactly what is required here, so we suggest several options. You should present these options to the people or authorities that are requesting the certificate additions, so they can advise you which one would be acceptable to them.
The first verification method is quick and easy, and is free of charge. Your employer or the local education authority may only need to verify that the certificate is genuine, in which case ITTT offers employers a certificate verification service for ITTT course graduates.
They can visit... [Read more]
Should Colloquial or “Urban” Language Ever be Used? - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Some form of Slang language is universally used all around the world. Almost all countries have words and phrases that could be identified as 'slang and so, when is it appropriate to use this type of language? Is it a good idea to let students be exposed to slang language whilst they are studying English at a formal level and as a non-native English speaker?There are many instances where some slang form of English should and should not be used, here are a few examples with discussion.
In the workplace
Public services
Abroad (on holiday)
Family and friends
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using slang as a form of language?
Is it correct to allow students to learn some form of slang?
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Teaching English Esl Efl Tips/mixed Conditional - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The mixed conditional deals with the present results of imaginary situations in the past. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the mixed conditional in an ESL setting.
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.
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I think that the most important thing about the unit, and the most useful one, is the library of websites and resources it gives us. As language teacher sometimes is not so easy to find... [Read more]
What is an ESL teacher? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
In the wake of globalization and a rising demand for English proficiency worldwide, ESL (English as a Second Language) teachers emerge as vital educators. They instruct English Language Learners (ELLs), individuals whose first language isn't English, aiming to elevate their spoken and written English fluency to specific standards.
How is an ESL teacher different from a foreign language teacher?
What age groups do ESL teachers work with?
Where do ESL teachers work?
How do I become an ESL teacher?
What are the benefits of being an ESL teacher?
How do I get my first job as an ESL teacher?
While both teach languages, ESL educators are specialized in teaching English to non-native speakers, often without sharing a common first language. Their teaching approach emphasizes repetition,... [Read more]
What are the best books for teaching ESL? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
The realm of ESL teaching books is expansive, with renowned publishers offering a plethora of resources. Generally, ESL teaching materials can be categorized into:
These categories encompass a range of tools, from structured lesson plans to interactive activities, essential for any ESL educator.
Book Series
Teaching Theory Books
Activity Resources
There are a number of well known book series. These are specifically written for the ESL teaching market and are generally set at the five levels most often taught. These levels are Starter or Beginner, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, and Upper-Intermediate.
A typical book series at each level will contain three books. These are the teacher book, student book and resources book (or similar names). The teacher book gives an outline... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Teaching English Esl Efl Tips/second Conditional - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The second conditional is used when speaking about dreams, fantasies and hypothetical situations. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the second conditional in an ESL setting.
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.
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In lesson of troubleshooting we learned about common problem situations. We learned how to approach first lesson, we learned about warmers we can use, we learned about how to teach... [Read more]
Rediscovering Confidence: Overcoming Student-Teacher Conflicts - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Teachers are also human beings. Losing our temper in front of students can happen, but it's important to remember that everyone makes mistakes. I have lost my temper once at the very beginning of my teaching experience. It had been an embarrassing and regretful memory that negatively affected my teaching for quite a long time. I lost my confidence in managing the class and doubted if I could become a good teacher. However, as I love children and education, I have been trying to regain my confidence and be more professional.
Steps to Recovery: Rebuilding Confidence After a Temper Outburst
1. Reflection and Acknowledgment
2. Apologize and Take Responsibility
3. Address the Issue with Your Students
4. Use It as a Learning... [Read more]
An Overview of the Conditionals in the English Sentence - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Conditionals are sentences which are also known as ‘if clauses.’ These types of sentences are an important concept for anyone learning the language to understand. Let's take a look at the different conditionals in the infographic below.
Conditionals are sentences with two clauses, an “if” clause and a main clause. Generally, conditional sentences are often divided into different types. Let's take a look at each of them.
(Present Real Conditional)
In general, “zero conditional” refers to conditional sentences that express a fact, rather than describing a hypothetical situation or potential future circumstance. The grammar term is typically used in the present tense, however such sentences can be formulated with... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - How To Pronounce Eloquent - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word eloquent. This word means a person who is fluent and also persuasive in both speaking or writing. It can also refer to the action of clearly indication or expressing something. The word comes from Latin eloqui meaning to speak out.
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.
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This broad unit is effective at covering the numerous facets to organize a... [Read more]
Where is EFL taught? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
EFL, standing for English as a Foreign Language, predominantly refers to the instruction of English in non-English speaking countries. This encompasses many popular countries for teaching such as Spain, Japan, Mexico, and numerous others. In these settings, learners engage with English even though it is not the dominant language of their environment. While EFL can also denote courses in English-speaking nations, its primary context is the teaching or learning of English where it isn't the native language.
What's the difference between EFL and ESL?
What's the difference between teaching EFL and teaching ESL?
It is very common for either of these acronyms to be used when talking about any situation where a student is learning English, however, there is a technical difference between the... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Tesol Tefl Reviews Video Testimonial Roger - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
Roger from the United States took an online TEFL course with ITTT. In his TEFL review video Roger tells that since completing the course he has applied for a job with Disney teaching English in China and has so far proceeded to step two of the interview process. We wish Roger the best of luck with his new adventure.
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 unit was too useful for me. I consider that... [Read more]
9 Ways To Get Efficient In Classroom Management - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
What is classroom management? Classroom management refers to all kinds of activities and measures taken by teachers in order to make effective use of their time, to create a good learning environment and to reduce bad behavior. In classroom teaching, in addition to the task of "teaching", the teacher also has the task of "managing", that is, coordinating and controlling all kinds of teaching factors in order to ensure the smooth progress of teaching activities.
1. Expression control method
2. Sound control method
3. Gaze method
4. Pause attraction method
5. Name method
6. Gesture method
7. Short rest method
8. Media transformation method
9. Competition stimulation
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Tefl reviews - Productive Receptive Skills/game Example Tic Tac Toe - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
So, let's take a common game that's been played over the years, which is called Noughts and Crosses or Tic-Tac-Toe. What we're going to do is to adapt this game for classroom use. So, we've taken the normal Tic-Tac-Toe or Noughts and Crosses grid and we've just numbered out each of the particular squares. What we can then do is to form teams and those teams can then be asked a series of questions and they get to choose which question they want from 1 to 9. So, let's say, for example, they choose question 1. That could be on anything that they have studied ,the grammar or vocabulary. If they get that question correct and say they are the Noughts or the zeros then they get to put their mark here. What the next group will probably do is to try to block them in some way by choosing... [Read more]
Traditional Approach Comparing to The Modern Point of View Towards Teacher's Part in Teaching - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
In traditional teaching, teachers are not only the teachers of teaching content, the controller of the teaching process, the organizer of the teaching activities, the judges of the students' academic achievements, but also the absolute authority. This kind of teaching style of laying too much stress on teaching by teachers instead of understanding and learning by students themselves overstretched the dominant position of teachers, ignoring the students at the center.
Teacher-Centered Approach
Another Point of View
The Controller
The Prompter
The Organizer
The Creator
Teaching Content
Find your role as an ESL teacher abroad today!
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Lingyi T.
The... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Tesol Tefl Reviews Video Testimonial Julia 1 - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
This TESOL review was recorded by ITTT graduate Julia. Julia is a full time college student with a full time job and her situation shows just how beneficial ITTT?s online courses are for those with a very busy schedule. Despite studying and working full time Julia was still able to find time to complete her course without feeling pressured to complete more than she was comfortable with. Although Julia found the final lesson planning task to be particularly challenging she found the experience to be rewarding and can see how overcoming the challenge will benefit her future classes.
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... [Read more]
Cross-Cultural Communication in the Classroom - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
A monkey was at a high and safe tree branch watching the beautiful and agitated river flowing below him. The monkey spotted a fish swimming against the current and seemed obvious to the monkey that the fish was struggling and in need of assistance, so the monkey decided to act. The kind and brave monkey risks himself to finally reach out and snatch the fish from the threatening waters, placing the fish in a safe and dry place. The monkey immediately got back to his tree branch and full of joy observed the fish jumping up and down of excitement, but soon settled into a peaceful rest. The monkey couldn't be happier, he had helped another creature!
Lack of Understanding
Classroom Sensitivity
Basic Cultural Awareness is Cultural Sensitivity
Are you ready... [Read more]
How will I find a place to live when I teach English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
When embarking on a journey to teach English abroad, a paramount consideration for many teachers, whether novice or seasoned, is securing suitable accommodation that melds comfort with safety. Fortunately, given the precedence of foreign educators in most teaching destinations, there is a well-trodden path to finding housing.
When is accommodation included in a TEFL contract?
What if accommodation is not included in my TEFL contract?
What else can I do to find accommodation?
When securing a TEFL position, a notable perk that frequently accompanies the contract is the provision of accommodation. It is common practice in countries like China, South Korea, and several Middle Eastern nations for schools to offer teachers either free or heavily subsidized housing. Additionally, when... [Read more]
The Difference Between Teaching ESL and Teaching EFL - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences
In my experience, many teachers are not really sure about the difference between teaching ESL and teaching EFL in the classroom. In this post I will try to explain both situations and give some insight into each as they are actually quite distinct.
The Basic Difference
Potential Problems of Both Situations
Typical Students of EFL and ESL
The Importance of Speaking English in the Classroom
Are you ready to teach English in an ESL or EFL classroom?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amal S.
ESL refers to teaching English as a Second Language in a English-speaking country where the student's native language is not English, while EFL refers to teaching English as a Foreign Language in a country... [Read more]
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]
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]
What does TEFL certification mean? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The obvious place to start is with the acronym TEFL, what does it actually stand for? TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language and it can be used to refer to any situation where a non-native English speaker is being taught English. Technically, TEFL refers to situations where English is being taught in a non-English speaking country, but in most circumstances it is commonly used regardless of the learning environment. TEFL is also the name given to teacher training courses and the resulting certification that potential teachers undertake in order to meet the qualification criteria set out by most international employers of English language teachers.
TEFL and TESOL certification
Although a TEFL certificate is required to apply for most English language teaching jobs, many... [Read more]
Tefl reviews - Overview Of All English Tenses Present Tenses Present Perfect Usages - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
The main function for the present perfect tense is to relate something in the past to the present. We can do so in a number of ways. First, we have indefinite past actions. 'I have been to Italy twice'. We're not concerned with when it happened, we just simply want to say that it has happened in the past. It's a fact of something I have done in the past but yet it's still true in the present. Unfinished past actions: 'I have lived here for three years'. I started living here in the past and it's still true now. With this usage, you will typically see time expressions. Finally, we have past actions with present results. I have lost my keys. It's implied that I still haven't found them. I lost them in the past. I don't have them now. I've lost my keys.
Below you can read feedback... [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]