Why English Is So Difficult To Learn

Tho Nguyen Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Learning English outside of the classroom can be a great way to practice and improve your language skills, especially if you don't have access to traditional language schools or classes. Whether you are a visual learner who benefits from colorful illustrations and pictures, an auditory learner who thrives on listening to spoken English, or someone who prefers the support and encouragement of friends, there are many different ways to learn and practice English at home. IN CLASS VS AT HOME KNOW YOUR LEARNING STYLE DON'T UNDERATE A FRIEND ENVIRONMENT MATTERS PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Additionally, immersing...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As an international study major in college, I learned that the United Nations, a non-governmental organization, officially recognizes six world languages: every meeting, written document, and speech are translated into these languages. English is one of them. It is spoken and written by billions of people around the world. Having traveled in eight countries myself, I was surprised to have seen how commonplace it was for countries to translate directional signs in both the official language and in English. A student's mastery of the English language, or in any language, can be a difficult journey to venture. Therefore, this essay will explore what factors may motivate a student to learn English. English for adults Ways to learn English for young...  [Read more]

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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As a former teacher of English as a foreign language, I have some experience teaching business English. Majority of my classes were for general English conversation. However, as I continued teaching, my workload increased to include a few business-focused classes. At first, I was intimidated and nervous about teaching these students. Did I have enough knowledge about business to teach them? Would I have the information they needed? After a lot of preparation and a few lessons, I realized that business classes are not much different than regular English classes and I need not know much about business to be a successful business English teacher. Businessmen Are Ordinary Learners Teacher's Responsibilities My Experience Are You Ready to Teach Business...  [Read more]

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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Thailand is famously known as " the land of smiles". In some situations, smiling is the way to save face or to avoid conflicts. This often includes the time when Thai people have to communicate with foreigners in English and have no idea what the other meant. They simply smile to get out of a situation instead of making the best out of it by practicing their English speaking skill. On the other hand, they build up a fear of making mistakes and avoid being in that particular circumstance in the future. As English today plays important roles in tourism and the Thai economy as a whole, still, Thai people struggle to communicate effectively. Here are some areas suggested why it is difficult for Thai learners to improve their speaking skills. Cultural Aspects...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences There is little doubt that students who are interested, involved and motivated are easier to teach. Motivated students are forthcoming and attentive, the class flows easily, and there is more response and creativity during activities. So, with a class full of motivated kids, we find our English class is more fun. But does that mean the students can learn as much? The level of motivation is tied to the teacher's response. Motivated students are more eager to learn. How to motivate your students Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Melanie S. In many countries, in fact, in many traditional schools across the world, grammar drilling,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas To be able to answer this question, we need to think about what is the meaning of motivation. So motivation is the force that drives us to achieve our goals. What Does Students' Progress Depend on? Motivation Student-Teacher Relationships Evaluation and Assessment Parents Role Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Patrycja E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Students' achievements depend on several factors such as students' learning opportunities, teacher's work, students' awareness, family environment and students' financial situation, parent's education, classroom atmosphere, peer group, and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have been working as an English teacher for almost five years and I have a lot of experience in teaching children and adults. Therefore, after learning these units, I can gain a better understanding of class management. Reasons for Management in Class Rapport Young Learners Adults Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Wenyi L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. When it comes to teaching children, class management is essential. Children have an innate curiosity, which is a big motivation. They like looking for something new and learning it. Studying when you were a child has many advantages....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Most would say it's an almost impossible task, one that requires a lot of patience and repetition. How are you supposed to keep their interest? How do you communicate to them efficiently despite not being physically present? Teaching children may not be an easy task, however, I believe it would be a most rewarding one. Teaching online is something that I have been keen on and would like to venture into after completing this course. We are moving into a digital world where we will all soon be connected over the internet. This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to reach and enrich the lives of children globally. Is it a good choice? Cultural exchange Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG), initiated in 2010 by the Georgian Ministry of Education and Science, is a distinctive program aimed at enhancing the nation's proficiency in foreign languages, such as English, French, and German. Beyond its primary objective of placing native speakers in public schools for language instruction, TLG also fosters a deep cultural exchange, strengthening Georgia's bonds with the global community. What does the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program involve? What are the requirements for the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program? What are the benefits of the Teach and Learn with Georgia Program? Teach and Learn with Georgia (TLG) is a unique opportunity for native speakers of English, French, and German who are eager to impact young minds in a diverse...  [Read more]

Minh Huy Hoang TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Learning English during break time at the office can be an effective and enjoyable way to improve your language skills. Ready to teach English as a Foreign Language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Here are 10 hacks to make the most of your time: Utilize Language Learning Apps:Use language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Rosetta Stone. These apps offer quick lessons that you can complete during short breaks. Listen to English Podcasts:Podcasts are a great way to improve your listening skills. Find podcasts that match your interests, and listen to them during breaks. This will expose you to natural, conversational English. Flashcards for Vocabulary:Create...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Children begin learning from their parents. Parents teach their kids how to walk, how to eat and how to behave. Children learn from their parents as soon as they are born and always look up to their parents as role models. Therefore, parents have a responsibility to be involved in their child's education. Children are more likely to be encouraged if parents take time out of their day to sit down with their child and ask about school. There are many reasons why parents should play an active role in the education process. Attention Connection Interest Reading Rest Learning Process Involvement Listen to this blog post Learn how to help ESL learners in their everyday life. Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Change is something that does not come naturally to us human. It requires us to go through the process of learning. It is especially hard for us to assimilate anything that is not so much used in our environment. I grew up in the French-speaking country that is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I have gone through the entire process of learning English not as a second, nor a third, but as a fourth one. And that is the case for most Congolese as well. Although it came quite naturally to me. Most of my classmates seemed to have been introduced to another world. It is easy to assimilate a new language when it is widely spoken in the area you live in. However, when it comes to the Congolese population English is a language that may appear impossible...  [Read more]

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 Listen to this blog post Are you ready for your adventure abroad? Related Articles: 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]

Ramon Perez Teaching Ideas Every day, we learn something new. It can happen on the street, at work, at school and even in our home. We can attain new skills and knowledge through our interactions with our surroundings. Utilizing our 5 senses and past experiences to make sense of what is going on, we can ascertain new concepts and make proper use of them in our daily lives. However, as a teacher, we are tasked with transmitting abstract concepts that become difficult to fully grasp through traditional methods. Consequently, some teachers rely on literal translations to bring the point across. VISUAL AIDS ACTING/ROLE PLAY ENUNCIATION AND SPEECH MIMING CONCLUSION Related Articles: Since the student's exposure to the target language can be extremely limited outside of the classroom, it's...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching English as a foreign language presents several opportunities as well as choices for a teacher. Certainly, there are numerous teaching positions around the world in traditional, classroom settings, and most ESL teachers will spend time in those settings. For many teachers, the classroom setting is a fulfilling endeavor; however, other outlets exist for teaching English, including teaching business English. Business English teaching vs. teaching for other purposes Teaching experience Running an Activity Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Robert E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. There...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Teaching Ideas Image by Alice Bolden via Writix Listen to this blog post: Think outside the box Encourage creativity, not perfection Encourage students to write about what interests them Writing doesn't have to be a solo activity Introduce multi-skilled lessons Writing games Are you ready to teach writing skills in your own classroom? Related Articles: Of all the language skills that are taught in the ESL classroom, teaching writing skills is often seen as one of the least popular. Some teachers consider these lessons to be a bit boring, hard to evaluate and somewhat limited in what you can incorporate into them. However, this doesn't have to be the case as teaching writing skills to your ESL students can actually be interesting, fun and productive. Take a look at these...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Pronunciation problems in El Salvador is very common, as many know Spanish is the main Language in this country, people in El Salvador tend to speak their native Language all the time because this is what they feel more comfortable with, as there is not any other dialect, other than Spanish, they are taught English in school, English Is the only language taught in El Salvador in public schools, but only for those that can attend one, this is because there are many people that can't attend a school due to economic matter, family problems or due to the work that is done in their household many don't have time to study and there are kids that can't attend school because they have to work, but there are many that do go to school and take English classes....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas It is an undeniable fact that English nowadays has become the most influential language in the world. Many throughout the world seek to learn it as knowing it is now a must to find a good job or find good opportunities in one's life, which is why we can find countries that are rife with various English courses. This is especially true in Turkey. Where English is in high demand as everyone in the country is starting to realize its importance. It is also worth noting that the vast majority of the country do not have adequate English skills, especially in speaking, mastering said skill is a dream for many Turkish people. Students' Attitude Issues in the Educational System Unmotivated Teachers Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences The short answer to the question in the title is a resounding Yes. Globalization has accelerated and reshaped not only the way we do business, but it has profoundly changed the way we interact, socialize, play and learn. But this just the tip of our (melting) iceberg. Connection Internet Access to Information Disadvantages Education Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Conrad H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Globalization has connected our seven-plus billion minds in ways that are sure to radically transform language and education. The idea of a global language is an old one, but never in...  [Read more]

For TEFL-qualified teachers seeking the best places to teach English in Spain, top cities to consider include Madrid, the vibrant capital; Barcelona, known for its rich art and architecture; and Seville, the heart of Andalusian culture. Other noteworthy options include Granada and Palma de Mallorca, both of which offer unique cultural experiences and teaching opportunities. Also read: How do I find a job teaching English in Spain? Madrid Barcelona Seville Granada Palma de Mallorca The capital of Spain, Madrid, houses over 3 million residents, and its thriving English language learning community ensures an abundance of teaching positions. Both public schools and private language institutes frequently seek new staff, while private tutoring can provide a profitable avenue. On average, Madrid...  [Read more]

While a degree can be beneficial, it is entirely possible to teach English online without one. Although some employers might prioritize degree holders, many value experience and certifications. To boost your chances of getting hired, it is important to understand employer preferences, continuously upskill, and be strategic about where you apply. Popular platforms for non-degree holders include Preply, Cambly, Palfish, and Acadsoc. Why do some online teaching jobs require a degree? What do you need to teach English online? Which TEFL course should I get for teaching English online? Normally, employers require a degree in order to obtain a work visa when hiring someone to teach English abroad. Visas are not a problem, though, when it comes to teaching online - so why do they still want...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Admittedly, learning grammar may not be the most appealing part when learning a new language. It usually connects with conjugations, tenses and in some languages, the position of the verbs, for example, German. Grammar itself can cause a huge problem for both the teacher and students to carry out the language class smoothly. People might argue that unconscious imitation is the best approach to learning a language since it is the most natural way. I would like to say this is the idealist method. Truth speaking, not many students are able to enjoy the bilingual or even multi-lingual background. Moreover, even with the mother tongue, people will encounter grammar courses in school. This essay focuses on the necessities and importance of learning grammar...  [Read more]

hello hi welcome to another live session my my name is linda from itt i'm so happy to be here again this week um if you can see me if you can hear me as always please just leave a quick comment in the comments box below that'd be really really great we are live on facebook and we're live on youtube at the same time so welcome today we're gonna talk about teaching english online and also if you're listening to this as a podcast episode thanks thank you so much for the download we always turn our um live sessions into podcast episodes later so if that's something that you're interested in go check us out we are available on all major uh podcast platforms like itunes spotify google podcasts check us out just type in um tefl and tesol podcast by itt and you'll find us there and you can then...  [Read more]

The duration to secure a TEFL job varies for each individual and depends on multiple factors. While it is challenging to provide a definitive timeframe, it is encouraging to note that most of our graduates secure English teaching positions shortly after completing their certification. Factors like the chosen country's job market competition and the applicant's qualifications can strongly influence the job search duration. How does the destination impact on TEFL job recruitment? How do hiring seasons impact on TEFL job recruitment? How can an individual teacher boost his TEFL job prospects? One of the biggest factors is where you choose to work, as the demand for teachers varies greatly from region to region and country to country. China has such a huge demand that there are often not...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Teaching Ideas Of the four language skills taught in an ESL classroom, listening skills are often overlooked as teachers can be unsure how to make these lessons interesting and relevant to their students. However, as listening skills are a fundamental part of the language learning process, it is vital that we give them the classroom time they deserve. The good news is that there are many ways to make listening skills lessons both fun and productive. Here are 6 ideas for livening up your lesson plans. Popular Culture Secret Phrase Celebrity Squares Describe the Picture Listen and Quiz Vowel Cards Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach listening skills in the classroom? Related Articles: One simple way to engage your students in a listening lesson is to use popular...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have taught English in a classroom setting to large groups of adults for 4 years through a non-profit agency located in a mixed-race urban area of the United States. More recently, I have been teaching English to foreign learners on a one-to-one basis via video chat, also for four years. Given this background, I can speak from a wealth of personal experience to the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of each. As my goal is to continue to teach individuals online, I was admittedly skeptical of what I might gain from a TEFL course, as most certification programs are geared toward classroom teaching abroad. Having completed the ITTT course, I find myself very satisfied with having gone through the process, as I have gained many new resources for my...  [Read more]

  Leann thought the in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Phuket was an amazing opportunity to change career paths and travel the world. She loved her time in Thailand and wants to stay and pursue a teaching career there. She thought the course was well organized and the teacher trainers did all they could to help the trainees improve their teaching skills quickly week after week. She gained enough confidence and skills to succeed in EFL classrooms worldwide. Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In the past few years, teaching English as a second language on the internet has gained a lot of reputation for English teachers around the world. The convenience of only needing a stable internet connection and a computer to go to work sounds far more pleasing than going to a school or other institution to teach a couple of hours per day. Additionally, online teaching provides opportunities for English teachers to travel to new destinations while still being able to work as a freelancer. Consequently, teaching English to children online, in different parts of the world, must be one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. However, many obstacles need to be overcome to be a successful English teacher for children online. Hence, these will be...  [Read more]