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Why Games Are So Important in the English Language Classroom - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Games are one of the most important components in an EFL classroom. Foreign language learning games can be considered as a framework to provide a meaningful context for language acquisition. Students can improve their understanding of written and spoken English via games, as well as learn new words, structures, pronunciation, and spelling, all while having a great deal of fun.
The Versatility of Games in the Classroom
Games Are Not Just About Having Fun
The Many Benefits of Games in the Classroom
Games Are Not Just For Young Learners
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Shiva R.
Games can be used to warm up the class before your lesson... [Read more]
The Synergy of AI and English Language Learning for Foreign Students - TEFL Blog
Minh Huy Hoang
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In an era defined by technological advancements, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education has become increasingly prevalent. One notable area where AI has made significant strides is in the realm of language learning, especially for foreign students studying English. This dynamic relationship between AI and English language acquisition has not only transformed the way individuals learn but has also opened up new possibilities for personalized and efficient learning experiences.
Tailoring Instruction to Individual Needs
Engaging Tools and Immersive Learning
Bridging Formal and Informal Learning
AI and Human Instructors: A Perfect Duo
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A Lifetime Love for Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
As a young child, I was, for some reason, obsessed with the idea of learning French. I tried a couple of languages, including Finnish at some point, but kept going back to French. I have no idea why because I was never exposed to the culture or the language itself at that age. I doubt I even knew anything about the country itself. I think I assumed learning French would make me sound smarter but, the joke's on younger me, I have no skill in French and never have. I tend to struggle with romance languages in general.
My Personal Second Language Experience
My Choice
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nicole H. Please note that this blog post might not... [Read more]
The World Status of The English Language - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
A global language is a language spoken internationally, the most popular one being English. It is learned by many people as a second language.
Word Origin
Global Communication
Language Structure
Cultural Importance
Challenges For Learners
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Damian B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
A big part of the lexical units in the English language was taken from German, Latin, French, and other European countries. People think that languages have a strong relation between dominance and cultural power.
Also read: What to Watch Out for Before Signing Your TEFL Contract... [Read more]
5 Important Things You Should Know About Second Language Acquisition - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In educational literature, the term Second Language Acquisition (SLA) is defined in various ways, influenced by factors such as socio-cultural aspects, the specific language being learned (e.g., second, third, or fourth language), and whether the learning occurs solely in a classroom.
Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis
Monitor Hypothesis
Natural Order Hypothesis
Input Hypothesis
Affective Filter Hypothesis
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Let's examine SLA theory through the lens of Stephen Krashen's five hypotheses:
Krashen proposes two mechanisms for language development. The first is an unconscious process akin to absorbing... [Read more]
The Significance of Vocabulary in Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Vocabulary is one of the most important skills required for teaching and learning a foreign language. It is vital for effective communication and understanding of written text. A rich vocabulary helps individuals express their feelings, ideas, and needs while also enhancing their overall understanding of others. Vocabulary develops with age and presents one of the biggest challenges when learning a second language.
The Stages of Vocabulary Knowledge
The Four Types of Vocabulary in Teaching
Teaching Strategies for Vocabulary Acquisition
Overcoming Challenges in Teaching Vocabulary
Conclusion
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Discipline in a Language Learning Environment - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
The 21st century has completely changed language learning around the world. Nowadays, learning a foreign language is a matter of surfing the internet and finding several courses or online apps the make it incredibly easy. In addition, young learners today have developed a series of skills that also give them a higher chance of learning languages compared to previous generations. However, this has also made people more laid-back and less motivated to try and learn other languages.
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Motivation and Discipline
Discipline Techniques
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jairo G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions... [Read more]
Memes as Learning Material for the Language Learner - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
There are many tools a teacher of language can use to impart important aspects of the target language like grammar and vocabulary to their students. For example, writing keywords on the board from a text may be a useful way to highlight important words or key information for learners. Furthermore, worksheets can be particularly helpful with grammar exercises, allowing students a lot of repetition and free-hand practice with the language point.
Memes as a Tool
What are Memes?
Activate Phase
Who to Teach With Memes?
Useful or Not?
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Levi L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions... [Read more]
All Types of Verbs in the English Language - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Verbs are one of the most important parts of speech in English and incredibly important for learners of English. The below infographic showcases all types of verbs in the English language.
Generally speaking, a verb is a word that shows an action, state or an event. It is an essential part of a sentence and is known as the soul of language. For example:
"They study English grammar." (Action)
"We celebrate independence day." (Event)
"I sleep at night." (State)
Following are the different types of verbs:
When a verb's past tense (2nd form) and past participle (3rd form) is created by adding ‘d’ or ‘ed’, it is called a regular verb. Some examples of a regular verb include:
Walk
Walked
... [Read more]
One More Point of View on the Importance of Stories for English Learning in Early Childhood - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
Early childhood is the period from 0-8 years old, it is a time of remarkable growth with brain development at its peak. During this stage, children are highly influenced by the environment and the people that surround them. We can say further that Early childhood education is a branch of education that relates to the teaching of children from birth to the age of eight, therefore covering infancy, kindergarten and the early school years up to grades 3. So how does storytelling come in? Well, storytelling does a lot here because this stage is very crucial to a child's early physical, socio-emotional, cognitive and linguistic development.
Benefits of Stories for Children
Role in Children's' Development
Teaching Ability
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How Learning Languages Help Me In Teaching - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
I have had the opportunity to study several foreign languages, some in a formal setting, some self-taught. Through my personal experiences learning other languages, I have developed some insights into language learning. I would like to describe some of my experienc| ITTT | TEFL Bloges, and some of my thoughts on what I have learned from them, and from this course.
How I started learning languages
How my job influenced the language interest
Challenges of learning on your own
Benefits of the ESA teaching approach
How to distinguish a skilled teacher
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kim T.
My first experience in language learning began at age... [Read more]
5 Reasons Why Grammar Is Vital in Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences
Language is the key to communication, and grammar is the foundation that unlocks its potential. Often viewed as a daunting challenge, mastering grammar is an essential step in language acquisition. Beyond the complexities lie five compelling reasons why grammar should be at the core of every language learner's journey.
1. Building Strong Foundations
2. Bridging the Gap for New Concepts
3. Achieving Native-Like Fluency
4. Uncovering Language Nuances
5. Realizing the Role of Grammar in Language Proficiency
Conclusion
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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are... [Read more]
Top Tips for Language Learning for Career Advancement - TEFL Blog
Luciana Campos
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In today's interconnected and globalized world, learning a foreign language can significantly enhance career prospects. Several popular languages can be particularly beneficial for career growth. According to a blog by Graduate Coach, English, Chinese, Spanish, and Portuguese are among the most popular languages for career advancement. The ability to speak, explain, and negotiate in another language makes an individual more employable, increases confidence. It even can lead us to a higher salary. Additionally, learning a new language can improve business acumen, communication skills, and cultural awareness. These are all highly valued skills in the professional world.
How might the digital world assist us in learning another language to... [Read more]
Benefits and Challenges of Personalized Language Learning through 1-to-1 Teaching - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In the realm of education, the debate between one-to-one teaching and traditional classroom settings continues to thrive. The advantages of tailoring lessons to suit individual needs, nurturing confidence, and forging strong teacher-student relationships are enticing, yet the downsides of limited peer interaction and potential constraint on exposure to diverse learning styles must not be overlooked.
Pros of One-to-One Teaching
Tailored Learning for Individual Needs
Building Confidence and Motivation
Enhanced Teacher-Student Relationship
Accelerated Learning and Continuous Assessment
Cons of One-to-One Teaching
Limited Peer Interaction and Collaboration
Reduced Exposure to Diverse Learning Styles
Challenges for Teachers in... [Read more]
How Learning A Foreign Language Made Me a Better ESL Teacher - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
I've taken four years of college Russian. Throughout my time at my university, I learned a few things about both learning and teaching a language that have helped me become a better ESL teacher.
Creating a Comfortable Classroom Environment
The teacher doesn't know everything.
Using a Variety of Teaching Aids and Materials
Always Be Respectful and Use the Right Language
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This post was written by our ITTT graduate Leif O.
One crucial aspect of learning a language is making sure that everyone in the class is comfortable. While this is true with young learners, this is especially true for adults. Adults don't want to make mistakes. Business professionals have devoted their... [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]
How Learning a Foreign Language Makes You an ESL Student’s Best Friend - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
My first language was French –-the language of my Cajun-born mother. She wanted to pass on her cultural heritage and therefore spoke to her first-born child, me, only in French. However, once I was put into kindergarten and was unable to communicate or understand any of my teachers or classmates, my parents reverted to English because they feared to set me back in school.
Personal Experience
Different Learning Modes
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Madeleine K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Despite understanding their fear, I did not appreciate my parent's decision. I was very... [Read more]
The Ways Parents Help Students in Learning Languages - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
It is a truth acknowledge in all cultures that our parents are our first teachers. What the adage means is very simple but profound. Learning begins at home. Learning is bolstered also at the home. The success of a child's educational endeavor later in life also owes a lot to the home.
First Steps
Home Reading Activities
Supporting in Formal Learning
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In learning the English language and the different language skills, parents can also be of great assistance to their children. Below are some ways parents can provide help to their kids and boost their chance of succeeding in their English language learning endeavor and a majority of the support that parents can provide to their... [Read more]
Adapting Language Learning for Children (Ages 4-12): Strategies for Effective Instruction - TEFL Blog
Federico Riva
TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
Embark on a journey through the fascinating world of language learning for children between the ages of 4 and 12. Delve into the developmental nuances of preschoolers and school-age/pre-puberty learners, while uncovering a treasure trove of effective teaching approaches. Whether you're an educator, parent, or language enthusiast, this article offers valuable insights and practical strategies to ignite young minds and unleash the full potential of language acquisition at each stage.
Preschoolers (Ages 4-6): Fostering Creativity and Imagination
School-Age/Pre-Puberty Learners (Ages 6-12): Developing Language Proficiency
Tailoring Instruction for Success
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Are online English teachers in demand? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
Undoubtedly, the demand for online English teachers is surging. With the proliferation of diverse online teaching platforms, students worldwide are accessing specialized English lessons, from one-on-one sessions to group interactions, and from foundational speaking modules to tailored courses for business professionals. This expansive and versatile online English teaching landscape has amplified the need for teachers from varied backgrounds.
Are TEFL qualified teachers in demand in English speaking countries?
Are online English teachers in demand in China?
Yes, TEFL qualified teachers are in demand within English-speaking countries. The online teaching field offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing educators to be based anywhere, from the comfort of their homes to anywhere around the... [Read more]
Feeling Comfortable Making Mistakes Can Really Help a Student’s Language Learning - TEFL Blog
Mark Crocker
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
It is inevitable that everyone will make mistakes when trying something new for the first time. Because there is no way to avoid them, mistakes should be accepted, treated as normal, and even encouraged. It is always better to make some mistakes in the attempt than not to try at all, and this is particularly true when learning a new language.
My Own Foreign Language Experience
Translating This Environment to the Classroom
Dealing With Mistakes
Practice Makes Perfect
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
I studied French for four... [Read more]
An Overview of Comparison in English Grammar - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Just like the superlative, knowing how to form correct comparisons is very important in English. Let's take a look at how comparison works in the English language.
For example:
For example:
For example:
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The Most Important Opposite Words in English - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Studying words in pairs of opposites is a great way to build vocabulary quickly. Every teacher should have this list of the most important opposite words in English in their teaching materials.
Pairing opposite words is a great way to learn new vocabulary. It is much easier to attach meaning to a word when students are also presented with a word’s antonym. For instance, the meaning of the word “tall” is a lot easier to grasp when presented as “tall/short.”
Images are also very helpful when learning opposites. Words such as “big/small,” when accompanied by visuals of big and small animals or objects, can be instantly understood. Opposites can also be reinforced through various fun activities such as the... [Read more]
Who will my students be when teaching English abroad? - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ TEFL FAQs
When teaching English abroad, the profiles of your students can be diverse, influenced by the teaching location and the type of institution you are associated with. You might find yourself guiding university students, professionals from the hospitality sector, or even top-tier business leaders. On another spectrum, you could be in a public school, teaching a young cohort ranging from five to sixteen years old.
Will I be teaching adults when teaching English abroad?
Will I be teaching young learners when teaching English abroad?
Can I also earn extra cash as a private tutor when teaching English abroad?
A large percentage of teachers working in ESL classrooms overseas will find their classes are full of adults of various ages and backgrounds. This is particularly true across Europe... [Read more]
The 3 Most Successful Play-Based Techniques for Teaching Pronunciation - TEFL Blog
Luciana Campos
Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas
In today's world, it is essential for young adults to learn proper pronunciation to communicate effectively and confidently. Proper pronunciation helps others understand what we are saying. It is crucial for successful communication, especially when speaking English. Traditional methods of teaching pronunciation can be time-consuming and stressful for students. However, pronunciation is an essential component of language acquisition. So, there's no way to run!
Gamification as a means for learning to pronounce
Tips on Pronunciation
Last Remarks
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I guess you expected me to start by providing... [Read more]
Adjectives for Describing People in English - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Having the ability to describe people’s appearance and personality using adjectives is an important part of learning English. Below we look at a range of descriptive words with example sentences.
In everyday life, English speakers use adjectives to describe people’s appearance and/or personality in many different situations. When presenting a lesson to your students on this topic you will need to cover a wide range of words for them to learn and practice using activities such as role playing. The list of adjectives above and the example sentences below should give you some ideas when planning your lessons.
Examples for using adjectives to describe people:
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What Personal Qualities are Important for an English Teacher - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Teaching Ideas
A teacher's personal qualities play a huge role in the success of their students! One of the best things I learned from this course was what makes a good teacher, and what a good teacher needs to be aware of when teaching EFL. Depending on whom you ask or what website you look at, you will get different thoughts and opinions on the qualities an English teacher needs to have. In this essay I am going to talk about the personal traits I believe are the most important and why.
Care
Motivate
Manage
Organize
Ask
Treat and Encourage
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sarah R. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions... [Read more]
Most Important English Formal and Informal Words - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ITTT
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Here is a collection of the most important English formal and informal words.
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The Most Important Differences Between British and American English - TEFL Blog
Linda Dunsmore
Alumni Experiences
American English and British English are two varieties which are taught in English teaching programs around the world. Although it is accepted that no one version is corrected, there are certainly preferences in use. Someone who can speak, read or understand one variety of English, he/she'll also probably be able to understand most of the other varieties without problem.
Pronunciation differences
Vocabulary differences
Spelling differences
Grammar differences
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sumeyra Y.
The differences between American and British English can be categorized in four ways:
British English and American sound remarkably different. The... [Read more]
Personal Qualities That are Important for English Teachers - TEFL Blog
Elizaveta Pachina
Alumni Experiences
The personal qualities of a teacher are the characteristics of an individual. These attributes and traits are what make up their personality. Personal qualities are what make a person unique, allow them to navigate a new situation, make new friends and possible connections, or work through conflict or tensions. Important personal qualities for English teachers include listening and being a good listener, thoughtfulness, being personable, timeliness, and adaptability.
Biased attitude toward native speakers
Kindness and patience
Personal learning experience
An ability to listen and understand
Teacher's roles
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Anna E.... [Read more]