Why Tesol Is Important

TEFL teachers hold a unique and vital role in global education. While all educators contribute immensely, TEFL teachers address the specific challenges of teaching English as a second or foreign language. Their specialized training equips them to effectively teach in environments where English isn't the primary language, helping learners overcome linguistic barriers and bridging cultural divides. Their importance stems from their ability to foster communication and understanding in our increasingly interconnected world. Working knowledge vs Formal Knowledge What are the training options to become a TEFL teacher? Types of employment Summary Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future....  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences One of the biggest challenges in schools today is the task of motivating students and creating interesting lessons for them. To achieve this, several key factors come into play. Building Relationships and Trust Personal Perspective Setting Goals and Clear Program Individual Motivation Maintaining Dynamic Lessons Teaching Methodologies Variation and Engagement Interesting Materials and Activities The Importance of Motivation Are you ready to teach English as a foreign language? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this blog post are solely those of the author, an alumni of ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training). They do not necessarily...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In my opinion, the most important role of the teacher is a provider of information, and all other roles are needed to help students absorb that information effectively. To prove my point let's take a look at major roles. Traditional Roles More Advanced Skills Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yurii P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The provider of the information is the traditional role of the teacher. The teacher gives lessons on a particular subject such as grammar, parts of speech, pronunciation, etc. He builds up the understanding of the English language in general and moves students...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!   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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching offers the chance to change other people's lives permanently for the better. As a teacher, you can help develop someone's subject of knowledge and/or their mind and personality. Teachers are instruments that ignite powerful thoughts in students, helping them unleash their true potential. In addition to being knowledgeable in their area of expertise and having the ability to plan and execute lesson plans, to be an effective and successful teacher you need to possess some personal emulateable skills. To bring a long-term impact in the lives of your students, it's important to have the following qualities; COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION SKILLS SELF-DISCIPLINE CREATIVE PATIENCE CONFIDENCE SELF-MOTIVATED ORGANIZATIONAL SKILLS CONFLICT RESOLUTION...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas "One book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world"Teachers influence the lives of students much more significantly than we imagine. A teacher with the right skills inspires and influences entire student lives. They are instruments who can ignite powerful thoughts in students, helping them unleash their true potential. The Essence of Teaching Downsides of Teaching Classroom Regulation Classroom Organization Rapport Building Feedback Other Thoughts Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Oleksandr U. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding thing to do and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Five years ago, I didn't have the experience, nor the knowledge to teach English. However, I have the skills to speak like a Native Speaker. My First Classroom Self-Study Test Group My Surprising Observation Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Amina C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. At first, I have 3-4 students between 2-3 years old. I was given lesson plans to follow and instructions on how to teach this group and I simply followed it. Teaching 2-3 year's old non-Native speakers were both difficult and fun. It's difficult because they are not familiar with the English language....  [Read more]

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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: 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]

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 Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: 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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Everybody knows that English is the most popular language nowadays, and it has been for centuries. Besides the popularity, it is one of the most important and crucial skills and is an international means for communication and expressing one's feelings anytime and anywhere. We can safely surmise that English as a language performs four important services: (a) International Language, (b) Window to new knowledge, (c) Common medium of Reference, and finally (d) Link Language. Listen to this blog post: 1. Role of a teacher 2. Teacher's Responsibilities 3. Teacher's Competence Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Richa A. Please note that this blog post...  [Read more]

Register now & get certified to teach english abroad! Here is a collection of the most important English formal and informal words.   Register now & get certified to teach english abroad!  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences In my personal opinion, vocabulary learning is the basic and most substantial part in any language learning. It's like the bricks for building a house. Moreover, the process of vocabulary learning is the most difficult and time-consuming. It requires not only memorizing skills but also a good understanding of the word, and constant practice. Problems for Chinese English learners The importance of careful vocabulary selection Knowing what to teach Choosing an appropriate teaching method Learn how to teach vocabulary effectively with a TEFL course today! Listen to this blog post Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dan W. For most English learners in China, they often encounter the same problem when learning vocabulary,...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Just like any profession, teaching English has specific terms and acronyms that can be used to describe the job. While teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) is an overarching term to describe the job of teaching English to those who do not use English as their native language, ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language) must be distinguished. ESL and EFL describe different locations, purposes, and techniques for teaching English. Additionally, it may be beneficial for instructors to experience teaching both ESL and EFL to be a well-rounded and sympathetic instructor. English as a Second Language English as a Foreign Language For Teachers' Consideration Influence on Teaching Experience Do you want to teach...  [Read more]

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 Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post 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]

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 Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Anna E....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I've been traveling basically all my life, and that makes me a person that always will want to travel and will always want to be in different situations, cultures and of course countries. International Experience Challenging Yourself Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Silvia P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I finally decided to learn how to teach English in not English speaking countries. Why? Because, the need is huge, many countries are developing very fast because English is an amazing language that everybody should at least know the basics and I think that magic happens when people can...  [Read more]

Understanding grammar is pivotal in teaching English effectively. While there are varying class levels in English language instruction, as indicated by resources like Reward, New Headway, and others, all these levels underscore the importance of grammar. Given its foundational role in language, a teacher's proficiency in grammar ensures that students build a strong base and communicate accurately. The four skills Typical grammar and vocabulary topics studied at each level Beginner/Starter Elementary/Pre-Intermediate Intermediate/Upper-Intermediate EFL exams and correspondence of levels Summary It is very important to remember that there are four skills that are required by any language user. These four skills are, reading and listening (known as the receptive skills) and writing and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Good communication skills, I can say this is an important quality someone can be so educated but communication skill zero so the education can be useless. Communication skills like visual, nonverbal, verbal by using body language, speaking and so many more. The biggest part of the classroom is communication. Also explaining well if there are activities or assignments and also a good teacher through communication will know which student does not understand and will make an effort to talk to the student and help him or her individually. Ability to build rapport Planning skills Personal interest and love Minding boundaries Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences We all probably know, that music has no language. It is kindly welcomed by all nations equally, as well as all races, ages and cultures. So how can music or songs help us to teach English and to do it more effectively? Music aids memory Songs can teach vocabulary Music provides clear patterns to follow Using songs and music build rapport Do you want to teach English around the world? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alena A. Music lets us go deeper into conscious that anything else, it is much more memorable, so the words and grammar structures may be remembered much faster. It also helps to relax and to feel happy, so using songs in the classroom is not only a good idea, but it is also an...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Do teachers' interactions with students matter? After all, a teacher's role in the classroom is to facilitate the transfer of knowledge or skill in such a manner that a learner can accomplish a specific outcome. Is it necessary for a teacher to know students' weekend plans or when Sally is going to take her driver's test? Does know students' interests give a teacher an advantage when it comes to selecting the methodology and techniques, he/she selects in teaching subject-specific knowledge or computer skills in a classroom? If the answer to the above questions is yes, then how can a teacher best establish rapport in the classroom that leads to effective teaching? Listen to this blog post: 1. Comforting students on the first day 2. Creating classroom...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas "Learning is not a game, although you learn by playing" 1. Useful Method 2. Students' Needs 3. Rapport Between Students 4. Way of Evaluation 5. Encouragement Listen to this blog post Are you ready to work with ESL students abroad? Related Articles: When we teach it is not only a matter of writing on the board and expecting the students to absorb all the information and knowledge we have, it's a matter of thinking and sharing what we know with the students. The best way of doing this is by connecting with them through games. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Juan G. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. As a teacher, I believe that games bring you a methodology for teaching...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Walking into a kindergarten classroom in any language may have most teachers running right back out the door. A kindergarten classroom can be like a circus. The teacher is the ringmaster. The students range from man-eating lions to trapeze artists to clowns. It's important to remember that kindergarten students do not understand they are meant to be learning great truths and skills that will set them up for the rest of their life. They want to play, love, be loved, and enjoy every aspect of life to the fullest, even when they are sitting in the classroom. Even the physical excitement that kindergarteners have can be used to create an even deeper understanding of language and should never be seen as bad. Children love to explore and learn....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences "To be a good teacher, you need to love what you teach. Teachers are given the word not to put their thoughts to sleep, but to wake someone else's." - V. Klyuchevsky, Russian historian Teaher's Self-development Teacher's Attitude Teacher's Professional Development Teacher's Self-evaluation How Self-analysis Influences Teaching? Do you want to be a TEFL teacher? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Zarina S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. A teacher who is able to learn will also be able to grow as a specialist, improve in his/her pedagogical activity and perfect his/her professional skills. The first and constant helper in...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Classroom management is an important element for having a successful classroom, especially for an EFL teacher. It goes beyond having a clean and organized room; it is a skill necessary for creating an effective learning environment. When a teacher possesses proper classroom management skills, they can establish a positive atmosphere that can significantly impact a student's life. An organized classroom and effective classroom control provide a greater chance of building relationships and gaining trust and respect from students. In the following paragraphs, I will discuss two important steps and provide examples of classroom management, highlighting why these steps are crucial for EFL teachers like myself. Setting the Right Tone for...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Humans are social animals. Throughout history, we've always evolved in communities and societies, where individuals relate with others by affiliating themselves to different groups. They are then integrated into a complex social network, whose members often have a strong impact on each other. Group dynamics represent this impact: they designate the functioning of a group and the relationships between its members. These dynamics also play an important role in the classroom, thus it is essential that the teacher understands them in order to create a productive synergy between themselves and their students. Tailoring Lessons to Suit the Common Dynamic Understanding the Classroom Dynamic Can Help With Participation and Discipline Are you ready...  [Read more]

Katie and Jake from Untold Wanderlust Destinations After galivanting around India, Central Asia, and Europe for the summer, we finally decided to head back to Vietnam for another year of teaching. However, this time we were going to make a huge change! Instead of going back to our jobs, apartment and friends in Ho Chi Minh City, we decided to check out what Hanoi has to offer. Although it's the same country, it's like starting all over again! As we have only recently gone through this huge change, we have decided to put together 5 important things to help you make the move to Hanoi and teach English. Looking for work as an ESL teacher Finding somewhere to live Getting around Hanoi Food Listen to this blog post Are you ready to teach English in Vietnam? Related Articles: First, you...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The Business English Teacher needs to consider how to structure and develop a course for students. Because students in a Business English setting are working professionals, they typically will have specific needs and learning objectives that a teacher will have to cater to. Steps for creating a course structure Understanding students' motivation and language level Content and syllabus Verifying Tracking the progress Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jan S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Knowing how to structure and develop an ESL class for adult, Business-English students involves first...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences Upon completion of my TESOL course, the best thing I have learned is actually plural and not limited to one item. Most importantly a TESOL instructor needs to be able to reach all students with varying needs, styles and preferences of learning in order to ensure the highest degree of probability that his or her students learn English, while keeping all students in the class as engaged as possible at all times. Activities to use in the classroom Using technology in the classroom Learn strategies and techniques to improve your lesson with a course from ITTT! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dina P. For this reason, I have developed an ongoing list of strategies and techniques that I have...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Many ESL teachers have never even heard of phonetics or phonology, yet they use these aspects of speech naturally when they speak. Phonetics and phonology are two areas of linguistics that study the sounds of language. Phonetics focuses on individual sounds, while phonology studies the features and combination of sounds (McMahon, 1-3). There are two reasons why ESL teachers need to know phonetics and phonology: first, it helps them to conceptualize English in a way that their students can understand; and second, it helps them to address their students' difficult pronunciation problems. Why Students Suffer from Pronunciation Issues? Lack of Subject Knowledge Sound Awareness Teacher as a Role Model Are you ready to take your TEFL course? Related...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas It is well-known that when we learn any language, listening, speaking, reading and writing are all important during language learning. Why do we learn a language the final goal is to communicate with others. Today I'd like to talk about the importance of learning reading and listening. The reasons for reading and listening can be contributed to the following parts. Firstly, we may read or listen for a particular aim or goal. Secondly, we may for entertainment, such as listening to their favorite songs and so on. Listen to this blog post: Ways to Learn Anticipated Problems Personal Experience Forming Good Habits Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course today! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yajun...  [Read more]