Authentic English

Incorporating real-world English into TEFL lessons is essential for providing students with practical language skills that they can use in everyday situations. By exposing learners to authentic language use, they can better understand nuances, idiomatic expressions, and cultural references that are prevalent in natural conversations. This approach helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life communication, making the language learning process more relevant and engaging for students. One effective strategy for incorporating real-world English into TEFL lessons is to use authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, podcasts, and videos. These resources expose students to natural language in context and provide opportunities for them to learn how English is used in...  [Read more]

Teaching English in a technical school can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires specific preparation to effectively engage students and help them succeed in their language learning journey. Here are some key steps to consider when preparing for teaching English in a technical school: Before starting your teaching journey, it's crucial to understand the specific needs and goals of technical students. These students may require English language skills for specific purposes related to their field, such as reading technical manuals, writing reports, or communicating with international colleagues. Tailoring your lessons to meet these needs will make your teaching more relevant and impactful. Technical fields often have specialized vocabulary that may be unfamiliar to language...  [Read more]

Teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is a specialized branch of English language teaching that focuses on teaching English to students who have specific goals or needs in their learning. In order to effectively teach ESP, it is important to tailor the language lessons to meet the specific needs and interests of the students. Here are some key strategies and tips for teaching English for Specific Purposes: Before designing an ESP course, it is essential to conduct a thorough needs analysis to identify the specific language needs, goals, and interests of the students. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or questionnaires to gather information about the learners' professional backgrounds, language proficiency levels, and the specific skills they need to develop. In ESP,...  [Read more]

  Shem is from the USA and is currently living in Japan having previously taught English in Africa. In this TEFL review Shem tells how he really enjoyed taking the online TEFL course with ITTT and recommends the course with tutor support and videos as he found the videos to be really helpful in preparing him for what to expect in the English teaching world. 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. I found it very useful how a foundational grammar was...  [Read more]

Authentic assessment in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) refers to assessment methods that mirror real-world tasks and situations, allowing students to demonstrate their language proficiency in practical contexts. Unlike traditional assessments like multiple-choice tests, authentic assessment evaluates students' ability to apply language skills in authentic scenarios, such as conversations, presentations, or written compositions. This approach provides a more holistic view of students' language abilities and offers several benefits in a TEFL curriculum. One of the key benefits of using authentic assessment methods in a TEFL curriculum is that they provide a more accurate reflection of students' language proficiency. By engaging students in real-world language tasks, such as...  [Read more]

  Besides the actual future tenses, we can also use present tenses to talk about the future. Two of them are the present simple and the present continuous. Find out when to use which tense for future statements in this video. 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. My observation with this Unit is that one has to fully understand the tenses taught in the previous Units, to be able to fully understand the concepts of conditional and direct reporting. ...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video, Emilia tells that having already taught English in several countries around the world, she was looking to refresh her teaching knowledge after taking a break from teaching. After extensively researching available courses she chose ITTT. In this video discusses why her choice was a good one. 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. This unit, lesson plan topic was similar to a previous one I had for other certificate, but...  [Read more]

  This ITTT video examines the negative structure of the Present Simple tense. The positive and questions forms are covered in other videos. Negative: subject + auxiliary verb 'do' + not + base form of the verb I/You/We/They do not teach. He /She/It does not teach. It is always important to teach the contracted forms i.e. do not - don't, does - doesn't. In the negative form the auxiliary verb (also called the helping verb) doesn't has the s so the main verb doesn't need an s -- for example, He doesn't teach. ITTT's teaching courses equip graduates with the qualification and skills necessary to obtain teaching positions globally. Our graduates are in high demand because of the professional level of training and learning acquired on our courses. As a result of this our...  [Read more]

  Just to finish the sectional materials, we'll have a look the difference between what are called authentic and created materials. Authentic materials, as the name implies, are actual materials that are created for any reason outside of the classroom. So examples of authentic materials would be things like newspapers. Those are generated for the general public and they're certainly not generated for the use in the classroom. However, they can be used within the classroom other ideas would be things like songs and poems and even things such as brochures and magazines and indeed menus from restaurants. So these are materials that all can be used within the classroom but they have not been created for that purpose, whereas creative materials, as the name implies, have been produced...  [Read more]

  In this episode, Linda takes on the pronunciation of the word "bicoastal". Enjoy the episode! 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. This unit has taught me more about preparing the lessons and materials for lessons, and creating a lesson overview or syllabus based on the students needs or wishes. The advantages and disadvantages of using authentic and non-authentic materials and how to get the most out of them, Using our resources to their full...  [Read more]

Incorporating real-world language practice into your TEFL lessons is crucial for helping students develop practical language skills. One effective way to achieve this is by using authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, advertisements, and videos. These resources provide learners with exposure to genuine language usage in various contexts, helping them understand idiomatic expressions, colloquial language, and cultural nuances. By incorporating authentic materials, students can improve their listening, reading, and comprehension skills while also gaining insight into how language is used in real-life situations. Role-playing activities are another valuable tool for integrating real-world language practice into TEFL lessons. By assigning students specific roles and scenarios to...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our video series on "Evaluation and Testing of Students". In this video, we look at some of the most common business English exams people take around the world. Many EFL teachers around the world need to prepare their students for these international proficiency tests. 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. Very helpful unit. Clearly underlining the advantages to each type of teaching aid. Some of the advantages or...  [Read more]

  This video is part of our series on the past tenses in English. In this video, we take a look at the past continuous tense and how it is formed and used. This tense is used to indicate that a certain action was in progress at a particular time in the past. 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. I've never learned about what a good teacher is and their various jobs. I was always in the position of \"learner\" and learning about what a good teacher is...  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TEFL review Ben from South Africa describes his experience as a TEFL/TESOL student with ITTT. ITTT offers a variety of TEFL/TESOL Certificate courses that vary in duration, study method and price. No matter which course you select we guaranteed to provide high quality and practical teacher training. Check out our web site to find the right TEFL/TESOL course for you. 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. this unit is basically on...  [Read more]

  This video focuses on the modal auxiliary verb "can". In the classroom, you probably initially introduce the word "can" in the context of ability. However, there are more usages, such as possibility, permission, request and advice. 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. This unit was interesting, and I felt really challenged by the EP method of teaching, as I've only been exposed to the ESA method of teaching. I also feel like I better understand...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word quay. This word is used as a noun and refers to the platform used for loading and unloading ships. Synonyms for quay include wharf, pier or landing stage. The spelling of the word was influenced by the French spelling quai. 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. In this unit, I learned how to use authentic and non-authentic material. I also learned about the importance of having a good lesson...  [Read more]

  This is the second part of Linda?s video journal of her 120-hour TEFL course with ITTT. In this TEFL review video Linda has just finished unit 2 of the course. This unit covers parts of speech and is the first grammar related unit in the course. While unit 2 is a little longer than unit 1 she found that it was not too much work for her to cope with. In the next video we will find out how Linda coped with unit 3 of ITTT?s 120-hour TEFL course. 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...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video, Krystle talks about how she took the online TEFL course with ITTT. Now she has finished her course with ITTT, Krystle is planning to do some volunteer teaching with some local institutions to gain some classroom experience before she starts looking for a job teaching English abroad. Krystle notes that the course is very flexible and is reasonably priced making it an ideal option for those on limited budgets. 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...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL training video we look at the usages for the present continuous tense. Teaching points such as this one will come up often in a TEFL teacher's career so they must be knowledgeable about rules for English grammar. Our courses cover this grammar point and many more in our online and in-class TEFL training programs. 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. This unit presented theories on learning and development and touched on classroom...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word "libertine". This word is a noun and either refers to a freethinker in religious matters or someone who disregards morals and leads a dissolute life. The word comes from the Latin word libertus, which referred to a slave who become a free man. 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. Thanks to the Unit 4, I have refreshed my knowledge of didactic materials, both authentic and non-authentic, and...  [Read more]

  This is Chantelle?s video diary entry after completing unit 16 of her online TEFL course. Unit 16 covers conditionals and reported speech. Both language points can cause difficulty for English language learners and teachers alike. The unit outlines the structure and use of the conditionals and also provides some useful teaching ideas that can be used in your own classes. It also goes into detail about when we use reported speech and the changes that occur when changing direct speech into reported speech. You will also find teaching ideas to help you understand how this language point can be taught in the classroom. 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...  [Read more]

  Justine took the 120-hour online course without tutor support from ITTT. In her TESOL review video Justine tells us that overall she found the course to be very helpful, easy to understand and easy to navigate. Because she took the course without tutor support Justine made sure that she reviewed the course materials thoroughly to ensure that she understood the information presented and as such feels that she learned a great deal from the course. Justine notes that the response times to any questions she had were promptly answered and would recommend this course to anyone looking for a TESOL qualification. 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...  [Read more]

  Roby from the US share her experiences of completing ITTT's 120 online TEFL/TESOL certification course in this TESOL review. She talks about how best to complete the course and she outlines the support that was given to her by her online tutor. She also talks about the ongoing job support that ITTT offers to all its graduates. Roby plans to complete ITTT's two specialized courses, the Business English course and the Teaching English to Young Learners course. These two additional teaching qualifications will greatly improve her career options when she moves to Japan. 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...  [Read more]

  Now we'll have a look at the teaching ideas for the future simple tense. As we said earlier, the future simple tense can be used for threats or promises or, in this case, for predictions. Here, we'll have a pair of students working together. One has a prompt to say something and the other will begin it with a certain comment and then make a sentence using the future simple tense. Here, 'I'm taking my driving test tomorrow' 'Good luck. You'll pass for sure'. 'I lost at tennis again.' 'Cheer up. You'll do better next time,' so on and so forth. Of course, having a bit of feedback at the end. Some additional ideas for the future simple tense include things like horoscopes. Here you'll divide your class up into groups, provide them with zodiac sign, they'll create a horoscope for that...  [Read more]

Assessing students in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) is a crucial aspect of the teaching and learning process. Effective assessment practices not only help teachers gauge students' progress and understanding but also provide valuable feedback for both students and teachers to enhance the learning experience. Here are some best practices for assessing TEFL students: 1. **Use a Variety of Assessment Methods**: It's essential to employ a mix of assessment methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences. These can include traditional tests, quizzes, projects, presentations, role-plays, and group activities. By diversifying assessment techniques, teachers can obtain a more comprehensive understanding of students' language proficiency. 2. **Align Assessments with...  [Read more]

When creating TEFL teaching materials, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure they are effective and engaging for your students. Here are some key components to include in your TEFL teaching materials: 1. **Language Skills Practice**: Include activities that focus on developing the four essential language skills - reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Incorporate a variety of exercises that cater to different learning styles and abilities. 2. **Grammar and Vocabulary**: Integrate grammar explanations and exercises that are clear and concise. Provide opportunities for students to practice using new vocabulary in context to enhance retention and understanding. 3. **Cultural Content**: Incorporate materials that expose students to the cultural aspects of the...  [Read more]

  And now it's time to have a look at our first grammar unit. Grammar in its widest sense is the structure of a language. We as speakers of the language can structure our language without a problem. However, as teachers of the language we need to be able to better analyze the grammar and the grammar that exists within statements that we make. These basic parts of grammar are called parts of speech. Each part of speech has a certain function within a sentence. Our example sentence here is "My older brother lives in Tokyo." Each one of these words is a certain part of speech, which we'll have a look at in just a minute but let's just think about the words within this particular sentence. We have ?my?, indicating whose brother it is, we have "older", indicating which brother it is....  [Read more]

1. The Importance of Integrating Technology into ESL Curriculum 2. Benefits of Using Technology in ESL Teaching 3. Best Practices for Incorporating Technology in ESL Lessons 4. Conclusion In the digital age, technology plays a crucial role in shaping education, including English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction in American schools. Embracing technology in ESL curriculum is essential for enhancing students' learning experiences, improving language acquisition, and preparing them for the demands of a tech-driven world. By integrating innovative tools and resources, educators can create dynamic and engaging lessons that cater to the diverse needs of ESL learners. One of the key benefits of incorporating technology into ESL curriculum is the ability to personalize learning. With the help...  [Read more]

To make your TEFL classes more interactive and engaging for your students, there are several strategies you can implement. Interactive activities not only make learning more enjoyable but also help students retain information better. Here are some tips to enhance interactivity in your TEFL classes: 1. **Incorporate Group Work:** Divide your students into small groups to work on tasks or projects together. This encourages collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Group work also provides students with the opportunity to practice their English in a supportive environment. 2. **Use Technology:** Integrate technology such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, or online resources into your lessons. Technology can make learning more interactive and appealing to students, especially...  [Read more]

Immersion programs are language learning experiences where students are fully immersed in an English-speaking environment. This means that all communication, instruction, and activities are conducted in English, providing students with a constant exposure to the language. Immersion programs can take place in various settings, such as schools, summer camps, or study abroad programs, and can cater to learners of all ages and proficiency levels. Teaching English through immersion programs offers numerous advantages to language learners. Firstly, immersion accelerates the learning process by forcing students to communicate in English constantly, leading to improved fluency and comprehension skills. Secondly, immersion enhances cultural understanding and appreciation, as students are exposed to...  [Read more]