English Problems

  This video focuses on some of the problems teachers of business English might encounter. How is business Enligsh different to general English? Will you be able to teach business English? Find out 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. This unit highlighted the importance of sentence structure and how that structure can completely change the meaning of a sentence if used incorrectly. I learned a lot about the different types of verbs,...  [Read more]

  Understanding the Root Causes of Conflict Effective Communication Strategies in Conflict Resolution Building Trust and Rapport in Challenging Situations Implementing Problem-Solving Techniques Managing Emotions During Conflict Resolution Cultural Sensitivity in Resolving Conflicts Establishing Boundaries and Assertiveness Collaborative Approaches to Conflict Resolution Learning from Conflict and Challenges Seeking Support and Professional Development In the realm of teaching English abroad, conflicts can arise due to various factors such as miscommunication, differing expectations, or cultural misunderstandings. It is crucial to delve deep into the root causes of these conflicts to address them effectively. By understanding the underlying issues, educators can implement targeted...  [Read more]

The economy in the United States and around the globe is facing a massive crisis due to the coronavirus outbreak. We are all fearful of our health, our jobs, our families, and our futures. It's scary stuff. We believe that while times are tough and uncertain, those who prepare themselves now will best weather the storm and will be best prepared to hit the ground running once the world returns to some sense of normalcy. Demand for English teachers online remains strong and will continue to remain strong. This is a viable way for you to earn money if the coronavirus and lockdowns continue in the U.S. and Europe. Education is largely recession-proof - schools will continue, and people will invest in their education to improve their job prospects. This is especially true for English...  [Read more]

When it comes to accents we all have one no matter where in the world we were brought up. Most of us are familiar with the basic differences between British and American accents, but what about accents from Australia and New Zealand, Canada and South Africa? And within each of these countries there are dozens of regional accents, just to complicate things further. So, we all have an accent, but is it a problem when teaching English as a foreign language? The first thing to remember is that there is no right or wrong accent when it comes to teaching and learning English. When teaching it is fine to speak naturally, just be sure that you always speak clearly and that all your instructions are fully understood by the whole class. Whether there is one accent that is better to teach than others...  [Read more]

  Although Greece is no longer one of Europe’s teaching hotspots due to recent economic problems, there are still jobs available across the country. Employers typically look for EU citizens as they can live and work in the country without any restrictions. It is much harder, but not impossible, for non-EU citizens to secure a legal work permit.  [Read more]

  Then, we have a set of objectives and aims. Here, the learner objectives relate to what we're hoping the students are going to be able to do by the end of your lesson and quite often, that can be a useful way of writing out what the objectives are. So, we would start the sentence "By the end of the lesson, students should be able to?" and then a list of two, three or four items that we're expecting the students to be able to do by completing this lesson. The learner objectives are different to the teacher aims the teacher aims are what you are expecting from that lesson itself. Now, when you first start teaching, quite a normal aim might be to complete the lesson successfully, to get through the whole thing without having any problems. As time goes on and you become more...  [Read more]

  This video breaks down the difference between the two words "invite" and "invitation". They are often used interchangeably but actually aren't synonyms. The word ?invite? is a verb and refers to the action of asking someone if they?d like to do something or go somewhere, such as here: 'I want to invite all my friends to a BBQ party'. "Invitation", on the other hand, is a noun and refers to the actual message of asking someone if they?d like to do something or go somewhere. A suitable example would be: 'I sent out an invitation to all my friends'. A very common mistake is to use 'invite' as a noun instead of 'invitation'. However, the sentence ?I haven?t responded to her invite yet? is incorrect and 'invitation' should be used. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate...  [Read more]

  This video breaks down the difference between "among" and "between". The word "between" is used to refer to two or more things that are distinct. A great example would be: "Choose between the red and the green socks". Here, we use "between" as the socks are clearly different and separated. "Among", on the other hand, is used to refer to things that are part of a group or mass, such as in this example: "Choose among all your socks" here we use ?among? because we are talking about all of the socks. Let's take a look at two more examples to make the difference even clearer. "I am walking between Baker Street and 5th Avenue." Here, we are talking about two separate streets and use 'between'. "I am walking among my friends." In this example, we're talking about more than two people...  [Read more]

  The second conditional is used when speaking about dreams, fantasies and hypothetical situations. This video is specifically aimed at teaching the second conditional in an ESL setting. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. In lesson of troubleshooting we learned about common problem situations. We learned how to approach first lesson, we learned about warmers we can use, we learned about how to teach different groups of learners, how to teach...  [Read more]

Disciplinary issues can arise in any classroom setting, including those for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). These problems may stem from cultural differences, language barriers, classroom management issues, or individual student challenges. It's crucial for TEFL teachers to be prepared to handle such situations professionally and effectively to maintain a positive and productive learning environment. Prevention is key when it comes to managing disciplinary problems in a TEFL classroom. Establishing clear expectations and rules from the beginning, building positive relationships with students, creating engaging and interactive lessons, and being culturally sensitive can help prevent many issues before they even arise. Additionally, varying your teaching methods to cater to...  [Read more]

  In this episode, Linda takes on the pronunciation of the word "anastrophe". Enjoy the episode! Linda is a German/American ITTT alumna, teaching English in South Korea. Be sure to like and share this video if you find it helpful. 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 lesson I learned about the different types of methodologies, as well as the engage,study and activate to help the student to learn more, also the straight arrow lesson order....  [Read more]

  Our next consideration is going to be building and maintaining rapport. The importance of rapport is that within our communicative activities, we're asking the students to talk to each other. If they feel comfortable with each other and with us, then that interaction is much more likely to be useful. So how do we actually build and maintain rapport? Well, it's easiest if we consider two stages of the course itself. What we can do at the start of the course and what we can do throughout the course to help build and maintain that rapport. So at the start of the course, it's very useful if we ask the students to create a name card and to make that name card visible to everyone. Secondly we need to try to do some ice breaking activities that will allow the students to interact with...  [Read more]

  Before we go into looking at the actual receptive skills lesson, if we were thinking about what potential problems there could be in these lessons. So, what things could go wrong in a reading lesson? Well, firstly the students when they are reading in a language that is not their native language, they tend to read every word as a separate piece and by reading word to word it?s very difficult to get an overall impression of what that particular text is saying. Secondly, the sentence length in a lot of articles that we will get will be very long and many of our students will not be used to that structure of language. So, here it's important to have a think about the way in which the text has actually been written and will it be fairly easy to read. The final thing is the actual...  [Read more]

--- Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional approach where students actively explore real-world problems and challenges. It involves students working for an extended period to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. In TEFL, PBL can be a powerful tool to engage students, enhance critical thinking skills, and improve language acquisition. By immersing students in meaningful projects, they can develop language skills in a practical context. Incorporating PBL into TEFL lessons offers numerous benefits to both teachers and students. PBL promotes student engagement by making learning more relevant and meaningful. It encourages collaboration and communication among students, fostering a sense of community in the classroom. PBL also helps...  [Read more]

  One of the major ideas here when writing on the board, is that we need to be aware that whenever we're using the board to write down information, we should not be talking and whenever we are talking we should not be writing on the board. This will inevitably lead to what's known as dead time when nothing is being said as we're putting information on the board. This dead time is not a problem but we can actually minimize it by using a number of techniques. We could use pre-prepared material. So we put information onto large pieces of paper and then instead of writing on the board, we actually stick those materials onto the board as we go through the class. Another idea is to actually ask students to write on the board for you. Another thing is that we could actually put work up...  [Read more]

Teaching English abroad provides a unique opportunity to enhance communication skills significantly. As a TEFL teacher, you are constantly interacting with students from diverse linguistic backgrounds, which challenges you to express ideas clearly and effectively. This experience helps you develop strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as you learn to adjust your language and teaching style to ensure understanding among students with varying levels of English proficiency. Moreover, teaching English to non-native speakers hones your listening skills, as you must pay close attention to students' responses and questions to provide appropriate feedback and support. One of the most valuable skills gained from teaching English abroad is cultural awareness and sensitivity. Working in...  [Read more]

In a TEFL classroom, critical thinking skills are essential for students to effectively communicate and comprehend the English language. By developing critical thinking skills, students can analyze, evaluate, and apply information, which is crucial for language acquisition. Critical thinking helps students to think independently, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions. It also encourages students to question assumptions, consider different perspectives, and engage in meaningful discussions, which are fundamental aspects of language learning. There are various strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to foster critical thinking skills in their classrooms. One effective approach is to encourage students to ask questions and engage in debates or discussions. This can help...  [Read more]

Critical thinking is a crucial skill for language learners as it enables them to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information effectively. In the context of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), promoting critical thinking skills is essential for students to become proficient communicators. By encouraging critical thinking, students can develop a deeper understanding of the language, improve their problem-solving abilities, and enhance their overall language proficiency. There are various strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to promote critical thinking skills in their students. Encouraging open-ended questions, fostering a supportive learning environment, and incorporating activities that require analysis and evaluation are effective ways to stimulate critical thinking....  [Read more]

  Fostering Self-Reliance in Language Learning Cultivating Critical Thinking Skills Promoting Decision-Making Abilities Encouraging Self-Expression in Communication Developing Problem-Solving Capabilities Building Confidence Through Autonomy Enhancing Cultural Understanding Embracing Diversity in Learning Supporting Individual Learning Styles Creating a Supportive Learning Environment Encouraging autonomy and independence in language learning is crucial for students to develop self-reliance. By providing opportunities for self-directed learning, students can take ownership of their education and progress at their own pace. ITTT recognizes the importance of fostering self-reliance in TEFL and TESOL courses to empower students in their language learning journey. Encouraging autonomy...  [Read more]

  The Power of Gamification in Education Benefits of Using Games in the Classroom Incorporating Technology for Interactive Learning Building Language Skills Through Educational Games Creating a Positive Classroom Environment with Games Enhancing Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills Fostering Collaboration and Communication Through Games Tailoring Games to Different Learning Styles Overcoming Challenges in Implementing Game-Based Learning Resources for Finding Educational Games Incorporating games into the classroom can significantly enhance the learning experience for students. By leveraging elements of gamification, teachers can make lessons more engaging and interactive, leading to better retention of information. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) recognizes the...  [Read more]

  So, some of the ways in which we can avoid these problems occurring in the first place is to reteach the vocabulary that's going to be required in the particular activity and the grammar. Now, having said this, it doesn't mean that if we think about a particular article that they're going to read or a listening activity that they're going to listen to. They don't have to know every single word in there but they do need to know a certain number of words in order to actually make sense out of it. Secondly, most of the materials that we'll be using for both reading and possibly for listening will be what's called an authentic material. In other words, it's a real piece of material from a newspaper or magazine that hasn't been created for a particular class and so we need a very...  [Read more]

Critical thinking is a vital skill for language learners as it allows them to analyze, evaluate, and apply information effectively. In a TEFL context, critical thinking helps students go beyond rote memorization and actively engage with the language. By promoting critical thinking skills, students can become more independent learners who can communicate more effectively in real-life situations. Moreover, critical thinking fosters creativity and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in language acquisition. There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to promote critical thinking skills in their students. Encouraging open-ended discussions, asking thought-provoking questions, and providing opportunities for collaborative learning are effective ways to stimulate...  [Read more]

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogy that involves learners working on projects over an extended period. In PBL, students engage in real-world challenges and problems, which require critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills to solve. This approach focuses on active learning, where students acquire knowledge and skills through exploring real-life situations and creating tangible outcomes. Integrating Project-Based Learning in TEFL classes offers numerous benefits to both teachers and students. PBL promotes language acquisition by providing a context for language use in meaningful and authentic ways. Students are motivated to learn English as they work on projects that interest them, leading to increased engagement and retention of language skills....  [Read more]

Project-based learning (PBL) is an innovative teaching method that focuses on students actively exploring real-world problems and challenges. Instead of traditional rote memorization, PBL encourages students to collaborate, think critically, and apply their knowledge in practical ways. In a TEFL context, PBL can be an effective tool to engage students, enhance language skills, and foster a deeper understanding of English language and culture. There are numerous benefits to incorporating project-based learning into your TEFL curriculum. PBL promotes student-centered learning, where students take ownership of their education and develop important skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Additionally, PBL allows students to apply language skills in authentic contexts,...  [Read more]

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an effective teaching method that allows students to gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. In the context of TEFL, PBL can be a valuable tool for engaging students, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, as well as improving language skills in a meaningful context. 1. Choose a Topic: Select a topic that is relevant and interesting to your students. This could be a current global issue, a cultural celebration, or a problem-solving task. 2. Set Objectives: Clearly define the learning objectives for the project. What language skills do you want students to develop? What content knowledge should they gain? 3. Organize...  [Read more]

  ITTT is a leader in the field of teacher training for teaching English as a foreign language. With over 107,000 graduates we are committed to providing the best training on the global EFL market. 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. Many problems can arise when teaching English. Some problems are problems of motivation, while others come from the content of the course. Things outside the classroom can effect the behavior of a difficult student. An...  [Read more]

--- Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative teaching method that involves students working on a project over an extended period of time. In TEFL, PBL can be a powerful tool to engage students and enhance their language skills in a meaningful context. By focusing on real-world projects, students are motivated to learn English while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. --- There are numerous benefits to incorporating PBL in TEFL lessons. Firstly, it promotes student engagement and motivation as learners are actively involved in the learning process. PBL also allows for the integration of language skills in a holistic manner, helping students develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities simultaneously. Furthermore, PBL encourages...  [Read more]

  Okay, so we're going to use this pro-forma as our lesson plan and we're going to fill one out as though we were planning for an actual lesson. So, we start off with some basic information about the class. So, the name of the teacher, date and time and the class level. In this particular case, our class is going to be an elementary class and the room will be room 3. Having looked through the registers we see that the expected number of students for this particular class is going to be 10. This will help us in creating our worksheet copies. The context of the lesson for this class is going to be present continuous tense and it may well be the first time that this particular level of class has been introduced to this tense. So, our focus is going to be fairly general and it's going...  [Read more]

--- Pair and group work in a TEFL classroom provide students with ample opportunities to practice and improve their communication skills. By interacting with their peers in various activities, such as discussions, debates, role-plays, and collaborative projects, students can enhance their speaking and listening abilities. Engaging in meaningful conversations with classmates helps learners become more confident in expressing their thoughts and ideas in English. Moreover, working together in pairs or groups encourages students to use the language in a more authentic and natural way, leading to better fluency and accuracy in their speech. --- Utilizing pair and group work in TEFL classes can significantly boost students' motivation and engagement with the learning process. Collaborative...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL review video Linda discusses her work on unit 3 of ITTT?s 120-hour TEFL course. This unit focuses on the theories and methodologies of English language teaching. The unit is longer than the previous two units but contains a lot of information about teaching methods, lesson planning, correction techniques and games and activities for 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 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. When I first started this unit I was thinking that...  [Read more]