Good Rapport With Students

  Livinus is from Cameroon and is teaching English in China. He recently took our 120-hour online certification course and enjoyed working through the 20 units. He enjoyed the flexibility the course gave him to complete the 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 moving onto the next. In Unit 6 I watched two videos which provided good examples of both a good teacher and a bad teacher. The portrayal of the effective and ineffective teacher utilized methods and...  [Read more]

  This TEFL review is from Stephanie. She is from the United States and recently completed our 120-hour TEFL/TESOL course online. She thought that all the units were very helpful as it definitely provides a comprehensive foundation of teaching English as a foreign language. She had a good time taking the course overall and recommend this course to anyone looking to work in the field of teaching English as a foreign language. 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....  [Read more]

  Linda updates us on her progress with ITTT's 120-hour online TEFL course. In the ninth part of her TEFL review video journal, Linda tells us about her progress with units 9 and 10 on the course. As Linda points out these two units are closely related with unit 9 covering lesson planning while unit 10 looks at two very different lessons, one good and one bad, taught by the same teacher. 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. Knowing the different...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard introduces the topic of quantifiers to his students in Florida. After talking about quantifiers he uses an online game platform to start the activate phase with his students. ITTT's Observed Teaching Practice courses (OTP) are ideal for teachers wanting to improve their teaching skills remotely from anywhere in the 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. The job of the teacher is to gives the student...  [Read more]

Building rapport with your students is essential for creating a positive and effective learning environment in the TEFL classroom. When students feel connected to their teacher, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and willing to participate in class activities. Establishing a good rapport can also help to foster a sense of trust and respect between the teacher and students, leading to better communication and a more enjoyable learning experience for everyone involved. There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can use to build rapport with their students. One effective approach is to show genuine interest in your students as individuals. Take the time to get to know them, learn about their interests, hobbies, and backgrounds. This can help to create a more personalized...  [Read more]

  In this TESOL review video Juhee tells us about her experience with ITTT. Juhee took the 120-hour online TESOL course with ITTT and really enjoyed her time. Although initially confident that her English speaking ability meant that she didn?t need to take a course to learn how to teach, she soon discovered the importance of earning a qualification in teaching English. 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 dissects the present tense further...  [Read more]

  In this TEFL/TESOL review, trainee Pam describes her experience with ITTT's four week in-class course in Phuket, Thailand. She outlines the program of the first week of the course. Pam talks about why she chose to do the course in Phuket and she gives a brief synopsis of the week's program. 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. A very difficult unit - I may need to check for more information from resources regarding learning phrasal verbs and...  [Read more]

  The good news is there is no real age restrictions on who can take a TEFL course and then go on to teach English abroad. At ITTT we do require you to be at least 18 years old to enroll on our courses but there are certainly no upper age limits. Over the years we have successfully trained people of all ages, many of whom have gone on to have successful careers as English language teachers. As long as you are a native or near-native English speaker who is keen to learn new skills and is open to new ideas, then your age should be no barrier to your success. Although a large number of new TEFL graduates are in their 20s, it doesn't mean they are always the most sought after by employers. Yes, there are many employers around the world who are only interested in recruiting younger...  [Read more]

  In this video Iban teaches a lesson on 'like' and 'as'. He warms the students up before moving onto the lesson point where he outlines the different uses of 'like' and 'as'. He ends the lesson with activities to get the students the language they have learned. 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 love the fact that it gives many resources that I can look up and in looking up the information. Aa I look up the sites I am bookmarking them so that I...  [Read more]

--- Building rapport with your students is crucial in TEFL teaching as it helps create a positive and conducive learning environment. When students feel connected to their teacher, they are more likely to engage in the learning process, participate actively in class, and feel motivated to improve their language skills. Establishing a good rapport also promotes trust and open communication, making it easier for students to ask questions, seek clarifications, and express their thoughts and opinions in English. Ultimately, building rapport with your students can lead to increased student satisfaction, improved learning outcomes, and a more enjoyable teaching experience for both parties. 1. Get to Know Your Students: Take the time to learn about your students' interests, backgrounds, and...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word lampoon. This word can be used as a verb and as a noun. Used as a verb, it describes the action of criticizing a person or a topic by using ridicule. The noun lampoon refers to the actual speech or text used to critize someone or something. The word was taken from the French word lampon. 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. the art of teaching has become in an interactive and constant...  [Read more]

  The future perfect continuous is not used a lot in everyday English usage. However, it does come up in when your EFL students get more advanced and if you plan to teach English overseas it is important to have an understanding of the less frequently used tenses. As the future perfect continuous is not often used it can be a struggle to think up teaching ideas for it. The trainer in this video shows us one idea that can be used for the tense. For this activity the students conduct a survey to find out how long someone will have been doing something by a certain point in the future. For example: Student A: How long will you have been learning English by the end of next month? Student B: I will have been learning English for three years. To find a course that will help you to...  [Read more]

  Roman is a business communications trainer in Malaysia. Originally from the Philippines, he completed his 120-hour certificate course with ITTT as his first step towards starting a career in English language teaching. In this TEFL review Roman discusses how he found that he learned much more than he expected from the course, including information about classroom management, lesson planning and phonology. Roman also appreciated the great flexibility an online TEFL course provides meaning he was able to study while maintaining an active social life in his spare time. 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]

Classroom management is a crucial aspect of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). It involves creating a positive learning environment where students feel motivated, engaged, and respected. Effective classroom management helps maximize learning opportunities, minimizes disruptions, and fosters a conducive atmosphere for language acquisition. As a TEFL teacher, understanding the significance of classroom management is key to creating a successful and productive learning environment for your students. There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to effectively manage classroom behavior. Establishing clear expectations from the beginning, setting up routines, and creating a positive rapport with students are essential steps in promoting good behavior. Additionally,...  [Read more]

  In this video diary entry, Chantelle discusses unit 4 of her TEFL course. This unit covers the present tenses; present simple, present continuous, present perfect and present perfect continuous. The structures, usages and possible teaching ideas for each tense are outlined in the unit as well as common errors made by learners. The tenses are an aspect of the language that many native speakers of English struggle with as they are not explicitly taught in schools and, as Chantelle mentions, this was one of the more difficult units she has studied so far in the 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...  [Read more]

Effective classroom management is crucial in a TEFL setting as it creates a conducive environment for learning. It involves establishing routines, setting clear expectations, and maintaining a positive atmosphere where students feel safe and motivated to participate. Without proper management, disruptions can hinder the learning process and impact students' progress in acquiring English skills. 1. Establishing Clear Expectations: Communicate rules and consequences clearly from the beginning to set the tone for behavior in the classroom. Use visual aids and gestures to ensure understanding, especially with language barriers. 2. Creating Engaging Lessons: Keep students actively involved in the learning process to minimize boredom and off-task behavior. Incorporate a variety of activities...  [Read more]

  In this online TESOL course video the trainer covers the structure of the future simple tense. The basic structure is as follows: Positive: Subject + will + base verb Negative: Subject + will + not + base verb Question: Will + subject + base verb? As noted in the video 'will' can be replaced by other modals to express varying degrees of certainty. For suggestions and more formal situations we can substitute 'will' for 'shall'. For more information about this and other future forms see our other videos on the future tenses. If you are interested in teaching English abroad and studying TESOL online visit our website at the link above. We have a number of online TESOL courses and studying TESOL online is not only a convenient way to earn your teaching qualification but also a...  [Read more]

1. The Significance of Classroom Management in ESL Instruction 2. Strategic Approaches for Effective Classroom Control 3. Valuable Tools for Managing ESL Classrooms 4. In Summary In the realm of ESL teaching, classroom management plays a pivotal role in shaping a conducive learning ambiance. From organizing physical spaces to setting expectations, effective management is key to fostering student engagement and curbing disruptions. A well-managed classroom not only upholds discipline but also cultivates a positive environment conducive to language acquisition. ESL educators can employ a myriad of strategies to bolster classroom management. These tactics encompass establishing consistent rules, fostering routines, utilizing positive reinforcement, and incorporating captivating activities to...  [Read more]

  Moving further down our list of parts of speech, we have our adjectives. Adjectives modify or describe nouns. Basically, they give more information about the noun. Here, we've used a noun such as chair. It could be any old chair. It's only the noun. If we want to describe the noun, we need to use an adjective before it. So, I could say "I have an old black leather chair". Here, we have to be concerned about the adjective order. In this instance, I started with age, as age typically goes before color and then I use the color to go before the material. This is a certain pattern. Depending on the adjectives you want to use, you always have to use certain patterns to which you'll need to be aware of when teaching your class. Another way to describe a noun is by showing possession. We...  [Read more]

To improve your TEFL classroom management skills, you can focus on several key strategies that will help create a positive and productive learning environment for your students. First and foremost, it is essential to establish clear expectations and rules from the beginning of the course. This includes setting guidelines for behavior, participation, and respect within the classroom. By outlining these expectations early on, students will understand what is expected of them and will be more likely to follow the rules. Another important aspect of classroom management is building rapport with your students. Get to know them on a personal level, show interest in their lives and cultures, and create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. When students feel valued and respected, they are more...  [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]

An EFL teacher needs several key qualities and skills to be successful in their role: Qualifications for EFL Teaching Success: To succeed in teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL), several qualifications are necessary to ensure effective instruction and student engagement. These qualifications include: EFL teachers can improve their classroom management skills by implementing various strategies and techniques that create a positive and productive learning environment. Here are some effective ways to enhance classroom management skills: Establish clear expectations: Set clear rules and expectations from the beginning to create a structured environment where students know what is expected of them. Build rapport with students: Develop positive relationships with students to create a...  [Read more]

--- In a TEFL classroom, discipline is a crucial aspect of ensuring effective learning. It involves setting clear expectations for behavior, establishing rules, and implementing consequences for misbehavior. Understanding the cultural context of your students is essential as perceptions of what constitutes appropriate behavior can vary widely across different cultures. It's important to be proactive in addressing behavioral issues by creating a positive learning environment that fosters respect and cooperation. Implementing effective behavior management strategies is key to maintaining a productive classroom environment. Some common techniques include using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, establishing a routine to provide structure, and using nonverbal cues to redirect...  [Read more]

In a TEFL classroom, it is not uncommon to encounter challenging behavior from students. This behavior can manifest in various forms such as disruptive talking, refusal to participate, aggression, or lack of focus. It is important to understand that these behaviors may stem from factors such as cultural differences, language barriers, individual learning styles, or personal issues. By recognizing the underlying reasons for challenging behavior, teachers can address them more effectively and create a more conducive learning environment. When faced with challenging behavior in the TEFL classroom, it is essential for teachers to have a repertoire of strategies to address and manage such situations. Some effective strategies include setting clear expectations and rules, establishing a positive...  [Read more]

Behavior management is a crucial aspect of teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) as it directly impacts the learning environment and student engagement. In a multicultural classroom setting, teachers may encounter various behavior challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and diverse learning styles. It is important for TEFL teachers to have a solid understanding of behavior management techniques to effectively address these challenges and create a positive learning environment for all students. TEFL teachers can employ a variety of strategies to effectively manage behavior in the classroom. These may include establishing clear expectations and rules from the beginning, using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior, implementing engaging activities to...  [Read more]

Teaching English in cultural exchange programs can be a rewarding experience both personally and professionally. It offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture, learn a new language, and make a positive impact on the lives of others. As a TEFL-certified teacher, you can use your skills to help students improve their English proficiency while also gaining valuable teaching experience. While having a TEFL certification is a great asset, it may not be the only requirement for teaching English in cultural exchange programs. Some programs may also require a bachelor's degree, teaching experience, or proficiency in the local language. It's important to research the specific requirements of each program you are interested in to ensure you meet all the necessary qualifications....  [Read more]

To teach English online full-time, most platforms require a TEFL certificate, which can be obtained through an accredited program. A Bachelor's degree is also usually required, although some platforms may accept teachers without one. Additionally, having experience in teaching English as a foreign language can be beneficial. Good internet connection, a quiet teaching space, and a computer with a webcam are essential technical requirements. Being a native English speaker or demonstrating proficiency in English through a standardized test like IELTS or TOEFL is often necessary. Some platforms may also require teachers to be from specific countries due to visa or legal restrictions. There are numerous platforms available for TEFL teachers to teach English online full-time. Some popular...  [Read more]

1. Introduction to Creating a Positive Classroom Environment 2. Proven Techniques for Effective Classroom Management 3. Establishing Strong Connections with Students 4. Overcoming Obstacles in Classroom Dynamics Creating a conducive learning atmosphere for ESL students is paramount, and employing effective classroom management techniques is key. Setting clear guidelines and rules at the outset is crucial in helping students grasp expectations and fostering a structured environment. Consistency in rule enforcement is equally vital to uphold fairness and order. Furthermore, utilizing positive reinforcement methods like commendations and incentives can incentivize students to exhibit good behavior and remain actively engaged in their learning journey. Cultivating strong relationships with...  [Read more]

To prepare for your first TEFL class, there are several key steps you can take to ensure you are ready to deliver a successful lesson. First, familiarize yourself with the lesson plan and materials provided by your TEFL course or employer. Review the objectives of the lesson, the activities, and any worksheets or handouts that you will be using. Make sure you understand the flow of the lesson and how each activity is structured. Next, consider the language level and cultural background of your students. This will help you tailor your lesson to their needs and interests. If possible, try to learn a few key phrases in their native language to establish rapport and show respect for their culture. Prepare any visual aids or props that you will be using during the lesson. This could include...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'desert' and 'dessert'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. This is such a commen mistake made by both native speakers and English learners that we simply have to cover it. The pronunciation of the words is slightly different so most mistakes occurr in writing. Let's take a look at the two words. 'Desert' spelled with one 's' refers to a waterless, dry and empty area. A suitable example would be: Crossing that desert is dangerous. 'Dessert' spelled with double 's', on the other hand, has a very different meaning. It refers to the sweet course usually served at the end of a meal, such as cake or ice-cream. A good example would be: I had some ice-cream for dessert today. Keeping this...  [Read more]