Rapport Example

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word golem. This word is a noun and refers to a figure brought to life by magic in a Jewish legend. The word comes from Hebrew g?lem meaining ?shapeless mass'. 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 really good going through the conditionals in a more detail and approachable way.The explanations and also the different examples to teach this topic was really helpful,also the further...  [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]

  The teaching idea for the past perfect continuous tense covered in this video is an adaptation of a present perfect continuous idea. The past perfect continuous is rarely used so it can be quite hard to think up original and interesting ideas for it so adapting ideas for other tenses where suitable is useful. For this idea students are given situation that was happening in the past and the other students having to say what they think had been happening before that event to cause it. For example: Yesterday you were crying (because you had been watching a sad film). If you are thinking about becoming an English teacher you should consider getting yourself properly qualified. In addition taking a TEFL certificate course will open up a large number of ESL jobs to you. Take a look...  [Read more]

  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]

Teaching English in different cultural contexts can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. One of the key challenges is understanding and navigating the cultural differences that exist in the classroom. Cultures vary in terms of communication styles, attitudes towards authority, and approaches to learning. As a TEFL teacher, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the cultural norms and values of the students you are teaching. This understanding will help you avoid misunderstandings, build rapport with your students, and create a more inclusive learning environment. Another challenge of teaching English in diverse cultural settings is adapting your teaching methods to suit the needs and preferences of your students. What works in one culture may not be as effective in another. For...  [Read more]

Building a strong rapport with your TEFL students is essential for creating a positive and effective 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 rapport helps to build trust, respect, and understanding between the teacher and students, leading to a more enjoyable and successful learning experience for everyone involved. There are several strategies that you can use to build rapport with your TEFL students. Firstly, take the time to get to know your students on a personal level by showing genuine interest in their lives, cultures, and backgrounds. This can help to create a sense of community in the classroom and...  [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]

As a TEFL teacher, it is crucial to recognize that each student in your classroom has unique needs, learning styles, and abilities. By taking the time to understand these individual differences, you can create a more inclusive and effective learning environment. One way to address individual student needs is to conduct a needs analysis at the beginning of the course. This can involve asking students about their language goals, preferred learning styles, and any specific areas they would like to focus on. By gathering this information, you can tailor your lessons to better meet the needs of each student. Once you have identified the individual needs of your students, it is important to implement differentiation strategies in the classroom. This can involve adjusting the content, process, or...  [Read more]

  OgSun from South Korea took the 120-hour online TESOL with tutor support and videos. In this TESOL review video OgSun tells how she had always wanted to take a TESOL course but struggled to be able to fit studying into her already busy schedule. The online course from ITTT solved this problem by allowing her to study where and when she wanted. With a six-month time limit and the ability to study anywhere, ITTT?s online courses are ideal for those who need to fit their study time around their busy schedules. 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...  [Read more]

As a TEFL teacher, it is crucial to recognize and understand the cultural differences present in your classroom. This awareness allows you to tailor your teaching methods to create an inclusive and effective learning environment for all students. Cultural differences can manifest in various ways, such as communication styles, attitudes towards authority, and learning preferences. By acknowledging and respecting these differences, you can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts in the classroom. To adapt your teaching methods to different cultural norms, you first need to research and familiarize yourself with the cultural backgrounds of your students. This includes understanding their values, beliefs, and educational expectations. Once you have this knowledge, you can modify your teaching...  [Read more]

  In this video we look at the structure of the past perfect tense. This tense is formed in the following way: Positive: Subject + had + past participle. I had Negative: Subject + had + not + past participle. Question: Had + subject + past participle? You can earn your certificate in teaching English online from ITTT. We have many different courses available suited to your needs. Whether you are starting out as an English teacher or if you are looking to expand your skills with a specialised course in teaching young learners or business English and if you are looking for something more advanced, there is the TESOL Diploma course. To start the process of getting your certificate in teaching English online, visit us at the link above. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT...  [Read more]

1. Understanding the Taiwanese Culture 2. Tailoring Lesson Plans to Taiwanese Students 3. Incorporating Interactive Activities 4. Building Rapport with Taiwanese Students Taiwan is a vibrant country with a rich cultural heritage and a strong emphasis on education. As an English teacher in Taiwan, it is essential to understand the nuances of the Taiwanese culture to effectively connect with your students and create a positive learning environment. By adapting your teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of Taiwanese learners, you can enhance their English language skills and foster a love for learning. Taiwanese culture is deeply rooted in Confucian values, which emphasize respect for authority, filial piety, and a strong work ethic. In the classroom, this translates to students who...  [Read more]

To engage and motivate your students effectively, it is crucial to understand the factors that drive them. Different students have varying reasons for learning English, such as academic requirements, career advancement, travel, or personal interest. By identifying their motivations, you can tailor your teaching approach to resonate with their goals and aspirations. Additionally, considering their learning styles, preferences, and cultural backgrounds can help you design lessons that are more engaging and relevant to them. There are several strategies you can implement to keep your students engaged and motivated in the classroom. Incorporating a variety of interactive activities, such as group work, discussions, games, and multimedia resources, can make learning more dynamic and enjoyable....  [Read more]

  The idiom "pink slip" refers to a notice of dismissal from employment. The term originates from the United Booking Office established in 1906 where a cancellation notice was typed on a pink slip. Our example sentence is: Because he had worked so hard on his recent project, he was devastated to receive the pink slip from his boss. 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 began with different types of materials for the classroom. It explained...  [Read more]

Cultural issues to be aware of during a TEFL job interview: Understanding cultural differences is crucial in a TEFL job interview to ensure effective communication and a successful interview process. Here are some key cultural issues to be mindful of: Common cultural differences that may arise during a TEFL job interview: To prepare to address cultural issues during a TEFL job interview, you can follow these steps: Research the Country: Understand the cultural norms, values, and traditions of the country where you are applying for a TEFL position. This will show your potential employer that you are aware of the cultural context in which you will be teaching. Reflect on Personal Experiences: Think about your own experiences with different cultures, whether through travel, living abroad, or...  [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]

  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]

  In this video Linda explains the differences between "assure", "insure" and "ensure". They not only sound similar, but those three words also make an outcome sure but they are in no way interchangeable. "Assure" is used to speak out a promise or say something with confidence, for example "I assure you that he is a great lawyer". "Ensure" is used to make something certain, such as here: "Please ensure that you will be home at five o'clock today"."Insure" means to protect an object against risk by buying an insurance policy from an insurance company, like here: "I insure my television because it was expensive". Once you have realized the three different meanings and usages, there is no way you'll confuse them again. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a foreign language requires educators to be sensitive to cultural differences that may influence the way students learn and interact in the classroom. Understanding the cultural background of your students can help you tailor your teaching approach to be more effective and engaging. For example, some cultures may value direct communication and assertiveness, while others may prioritize harmony and indirect communication. Being aware of these differences can help you create a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. Integrating cultural elements into your lesson plans can make the learning experience more relevant and engaging for students. This can include using authentic materials such as literature, music, and videos from the target culture, as...  [Read more]

--- Creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment starts with building strong rapport with your students. Get to know them as individuals by showing genuine interest in their lives, cultures, and backgrounds. Use icebreakers and team-building activities to foster a sense of community within the class. By establishing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, students will feel more comfortable participating and engaging in the learning process. Cultural sensitivity is key to promoting inclusivity in the classroom. Recognize and respect the diversity of your students by incorporating materials and examples from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Be mindful of different communication styles, non-verbal cues, and social norms that may vary across cultures. Encourage open discussions...  [Read more]

--- Teaching English in a foreign country comes with various cultural challenges that educators need to be aware of. One of the primary hurdles is understanding the cultural differences between the teacher's home country and the host country. Cultural norms, values, and communication styles can vary significantly, impacting the way students learn and interact in the classroom. It is essential for teachers to educate themselves about the local culture, traditions, and etiquette to ensure effective communication and avoid misunderstandings. By being sensitive to cultural differences, teachers can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for their students. Another significant challenge when teaching English in a foreign country is overcoming language barriers. While...  [Read more]

  So, let's take a common game that's been played over the years, which is called Noughts and Crosses or Tic-Tac-Toe. What we're going to do is to adapt this game for classroom use. So, we've taken the normal Tic-Tac-Toe or Noughts and Crosses grid and we've just numbered out each of the particular squares. What we can then do is to form teams and those teams can then be asked a series of questions and they get to choose which question they want from 1 to 9. So, let's say, for example, they choose question 1. That could be on anything that they have studied ,the grammar or vocabulary. If they get that question correct and say they are the Noughts or the zeros then they get to put their mark here. What the next group will probably do is to try to block them in some way by choosing...  [Read more]

  And now we'll have a look at both the infinitive and the gerund. Infinitive is the word "to", followed by the base form of the verb. We"ll typically use it after a verb, specifically verbs like "want" or "hope". We can make statements like "I want to go to the beach." We also have our gerund. Our gerund is a verb followed by "-ing", but specifically used as a noun within the sentence. We have a verb plus a gerund: "I enjoy playing poker." The main verb is "enjoy" and, although "playing" looks as if it's a verb, it's actually used as the noun within the sentence. We also can use it with a preposition followed by a gerund: "How about going to the beach?" We could also put it in the front of a sentence: "Smoking is bad for you." Again, the verb plus "-ing" can act as two things...  [Read more]

One of the most common challenges faced by TEFL teachers is classroom management. This includes maintaining discipline, keeping students engaged, and dealing with disruptive behavior. In a foreign language classroom, where students may have varying levels of proficiency, it can be challenging to ensure that everyone is on the same page and making progress. Effective classroom management strategies are essential for creating a conducive learning environment. Another significant challenge for TEFL teachers is overcoming language barriers. When teaching English to non-native speakers, communication can be a major hurdle. Teachers need to find ways to make the material accessible and understandable to students who may have limited language skills. This involves using visual aids, gestures, and...  [Read more]

  It also helps us form our tenses. Many of the tenses will use these auxiliary verbs; particularly we have our continuous tense and our perfect tense. There are additional tenses that use auxiliary verbs. We'll get into that when we talk about our individual tenses. Another important aspect of our verbs is that they generally tell us what tense the sentence has been formed in. Take for instance the verb "to live." We could use it as live, lives, living or lived. "I live" or "she lives in Bangkok," meaning the present. "I am living in Bangkok," still the present or "I lived in Bangkok," meaning the past. Another difference with our verbs has to do with whether or not the verb is regular or irregular. With the regular verbs, in order to conjugate the verb into the past, we simply...  [Read more]

When teaching English as a foreign language abroad, it is crucial to be culturally sensitive. This involves understanding and respecting the cultural norms, values, and practices of the country where you are teaching. It is essential to avoid imposing your own cultural beliefs and values on your students and to approach each teaching situation with an open mind and a willingness to learn about the local culture. By showing respect for your students' culture, you can create a more inclusive and welcoming learning environment. One effective way to connect with your students and make the learning experience more engaging is to incorporate cultural references into your lessons. This can include using local music, literature, or art to teach English language skills. By incorporating elements of...  [Read more]

To teach English in a foreign country, the basic qualification you need is a Bachelor's degree in any field. Most countries require this as a minimum requirement to obtain a work visa for teaching English. Additionally, you will need to have a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) or TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certification. These certifications provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach English to non-native speakers. It is important to ensure that your certification is from a reputable institution that is recognized internationally. In some cases, countries may also require you to have previous teaching experience. This can vary depending on the specific country and the type of institution you are applying to work for....  [Read more]

  Here we look at the difference between "less" and "fewer". This set of words is often used incorrectly and we decided to take a closer look at the difference to help you avoid mistakes. The key difference is that the word "less" is used to refer to uncountable things while "fewer" is used to refer to countable things. Keeping this in mind will help you figure out which word to use in all situations. Remember the '10 items or less' line at the supermarket" Well, it's actually a mistake. If you are purchasing several items then these items are countable, which means the checkout should be called the ?10 items or fewer" line. Other examples of the difference between the two words are "I have been to fewer countries than you" (countable),"I have less money than you" (uncountable)....  [Read more]

  Understanding the Impact of Language Barriers Strategies for Effective Communication Overcoming Cultural Misunderstandings Importance of Non-Verbal Communication Building Trust and Rapport Encouraging Active Participation Utilizing Technology in Language Teaching Addressing Individual Learning Styles Creating Inclusive Learning Environments Continuing Professional Development in TEFL Language barriers can hinder effective communication between teachers and students in a TEFL setting. Misinterpretations and misunderstandings may arise, affecting the learning process. ITTT recognizes the importance of addressing these barriers to enhance the teaching experience for both parties. Language barriers can hinder effective communication between teachers and students in a TEFL setting....  [Read more]

Creating a positive learning environment is crucial in TEFL as it sets the tone for effective learning. When students feel comfortable, supported, and motivated, they are more likely to engage in the learning process. A positive environment fosters a sense of community, encourages participation, and enhances overall learning outcomes. It also helps students build confidence in using the English language and promotes a growth mindset towards learning. There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can employ to establish a positive learning environment. First and foremost, setting clear expectations and classroom rules from the beginning helps create a sense of structure and security. Using positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, encouragement, and rewards can motivate students...  [Read more]