Speaking Lessons

  For the lesson that even takes place, there are a number of things that you need to have considered. Obviously, you need a very clear idea of what it is you're expecting the students to have to do and they need to know why. It's very important before you ask them to do an activity that they have an understanding of the purpose of that activity. You should, secondly, have had a thought about what they already know. Linked to that is, will it be necessary to do any form of pre-teaching before I can expect them to do this activity and finally, we need to make sure that we have prepared all our materials and our instructions for this particular activity. So, we'll consider a straight arrow ESA lesson, the focus of which is to be speaking skills. So, we'll start with our engage and in...  [Read more]

Are you looking to enhance your teaching skills and help your students improve their English speaking abilities? Look no further than ITTT's ESL speaking courses. With our comprehensive training programs, you will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to create engaging and interactive lessons that will empower your students to communicate effectively in English. Whether you are a seasoned educator or new to the field of teaching English as a second language, our courses are designed to meet your needs and help you succeed in the classroom. Our ESL speaking courses cover a wide range of topics, including pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and conversation strategies. You will learn how to create dynamic speaking activities that will motivate your students to practice their English...  [Read more]

Before embarking on teaching English in a non-English speaking country, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the local culture and language. Understanding the cultural norms, values, and traditions of the country will help you build rapport with your students and colleagues. Learning basic phrases in the local language can also demonstrate respect and willingness to integrate into the community. Additionally, gaining insights into the educational system and teaching practices in the country will enable you to adapt your teaching methods accordingly. To enhance your credibility and effectiveness as an English teacher in a non-English speaking country, it is essential to obtain the required qualifications and certifications. A bachelor's degree in English, Education, or a related field...  [Read more]

Integrating language skills in a TEFL lesson is crucial for providing learners with a holistic language learning experience. By combining listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities, students can develop a well-rounded proficiency in the language. Integrated skills help learners understand how different language components work together in real-life communication situations, making their language learning more authentic and practical. To effectively integrate language skills in a TEFL lesson, teachers can utilize various strategies. One common approach is to use a task-based learning method, where students work on meaningful tasks that require the use of multiple language skills. Teachers can also incorporate project-based learning, where students collaborate on projects that...  [Read more]

  Salah completed his TEFL course at the training centre in Egypt and then completed his Certificate in Teaching Business English online. In this TEFL review, he explains how working as an English language instructor has made him really appreciate the materials and knowledge he received while studying with ITTT. 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. Preparation is key to planning a lesson. By documenting a lesson plan, it keeps a record of what the...  [Read more]

1. The Importance of Audio Materials in TEFL 2. How to Incorporate Audio Materials into TEFL Lessons 3. Benefits of Using Audio Materials in TEFL 4. Conclusion In the ever-evolving landscape of English language teaching, the integration of audio materials into TEFL course book lessons has become increasingly crucial. These materials not only enhance the learning experience but also cater to different learning styles, making the lessons more engaging and effective. By incorporating audio elements such as podcasts, songs, dialogues, and recordings, teachers can create a dynamic learning environment that fosters language acquisition and proficiency. There are various ways to seamlessly integrate audio materials into TEFL lessons. One effective method is to use podcasts or audio recordings as...  [Read more]

  This video is a sample EFL lesson in a real-life classroom setting abroad. In the study phase of this lesson the students learn how to build questions with modal verbs. The teacher writes example sentences on the board and the students need to make corresponding questions. It is essential during a study lesson to clearly write information on the board so that the students can absorb the new grammar point or vocabulary effectively. 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...  [Read more]

--- As a TEFL teacher, helping students improve their English speaking skills is a crucial aspect of the learning process. One effective way to achieve this is by incorporating engaging activities that encourage speaking practice. Activities such as role-plays, discussions, debates, and presentations can provide students with opportunities to practice speaking in a supportive environment. To further enhance students' speaking skills, it is important to integrate speaking practice into every lesson. This can be done through activities that focus on specific language functions or topics, allowing students to apply the language they have learned in a meaningful context. By providing regular opportunities for speaking practice, students can become more confident and fluent speakers. In...  [Read more]

Unlock the Power of ESL Lesson Planning for Targeted Language Skills In the world of teaching English as a second language (ESL), lesson planning plays a crucial role in helping students develop their language skills. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just starting out, having a well-thought-out plan can make all the difference in the effectiveness of your teaching. One key aspect of ESL lesson planning is focusing on specific language skills to provide targeted instruction that meets the needs of your students. By tailoring your lessons to address these specific skills, you can create a more engaging and effective learning experience for your students. Understanding the importance of ESL lesson planning and how it can enhance language skill development is essential for any ESL...  [Read more]

  In this episode, Linda takes on the pronunciation of the word "futile". 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 unit, we focused on the productive skills: speaking and writing. Both have a common purpose, to communicate something; Therefore, teachers need to create the desire in the...  [Read more]

  Another way to approach teaching modal auxiliary verbs is in context, for example, "How to give advice". This is especially useful for students of higher levels that have some knowledge of the various modal auxiliary verbs. 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 really liked this unit as well. I liked how the information was clearly and effectively provided on how we can incorporate speaking and writing. These skills are very important and I liked...  [Read more]

Teaching pronunciation to non-native English speakers is crucial for effective communication. Clear pronunciation enhances understanding, boosts confidence, and improves overall fluency. Mispronunciation can lead to misunderstandings and hinder effective communication. By focusing on pronunciation, students can improve their listening skills, accent reduction, and overall language proficiency. There are several effective strategies for teaching pronunciation to non-native English speakers. One approach is to focus on individual sounds and phonemes, helping students differentiate between similar sounds that may not exist in their native language. Another strategy is to incorporate rhythm, stress, and intonation patterns into lessons to improve overall fluency and natural-sounding speech....  [Read more]

  Chantelle is taking a 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support and videos with ITTT. This is the first of her video diary entries outlining her experience taking the course. Chantelle took the online course because it was better for her to study online than to commit to attending an onsite course. In this video she talks about the first unit of the course. Unit 1 deals with teachers and learners discussing what makes good teachers and learners as well as the types of roles teachers perform in class, motivation levels of different types of learners and the different language levels. 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...  [Read more]

  So, we'll focus first of all on a speaking skills lesson and perhaps a starting point for this would be to ask a question which is: Why do we speak to each other? The reason that it's important to ask ourselves this question is that whatever answers there are to this should be present in our lessons. So, why do we speak to each other? Well, there are a multitude of answers to that but when you boil them all down to their essence, they probably actually come down to one or two things. We communicate to each other by speaking because of either a need. We need something. We want something or a desire to achieve something. 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]

  What does an EFL teacher actually do? An EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher plays a crucial role in helping non-native English speakers develop their language skills. Here are the key responsibilities and tasks that an EFL teacher typically performs: Teaching English language skills: EFL teachers design and deliver lessons to improve students' abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in English. Creating lesson plans: They prepare engaging and effective lesson plans that cater to the needs of their students, considering their proficiency levels and learning styles. Providing language support: EFL teachers offer guidance and support to students to help them overcome language barriers and improve their communication skills. Assessing student progress: They...  [Read more]

II. Importance of Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons III. Strategies for Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons Importance of Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons Incorporating current events and real-world topics into TEFL lessons is crucial for creating engaging and relevant learning experiences for students. By connecting language learning to real-life situations, students can see the practical applications of the language they are learning. This helps them develop their language skills in a meaningful context and increases their motivation to learn. Strategies for Incorporating Current Events and Real-World Topics in TEFL Lessons There are several strategies that TEFL teachers can use to...  [Read more]

When creating your TEFL teaching resources, it is important to consider a variety of factors to ensure they are effective and engaging for your students. Here are some key elements to include in your TEFL teaching resources: 1. **Lesson Plans**: Develop detailed lesson plans that outline the objectives, activities, and materials for each class. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you cover all necessary topics. 2. **Visual Aids**: Incorporate visual aids such as flashcards, pictures, and videos to help reinforce language concepts and make the material more engaging for students. 3. **Interactive Activities**: Include a variety of interactive activities such as games, role-plays, and group work to keep students actively engaged in the learning process. 4. **Language...  [Read more]

In a TEFL classroom, it's crucial to recognize that students have various learning styles. These styles include visual, auditory, and kinesthetic preferences. Visual learners grasp information best through visual aids like graphs, charts, and images. Auditory learners learn effectively through listening and speaking activities. Kinesthetic learners, on the other hand, learn best through hands-on experiences and physical activities. Understanding these learning styles is essential for adapting your teaching methods to cater to the diverse needs of your students. To cater to visual learners in your TEFL classroom, incorporate visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, and flashcards. Use mind maps and diagrams to help them visualize relationships between concepts. Encourage them...  [Read more]

Unlock Engaging ESL Speaking Activities with ITTT Are you looking to enhance your English as a Second Language (ESL) teaching skills with dynamic and interactive speaking activities? Look no further! ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) offers a wide range of resources and courses designed to help you create engaging and effective speaking activities for your ESL students. Whether you are a seasoned ESL teacher or just starting out, our expertly crafted materials and training will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to take your teaching to the next level. Innovative ESL Speaking Activities ITTT is dedicated to providing ESL teachers with innovative and creative speaking activities that will keep students engaged and motivated. From role-plays and debates to...  [Read more]

  The idiom "yellow-bellied" refers to a coward or cowardly behavior, for example: My brother called me yellow-bellied when I didn't want to touch the spider in the attic. 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 discussed the productive skills. The productive skills are speaking and writing. The lesson encouraged teachers to not leave writing skills out of their lessons. Writing activities are quieter times but they are also incredibly...  [Read more]

  In this video we explain the difference in using "amount" and "number". The word "amount" is used when we want to refer to uncountable commodities such as water, electricity, money etc. Whereas, "number" is used to refer to individual things that are countable such as book, cat, chair etc. In the example "a greater amount of people are going to the gym" the use of "amount" is incorrect because we can count "people". In this case "number" needs to be used. A good example of the use of "amount" is "a greater amount of rain came down in November compared to October". Here "rain" is uncountable so "amount" should be used. 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]

  What are ESL games? ESL games are games that can be used in the classroom to practice certain language points and encourage active and creative communication between your students. There are many different games created specifically for use in the English language classroom that can be found online or in any number of resource books. But we are not limited only to those games designed for the class. The majority of games that we played as children or still play as adults can be adapted and used in lessons. Whether games are co-operative or competitive, they provide students with a goal and in the English classroom this goal can only be reached by using the English they have learnt. Common Misconceptions about games in the classroom. "Games are fun but are not suitable for the...  [Read more]

Incorporating games and interactive activities into TEFL lessons is crucial for engaging students, enhancing their language skills, and making the learning process more enjoyable. Games and interactive activities create a dynamic and stimulating learning environment, encouraging students to actively participate and practice their English language skills in a fun and interactive way. These activities help improve students' communication, vocabulary, grammar, and fluency while boosting their confidence and motivation to learn English. There are various types of games and interactive activities that can be incorporated into TEFL lessons to cater to different learning styles and language proficiency levels. Some popular options include vocabulary games like word searches, crossword puzzles,...  [Read more]

When creating a TEFL teaching schedule, it is essential to consider various factors to ensure a well-rounded and effective learning experience for your students. Here are some key elements to include in your TEFL teaching schedule: 1. **Language Skills:** Your schedule should cover all four essential language skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Each skill should be given adequate time and attention to ensure comprehensive language development. 2. **Grammar and Vocabulary:** Allocate time for teaching grammar rules and vocabulary expansion. These are the building blocks of language learning and should be integrated into each lesson to enhance students' language proficiency. 3. **Interactive Activities:** Incorporate a variety of interactive activities such as role-plays,...  [Read more]

Creating engaging lesson plans for TEFL students of all ages starts with understanding your students' needs and interests. Consider their language proficiency level, learning styles, cultural background, and reasons for learning English. Tailor your lessons to meet their specific needs and goals. For example, young learners may benefit from interactive games and hands-on activities, while adult learners may prefer discussions on real-world topics. By personalizing your lesson plans, you can capture your students' attention and make the learning experience more meaningful for them. To keep your TEFL students engaged, it's essential to incorporate a variety of activities and materials into your lesson plans. Mix traditional teaching methods with modern approaches to cater to different...  [Read more]

Yes, practicing public speaking before your TEFL course can be beneficial for your teaching skills. Practicing public speaking before starting your TEFL course can help you in several ways: To improve your public speaking skills before starting your TEFL course, consider the following tips: Public speaking is important for a TEFL course because it helps teachers effectively communicate with their students, create engaging lessons, and manage classroom dynamics. Here's why public speaking skills are crucial in a TEFL course:  [Read more]

  1. Understanding TEFL Lesson Objectives 2. Selecting and Organizing Teaching Materials 3. Creating Engaging Lesson Activities 4. Incorporating Technology in Lesson Plans 5. Adapting Lesson Plans for Different Proficiency Levels 6. Integrating Cultural Content in Lessons 7. Developing Assessment Strategies 8. Time Management in TEFL Lesson Planning 9. Reflecting and Improving on Lesson Plans 10. Collaborating with Colleagues on Lesson Planning A crucial aspect of effective TEFL lesson planning is clearly understanding and defining lesson objectives. Objectives serve as the foundation of a lesson, guiding the teacher in what to teach and how to teach it. They provide a roadmap for both teachers and students, ensuring that the learning goals are clear and achievable. Objectives should...  [Read more]

  Understanding TESOL Lesson Objectives Selecting and Organizing Teaching Materials Creating Engaging Lesson Activities Incorporating Technology in Lesson Plans Adapting Lesson Plans for Different Proficiency Levels Integrating Cultural Content in Lessons Developing Assessment Strategies Time Management in TESOL Lesson Planning Reflecting and Improving on Lesson Plans Collaborating with Colleagues on Lesson Planning A crucial aspect of effective TESOL lesson planning is clearly understanding and defining lesson objectives. Objectives serve as the foundation of a lesson, guiding the teacher in what to teach and how to teach it. They provide a roadmap for both teachers and students, ensuring that the learning goals are clear and achievable. Objectives should be specific, measurable,...  [Read more]

  While the Present Tenses are each covered individually in other ITTT videos this particular video reviews the four Present Tenses together. Looking at the tenses together helps to clarify and compare the different usages and structures. The video also highlights some of the problems that students may experience when learning and using the Present tenses. For example, in the Present Simple the use of the third person singular and the formation of the question form -- these can be problematic for students. In the Present Perfect, the Past Participle and irregular verbs can often be confusing for students. In the Present Perfect Continuous, the use of non-action verbs needs clarification. A TEFL certification entitles you to unlock the door to any one of a number of TEFL jobs...  [Read more]

Incorporating real-world applications into TEFL lessons is crucial for providing students with practical language skills that they can use outside the classroom. By connecting language learning to everyday scenarios, students can see the relevance of what they are learning and feel more motivated to engage with the material. Real-world applications also help students develop communication skills that are essential for navigating various social and professional situations in an English-speaking environment. There are several effective strategies for incorporating real-world applications into TEFL lessons. One approach is to use authentic materials such as newspapers, magazines, advertisements, and videos that reflect how English is used in real-life contexts. Another strategy is to create...  [Read more]