Why Is It Important To Be A Teacher

  The teaching idea covered here is one that would be appropriate for adult English language learners. It involves students writing a CV including personal data such as where they were born, their education history and their work experience. This activity could be a precursor to a job interview activity where students interview each other for different jobs using information from their CVs. By taking one of ITTT's TESOL courses you will learn useful teaching ideas such as the one covered in this video. There are number of options available to study from short 60-hour introductory courses to longer 120-hour TESOL courses. It is also possible to take ITTT's TESOL courses in-class at any one of our training centres around the world. Please visit the link above for more information...  [Read more]

  Take a look at any online TEFL forum and there is a good chance you will come across stories of unscrupulous employers taking advantage of their teachers. Due to the huge number of English language training providers operating in countries all over the world, it is inevitable that there are some that are badly run. The good news is that by asking a few simple questions you should be able to avoid the jobs you don't want and greatly increase your chances of landing the right position to suit you. Whether you are an experienced EFL teacher looking for a new challenge or a newly qualified TEFL graduate looking for that all important first teaching position, it is vital that you ask the right questions during the job interview process. Although you can never guarantee that any job...  [Read more]

  Unit 10 provides students with the opportunity to see two real English language classes in progress one effective and one not so effective. During this unit you will analyze the two lessons and gain an understanding of how your attitude as a teacher and the way you interact with your students affects their ability and motivation to learn. 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 have learnt why it is so important to know the language English. I came...  [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]

When we look back on our own learning experiences, most of us will have strong memories of certain teachers, and in some cases this can be for all the wrong reasons. Some teachers might be remembered for being harsh disciplinarians, having a boring monotone delivery, failing to listen to the class, or any number of other negative traits. Thankfully, many of us will also have memories of the teachers who had a positive impact on our education, and this could be for a variety of reasons. If you are planning to teach English online or in a traditional classroom, there are several qualities that we think combine to make a great teacher. If you can develop your teaching strategy to include all these traits you are sure to be remembered by many of your students as a great EFL teacher. Although...  [Read more]

  So speaking activities will come in many different forms but we can generalize them into three basic types. Control activities tend to be used in the study phase and here, the teacher will be helping the students in terms of what they need to say and how they go about saying it. So, there's a high level of structure within a controlled activity. A guided activity has slightly less structure than this and it can be used in either the study or the activate stages themselves. The final type of activity or class of activity is called creative activity and this one would be used in the activation phase. In a creative activity, we're giving a scenario or a very small amount of structure and we're asking the students to actually create their own answers to this particular question....  [Read more]

Take a look at any online TEFL forum and there is a good chance you will come across stories of unscrupulous employers taking advantage of their teachers. Due to the huge number of English language training providers operating in countries all over the world, it is inevitable that there are some that are badly run. The good news is that by asking a few simple questions you should be able to avoid the jobs you don't want and greatly increase your chances of landing the right position to suit you. So what questions should you ask the employer during an interview? Exactly what is expected of teachers varies considerably from one school to the next. You may be expected to complete reports on your students, attend regular staff meetings, consult with student's parents, provide lesson plans...  [Read more]

  When choosing a TEFL certification course one of the first decisions you need to make is whether to complete it online as a distance learning course or in-class by attending a training center. Both have their pros and cons so it is down to the individual to decide which best suits their own personal situation. So what are the main differences to consider between an online TEFL course and an in-class TEFL course? Probably the most significant difference is the inclusion of Observed Teaching Practice (OTP) in classroom based courses. Throughout the four-week course you will spend many hours practicing your teaching skills in a real classroom with genuine English language learners. These practice lessons are observed by an experienced course trainer who will provide instant...  [Read more]

  The Present Simple tense teaching idea in this video is called "20 Questions." The teacher frames this game in the context of, What's my job? Who am I? What am I? (for objects) A student comes to the front of the room and selects a card. The class then asks appropriate questions such as; Do you work in an office? Do you wear a uniform? And try to guess the job, person or object. The student with the card answers using the Present Simple. Each student has a turn and there is a two minute time limit for each person. When teaching the Present Simple tense or any other grammar point, a good English language teacher will always model the language correctly. Students need to be exposed to new language, they need to understand its meaning, they need to understand how it is constructed...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word caparison. This word refers to decking something out in rich decorative coverings, usually used for horses. This word found its way into the English language through the French word caparasson who took it from the Spanish caparazón meaining ?saddlecloth'. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL certification course. Each of our online courses is broken down into concise units that focus on specific areas of English language teaching. This convenient, highly structured design means that you can quickly get to grips with each section before moving onto the next. This unit has outlined how the class atmosphere and physical surroundings can drastically affect the...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word echo. This word is used as a noun and as a verb. As a noun it refers to the sound caused by the reflection of sound waves from a surface back to the speaker. As a verb, it describes the action of a sound being repeated after the original sound has already stopped. The word comes from the Greek word ?kh? meaning ?a sound?. 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 learnt a lot in this unit. I...  [Read more]

  Pat from Malaysia is living and working as an accountant in Singapore. In her TEFL review video Pat tells us how she has been considering teaching English as a new career, which is why she decided to take the 120-hour online course with tutor support and videos from ITTT. The course gave Pat an overview of the various skills and techniques used in teaching English and also covered important aspects of English grammar. Pat would like to pursue teaching English in a language centre and hopes to build upon the knowledge and skills she has acquired with ITTT in the future. 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...  [Read more]

When teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), one of the key challenges that teachers often face is handling cultural differences in the classroom. Cultural differences can manifest in various ways, including communication styles, attitudes towards authority, and approaches to learning. As a TEFL teacher, it is essential to be aware of these differences and to develop strategies for effectively managing them in order to create a positive and inclusive learning environment for all students. One of the first steps in handling cultural differences in the classroom is to educate yourself about the cultural backgrounds of your students. Take the time to learn about their customs, traditions, and beliefs, as this will help you better understand where they are coming from and why they may...  [Read more]

  When our answers are not correct then, obviously, they need to be corrected but it is quite important that we go through a process of correction that will help students. Quite often they've made a mistake simply because of something like reading the incorrect answer out or misrepresenting what they've actually written down. So, always give the opportunity when a mistake has been made for the student to self-correct first. We can often do this in a nonverbal way to show them that they're not actually correct. We might repeat back what they've said to us in a questioning manner or we may just make a gesture to make sure that they understand that they're not correct. So, we allow for a process of self-correction. It may be that the student has actually got the answer wrong and so we...  [Read more]

To apply for TEFL teaching jobs, there are several steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Firstly, it is important to ensure that you meet the minimum requirements for the position you are applying for. Most teaching jobs require a bachelor's degree, although some may accept a TEFL certification in lieu of a degree. Additionally, having a TEFL certification is highly recommended as it demonstrates your competency in teaching English as a foreign language. Once you have the necessary qualifications, the next step is to create a professional resume and cover letter. Your resume should highlight any relevant teaching experience you have, as well as any TEFL certifications you hold. Your cover letter should be tailored to the specific job you are applying for and should...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'defuse' and 'diffuse'. Their similar spelling and pronunciation make them a word pair that is often confused. The word 'defuse' refers to the action of making a situation less harmful or tense, whereas 'diffuse' means to spread over a wide area. Watch the video for detailed examples on the two words. 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 shows how important is it to know how to teach a new...  [Read more]

Yes, being a native English speaker is not a strict requirement for teaching English as a foreign language, but it can be beneficial. Non-native English speakers can also become successful English language teachers with the appropriate training and qualifications. Here are some points to consider: Qualifications and Training: Native English speakers have several advantages when teaching English as a second language: Yes, non-native English speakers can effectively teach English by demonstrating proficiency in the language, possessing strong teaching skills, and understanding the cultural nuances of the language. Non-native English speakers can be highly effective English teachers for several reasons: Fluency in English is important for non-native English teachers as it directly impacts...  [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]

  Strictly speaking the answer is no, you do not have to possess a TEFL certificate in order to find work as an English language teacher. In some countries around the world it is still possible to secure employment simply by being a native English speaker. However, there are several reasons why we would strongly recommend that you complete a TEFL training course before you set off to teach English abroad. In recent years many popular destinations for EFL teachers have begun to tighten the requirements necessary for teaching English in schools and language centers. A recognized TEFL certificate is now required in order to secure a work permit in many countries, whilst the ever growing number of teachers with a TEFL qualification means that employers in the majority of countries...  [Read more]

  Here's an idea for teaching the present perfect continuous tense. However in this activity what the students will be doing, is comparing and contrasting this tense with the present perfect tense. This is something that a teacher will want to do after they've explored both tenses and because both tenses are quite confusing, we'll ask the students to compare and contrast the two, making sure that they can tell the difference. In this activity, the teacher will have cut out each individual card. The teacher will distribute the cards to the students and after a minute has gone by, the teacher will then ask the students to fold their cards over and get into a pair. One student in the pair will then present a certain result and ask the student to form the question. Here, with the...  [Read more]

We can say in general terms that all teachers are important, English teachers among them. However, the requirement for specialist teachers who are able to teach English as a second or foreign language is particularly important. What makes specialist ESL teachers so necessary? Globalized industry has led to an explosion of the use of English as the lingua franca. This trend looks as though it will continue in the near future. Whilst English is a mainstream curriculum subject in many countries, teachers of English are not necessarily equipped to teach English as a second or foreign language. Teachers trained in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) are therefore in great demand. Whilst it is generally true that Native English Speakers (NES) have a good working knowledge of the...  [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]

Before starting a TEFL course, there are several key factors to consider in order to ensure a successful and fulfilling experience. Firstly, it is important to research and choose a reputable TEFL course provider. Look for programs that are accredited by recognized bodies such as TESL Canada or the British Council, as this ensures that the course meets certain quality standards and will be recognized by employers around the world. Additionally, consider the format of the course - whether it is online, in-person, or a combination of both - and choose the one that best fits your learning style and schedule. Next, it is essential to have a strong command of the English language. While you don't need to be a native speaker, you should have a high level of proficiency in English in order to...  [Read more]

  Should I ever send upfront payments when applying for TEFL jobs? Yes, it is not recommended to send upfront payments when applying for TEFL jobs. Sending upfront payments can be a red flag for potential scams or fraudulent job postings. It is important to exercise caution and be aware of common practices in the TEFL job market to protect yourself from potential scams. Here are some reasons why you should avoid sending upfront payments when applying for TEFL jobs: Legitimate employers typically do not require candidates to pay for job applications or interviews. Reputable schools and institutions will cover any costs associated with the hiring process. Scammers may ask for upfront payments under the guise of processing fees, visa fees, or other expenses. Be wary of any requests...  [Read more]

  Recognizing the Signs of Stress Implementing Self-Care Strategies Setting Boundaries in the Workplace Seeking Support from Colleagues Time Management Techniques Mindfulness and Meditation Practices Balancing Work and Personal Life Professional Development Opportunities Taking Breaks and Resting Properly Reflecting on Achievements and Growth Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges. Recognizing the signs of stress is crucial for maintaining your well-being. Common indicators include feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or fatigued. By acknowledging these signs early on, you can take proactive steps to address them and prevent burnout. Teaching English abroad can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its challenges....  [Read more]

  In this ITTT TESOL review two students from America describe their experience during their TESOL/TEFL course in Corinth, Greece. They describe how the course has given them the skills and confidence to begin their careers as language teachers. ITTT's courses include 120 hours of professional training given by our highly qualified and experienced trainers who are all committed to providing the best possible tuition. During the course trainees are given 6 to 10 hours of observed teaching practice with real students. 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...  [Read more]

  "In this video, our OTP trainee Richard checks the understanding of his students by having a classroom discussion with his students using modal verbs. They are used to express ability, possibility, permission or obligation. 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. This unit has given me an overview of...  [Read more]

  Being interviewed for a TEFL related position is much like any other interview situation; it can be an intimidating prospect. However, if you do your homework and prepare for some general questions in advance, you can remove a great deal of worry from the whole process. Unfortunately you cannot predict exactly how any interview will unfold but most will include a similar range of questions that are aimed at assessing your suitability for joining the existing workforce. So what questions should you expect to be asked? The employer will certainly want to form an impression of who you are as a person, so expect questions such as: What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? If the job is outside of your...  [Read more]

  Should I invest in a good quality camera? Yes, investing in a good quality camera can be beneficial for TEFL/TESOL teachers. Having a good quality camera can enhance your online teaching experience by providing clearer visuals, which can help keep students engaged and improve their learning. Here are some reasons why investing in a good quality camera is recommended: Improved Image Quality: A high-quality camera will produce sharper images and better colors, making it easier for students to see your facial expressions and gestures, which are important for communication in language learning. Enhanced Professionalism: Using a good quality camera can make you appear more professional to your students, which can help build trust and credibility. Increased Engagement: Clear visuals...  [Read more]

  Understanding TEFL Job Requirements Researching TEFL Job Opportunities Crafting an Impressive TEFL Resume Writing a Compelling TEFL Cover Letter Preparing for TEFL Job Interviews Demonstrating TEFL Teaching Skills Handling TEFL Job Offers Understanding TEFL Contracts Navigating TEFL Work Visas Continuing Professional Development in TEFL Before applying for TEFL jobs, it's crucial to understand the requirements. Each country and school may have varying prerequisites that must be met before you can be considered for a position. These requirements often depend on factors such as the country?s regulations, the type of institution, and the level of teaching involved. For example, in many Asian countries like South Korea or Japan, a Bachelor?s degree is typically required, regardless of...  [Read more]