Erin Gold

In a traditional English language classroom the student’s curriculum focuses on grammar, reading, vocabulary and rigid repetitive drills. The majority of students I have spoken with find this method to be very dull and boring. If students are not interested in the subject being taught they will lack attention and motivation to learn the language. Language is used primarily to communicate with other people. What is the best method to learn a language' Throughout history people have played games to socialize and interact with each other. Therefore it seems reasonable to assume that playing games in a language classroom can only be beneficial.What does a game consist of' I think that games involve play, competition, rules, and enjoyment. The Merriam – Webster online ...  [Read more]

We both strongly believe that motivating EFL students is one of the most important ingredients to successfully teaching English to foreign language students. The Encyclopaedia Britannica defines motivation as factors within a human being or other animal which arouse & direct goal orientated behaviour. Our research article is presented from an EFL teacher's standpoint. We believe all humans have the same ability to achieve success, but the one big difference that affects the degree of success is an individuals belief in themselves. This is the first key to motivation. The subconscious mind is one of the most powerful instruments in the universe. It can not tell the difference between fact & fiction. It will believe anything you or anyone else tells it. Your brain is...  [Read more]

Over the past four decades it appears that the advanced development of computers and the ready availability of this technology have led to an interest in a lexical approach to second language learning versus the more traditional grammar based approach. The Oxford dictionary defines lexical as 'connected with the words of a language', and grammar as 'the rules in a language for changing the form of words and joining them into sentences'. Two additional terms that are relevant to understanding this new approach is concordances, 'a list produced by a computer that shows all the examples of an individual word in a book', and collocations, 'a combination of words in a language that happens very often and more frequently than would happen by chance'.One article researched suggest...  [Read more]

Over the past four decades it appears that the advanced development of computers and the ready availability of this technology have led to an interest in a lexical approach to second language learning versus the more traditional grammar based approach. The Oxford dictionary defines lexical as ?connected with the words of a language?, and grammar as ?the rules in a language for changing the form of words and joining them into sentences?. Two additional terms that are relevant to understanding this new approach is concordances, ?a list produced by a computer that shows all the examples of an individual word in a book?, and collocations, ?a combination of words in a language that happens very often and more frequently than would happen by chance?. One article researched...  [Read more]

Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences, in which he defines 7 different ways that people are intelligent, has become a driving force in educational theory in the English Speaking world. Personal experience in a Master's Degree in Elementary Education program with the University of Phoenix revealed that virtually every class which contained a lesson planning element required that the various intelligences be addressed in lessons. A Google search on 'ESL and Multiple Intelligences' conducted on June 8, 2006 returned approximately 450,000 internet articles on Multiple Intelligences in teaching English as a Foreign Language alone. The theory is certainly popular, and is used in training teachers and parents alike in educating their children.But does the idea that there are...  [Read more]

It goes without saying that California is one of the most popular states in the USA. Home to exciting cities, such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, “The Golden State” attracts millions of visitors each year who are looking to get the Californian experience. The state also offers plenty of scenic landscapes of beaches, mountains, and even deserts. It is also worth mentioning that California is one of the most ethnically diverse states in the country, which is due to the Gold Rush from 1848 when huge waves of immigrants from all parts of the world came to California in hopes of finding a better life. California is stretched along the Pacific Coast with distinct differences between the northern and southern part of the state. While Southern California stays sunny and mild year-round, the...  [Read more]

“To build rapport with adults in the learning environment, use positive nonverbal communication, deal with the whole person, address learners as equals, share authority, and employ informal room arrangements such as placing all the chairs in a circle, in a U, or around a table. Adult students also appreciate instructors who share appropriate information about themselves and who are approachable and accessible.” Guidelines for Working with Adult Learners. ERIC Digest No. 77.A good rapport is the first important step for any teacher when they first step into a unfamiliar classroom this is reminded in the Faculty and TA department guides for Ohio state university that “It is important to remember that initial impressions tend to be lasting and that the way you...  [Read more]

In the spring of 2006, I was approached by one of my former students with the idea of joining her and her volunteer group to teach English in China. I was intrigued by the idea, but wondered how one who knew no Chinese could teach English. I had teaching experience from some twenty years prior, and had even majored in English with a BS degree in Education. Being assured that I was more than qualified, I volunteered to go with the group to Xian in July of 2006, and was appointed as one of the twelve, lead teachers for a private, summer camp school.Though the experience was rewarding, as I look back I wonder if these students really received what they had anticipated. They, or their parents, paid a good sum to attend the ten day long session. But I was less than prepared to...  [Read more]

Living in this global age where technology is always at our fingertips and our economies between different countries are becoming tightly knitted together to have prompted many people to learn and improve their diction and the communication skills in the area of business for work and personal reason. Because of this great opportunity, teachers can have a great opportunity in teaching Business English as a foreign language. Among some of the benefits of learning to teach Business English is we will learn to improve our business communication skills for our personal reasons. We will become more fluent in marketing and selling ourselves to our clients and our clients will feel more confident in hiring us because we will provide them with interesting and stimulating classes that are...  [Read more]

In a traditional English language classroom the student?s curriculum focuses on grammar, reading, vocabulary and rigid repetitive drills. The majority of students I have spoken with find this method to be very dull and boring. If students are not interested in the subject being taught they will lack attention and motivation to learn the language. Language is used primarily to communicate with other people. What is the best method to learn a language? Throughout history people have played games to socialize and interact with each other. Therefore it seems reasonable to assume that playing games in a language classroom can only be beneficial. What does a game consist of? I think that games involve play, competition, rules, and enjoyment. The Merriam ? Webster online ...  [Read more]

As a parent and an educator I have learned much about child development and am learning more everyday. When I was pregnant with my first child I discovered child development begins in the womb. My husband and I read to our child everyday and played music through a large set of head phones. As the months passed the baby began to respond through movement or rest. It also depended on what we were doing. If we played music, the baby was active with up beat children?s songs, but calm and relaxed with soft or classical music. I remember singing in the church choir oh my! The baby was bouncing all over the place. When we brought our son home from the hospital for the first time after he was born we played the music that we played while he was in the womb. He...  [Read more]

  The three words lightening, lightning and lighting are easily confused by English learners and even native speakers. Let's take a look at the differences. Lightening is the present participle of the verb to lighten describing the action of making something less heavy. A good example would be "I was lightening the load on my horse because it was exhausted." Lightning refers to a streak of static electricity through the sky usually accompanied by thunder, as here "I was struck by lightning while playing golf in a storm." Lighting is the arrangement of light especially in photography. A suitable example for this would be "The photo was dull because the lighting wasn't good enough". Below you can read feedback from an ITTT graduate regarding one section of their online TEFL...  [Read more]

The idea of classroom management is something that every future teacher must plan and contemplate thoroughly before starting his/her teaching career. While each teacher will approach classroom management in their own way, there are some major areas that must be covered. First, a teacher must make the students understand the expectations and consequences concerning the class. In order to ensure that classroom learning is conducive to both the physical and emotional growth of the student, rules that explain what behavior is expected need to be reviewed. After rules and procedures are established, it is important that the teacher admires good performance and provides negative consequences for unacceptable behavior. Simple physical signs like a “thumbs up” or a...  [Read more]

Our TEFL certification course in the Philippines gives you the opportunity to learn how to teach English in a country made up of over 7,000 different islands. The Philippines is a beautiful archipelago, brimming with friendly people and a rich culture. Its many popular features include marvellous beaches, a wealth of wildlife, and a varied and exciting night life. During your TEFL course you can enjoy some of the best SCUBA diving and snorkelling in the world, indulge in the delicious and inexpensive local cuisine, and participate in the country’s many lively festivals. Attending a TEFL course in the Philippines is sure to be an experience you will never forget. For those interested in training and working in the Philippines, it is worth noting that English is a widely spoken national...  [Read more]

The idea of classroom management is something that every future teacher must plan and contemplate thoroughly before starting his/her teaching career. While each teacher will approach classroom management in their own way, there are some major areas that must be covered. First, a teacher must make the students understand the expectations and consequences concerning the class. In order to ensure that classroom learning is conducive to both the physical and emotional growth of the student, rules that explain what behavior is expected need to be reviewed. After rules and procedures are established, it is important that the teacher admires good performance and provides negative consequences for unacceptable behavior. Simple physical signs like a ?thumbs up? or a verbal...  [Read more]

Ohio is a state that has a lot to offer. Most people come to Ohio to explore the untouched nature, the lakes, and the abundant wildlife. The Serpent Mounds are one of the state’s most famous attractions. These earthworks were created by people who inhabited the area of Ohio over 20,000 years ago. Experts say they built the mounds to keep track of the sun’s movement. Lake Erie and the Ohio River give the state the perfect climate for a lot of species to thrive. That’s why so many visitors come to Ohio to enjoy the fascinating natural wonders of the region. On top of that, the climate is ideal for wine making and countless vintners grow a wide variety of different grapes in Ohio. You can find anything from Riesling to Chardonnay and from Pinot Grigio to Cabernet Franc. Wine lovers...  [Read more]

  Now here's a teaching idea for the present perfect continuous tense. If you remember we use this tense to talk about actions that had been continuing up until the present moment or very recently. In this activity, you'll be giving a student a card. That card will include the past activity as well as some results. This card says 'You've been driving in the rain on your motorbike. You're all wet and your clothes are too.' The results are 'you're all wet and your clothes are too.' You'll present that information to the rest of the class and, therefore, it's up to the class to guess the action that was occurring up until the certain point in time. What will happen in this activity is, the student at the front of the room will express the present results 'clothes being wet; I'm all...  [Read more]

Although Salt Lake City is one of the smaller cities where we offer our TEFL/TESOL training course, it still has plenty to offer those who choose it as their destination. Famous for hosting the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, the city and its surrounding area boasts some of the finest winter sport facilities in the country. The region’s beautiful and rugged terrain also provides an ideal playground for all manner of outdoor pursuits such as hiking, rock climbing and mountain biking. As the capital and largest city in Utah, Salt Lake City is equally popular with thousands of less energetic visitors who come to explore the stunning natural landscape from the comfort of their own car or tour bus. Famously founded by Mormon settlers in the 19th century, Salt Lake City has steadily grown from its...  [Read more]

Whilst there are many elements to teaching English as a foreign language, without successful classroom management the teacher will be ineffective and the students less likely to learn effectively. Key elements that should be focussed on are, e.g., teacher talk time, correct gesturing, appropriate interaction with the class, the manner of the teacher should be such that the atmosphere is balanced between casual yet with authority assigned to the teacher, etc. Although more elements are important to classroom management, the overall lesson is that the components of classroom management must be such that they are successfully integrated, or management will fail.Teacher talk time is appropriate during different sections of a class. It related, not only to the introduction of the...  [Read more]

In a world full of languages how does one place the English language' Most languages have a full history going back thousands of years. Can this really be said of English' No, but we can say that the history is full, one full of war and violence as well as compromise and inclusion. We might start in the year 449 AD in the island of Britain. At this time the Anglo-Saxons invaded Britain as the Romans left to defend their homeland. The local Celtic people quickly adapted the ways of the German tribe and we saw the beginning of English, it is said that the majority of its words can be traced to this. As the next thousand years progressed we saw the invasion of the Danes, French Normans as well as the influence of the Church. This leads us up to the time when this...  [Read more]

Having been used as the setting for many famous movies and TV shows, the skyline and major landmarks of San Francisco are instantly recognizable to millions of people all over the world. Iconic structures such as the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island need no introduction, whilst other favorites including Fisherman’s Wharf, the hairpin turns of Lombard Street and the famous cable car system are equally famous. The city is also well known for its diversity and inclusive attitude that can still be felt today across many of its unique neighborhoods. With a fascinating list of attractions to explore, and a warm and welcoming population, San Francisco could well be the perfect venue for completing your TEFL/TESOL training course. San Francisco’s rise began with the onset of the infamous...  [Read more]

The state of Arizona is blessed with abundant natural wonders and a long history. Due to the booming copper mines in the in the 19th century, Arizona is also called “The Copper State”. You can also find world-famous attractions like the mighty Grand Canyon in Arizona. This national park attracts many millions of people from across the world each year with its orange and red sandstone formations and scenic hiking routes along the Colorado River. The Grand Canyon National Park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also among the oldest parks in America. Arizona is home to a splendid collection of parks and is, therefore, the perfect destination for those who seek to spend quality time in nature. You have the choice between 22 national parks and 30 state parks in Arizona offering...  [Read more]

Indiana is a popular destination in the USA due to the natural beauty of the state. It is one of the eight Great Lakes states in the Midwest of the USA and also located on the Ohio River in the south, which marks the border between Indiana and Kentucky. Indiana’s history dates back to 8000 BC and beyond when Native Americans first populated the area. Therefore, there are countless historic attractions, as well as manmade crafts all over the state. On top of that, Indiana’s lush nature makes it possible to engage in a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the entire year. All of these factors make Indiana a great location for your TEFL/TESOL training course. Come and join our training center in Indiana and spend four exciting weeks in the state. Countless state-of-the-art museums,...  [Read more]

As a parent and an educator I have learned much about child development and am learning more everyday. When I was pregnant with my first child I discovered child development begins in the womb. My husband and I read to our child everyday and played music through a large set of head phones. As the months passed the baby began to respond through movement or rest. It also depended on what we were doing. If we played music, the baby was active with up beat children’s songs, but calm and relaxed with soft or classical music. I remember singing in the church choir oh my! The baby was bouncing all over the place. When we brought our son home from the hospital for the first time after he was born we played the music that we played while he was in the womb. He responded by...  [Read more]

What makes a person intelligent' Is an intelligent person good at math or language' Howard Gardener theorized that there are many different ways people can be intelligent, this became known as multiple intelligence theory. In this paper I will briefly discuss who Howard Gardener is, what are the multiple intelligences and how can we use them in our TEFL classrooms.Howard Gardener was born in 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He went to Harvard to study history and had Eric Erickson as a tutor. ' Howard Gardner's interest in Psychology and the social sciences grew... and he graduated summa cum laude in 1965"(Smith) . In 1966 he entered Harvard's doctoral program and became part of the Project Zero ( a research team on arts education). He completed his PhD in 1971 and...  [Read more]

Phoenix is a modern city that provides a great venue for completing our certification course. As it’s located within the Sonoran Desert and is known as the ‘Valley of the Sun’, it is no surprise that the area enjoys a warm climate throughout the year. However, the pleasant weather is only one of the many reasons why Phoenix is a popular destination with our trainees and the thousands of other tourists who visit every year. One of the main attractions in the area is to visit some of the extraordinary national parks that can be reached from the city, including Monument Valley and the stunning Grand Canyon. You will also find plenty of other attractions, both indoors and outdoors, in this lively state capital. Only named as the capital of Arizona in 1912, the history of the city is...  [Read more]

Bogotá is an exciting and South American city. The capital of Colombia, it is located in the heart of the Andes at 2,640 meters. It is one of the highest capitals in the world and is home to Colombians from all parts of the country. Bogotá is the energetic centre of a number of different Colombian cultures as well as other countries from South America. Bogotá always has something interesting to see or do in the city. Whether it’s experiencing the local culture in the old downtown area, or exploring the country’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife. There are a number of quality restaurants, clubs, cafes and bars to enjoy in Bogotá as wells as old houses, churches and convents, which date back several hundred years. There are also numerous parks where you can find a variety of...  [Read more]

ITTT has recently opened a TEFL & TESOL training center in Bundoran, a popular seaside resort in County Donegal, Ireland. If you wish to be TEFL/TESOL-certified and would love to take a course in Ireland, this is an opportunity you cannot miss. Check out course details and fees for ITTT's Bundoran TEFL/TESOL center here! Limerick, home of our TEFL training centre in ireland, is nestled in the heart of Munster, in Ireland's sunny south-west region. Limerick is a city boasting a rich history, dating from at least the Viking settlement in 812. Limerick is home to some of Ireland's most famous historical attractions: King Johns Castle, Bunratty Castle, the Hunt Museum (located in the city centre) and St. Mary's Cathedral, Limerick's oldest...  [Read more]

INTRODUCTIONHow did you learn to speak your native language' Notice, this shouldn´t be such a puzzling question. Do you remember when you learned to tie your shoes, ride a bike, and eat with a fork' Sometimes we can remember a parent helping us to do these things. But have our parents helped us learn to speak our first language' Do you remember when your mother taught you the past tense' When your father laid down the rules for passive sentences' We don´t remember these important moments of our childhood because they never occurred. Sometimes we as adults study for years to acquire a new language. It is then quite wonderful to think that children, by around the age of 5, have more or less mastered their first language, excepting some vocabulary and a few grammatical structures....  [Read more]

At our TEFL training centre in the Canary Islands you will have the chance to explore the world as you work towards your TEFL certification on the beautiful island of Gran Canaria, also known as The Little Continent! You will be forgiven for believing you are in the Sahara Desert when you explore Gran Canaria’s sand dunes by camel or in a dune buggy. You’ll also be forgiven for believing you are in Peru, as you hike through the island’s rainforests. Such is the diversity of Gran Canaria’s landscape that it has become known as the Little Continent. Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the island in the city of Las Palmas; the largest city on the island and one of the few in the world with its own beaches. You can enjoy scuba diving at the hundreds of dive sites where...  [Read more]