How To Be A Good Esl Teacher

Whenever the discussion arises 'What makes a good teacher'', various theories and suggestions concerning a teacher's personality and his/her relationship with pupils are laid on the table. The TEFL International handbook summarises what many teachers and students suggest are the main qualities of a good teacher: 'Should be patient and kind 'Should really love teaching 'Should be lively and entertaining 'Is able to motivate learners 'Has a good knowledge of his/her subject 'Should have a good rapport and interaction with the class 'Should be able to involve all students equally throughout a lesson 'Should be able to correct students without offending them or affecting their motivation 'Should know students' weaknesses and try to give help and individual attention where...  [Read more]

Whenever the discussion arises ?What makes a good teacher??, various theories and suggestions concerning a teacher?s personality and his/her relationship with pupils are laid on the table. The TEFL International handbook summarises what many teachers and students suggest are the main qualities of a good teacher: ?Should be patient and kind ?Should really love teaching ?Should be lively and entertaining ?Is able to motivate learners ?Has a good knowledge of his/her subject ?Should have a good rapport and interaction with the class ?Should be able to involve all students equally throughout a lesson ?Should be able to correct students without offending them or affecting their motivation ?Should know students? weaknesses and try to give help and individual attention where ...  [Read more]

In an ESL lesson, the materials chosen to present the new grammar and vocabulary are a very important part of the teacher’s preparation and largely determine how well the lesson will be understood and enjoyed by the students. The options of materials are many but all have their own appropriate uses. It is a good idea for ESL teachers to build up a collection of teaching materials and ideas that span from fun games to worksheets to short, easy novels. Often, a course book is the main guideline but other materials should be used to complement and diversify the lessons. Choosing the correct materials depend on many different areas such as class size, language level, personal interests of the students, student ages, etc. But the teacher should view this part of planning...  [Read more]

  The next category we are looking at in our series on teaching special groups in ESL are individuals. Teaching individuals, or one-to-one, forms a large part of the ESL market. Find out the positives, negatives and tips in this video. 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, I learned about developing good rapport between myself and the students in the classroom. This is very important because it will indicate how the lesson will flow and...  [Read more]

It would be nice to think that an ESL teacher could enter the classroom with a friendly smile, the appropriate warmer and a well- planned lesson, and the result would be a room full of students progressing continually in their language skills. However, with a task as great as learning English as a second language, the experience is rarely that easy. Learning English has its’ own unique difficulties, and it profits the ESL teacher most if these challenges are explored and prepared for before entering the classroom. One such challenge is students with learning disabilities; when it is believed that a student has a learning disability, teachers must consider diagnosis and appropriate teaching methods.It can be hard to make the decision to evaluate students for a learning...  [Read more]

In the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL), games are very important, with adults and especially with children. Let?s face it, no matter how much one wants to learn another language sometimes class discussions about verb tenses and vocabulary can be monotonous, slow, and boring. Games make learning fun and can be used to add a little spice to class. Many people are motivated by competition so games can stimulate this enthusiasm and help to stimulate participation. Games can be used to aid in: learning vocabulary, verb usage, vocabulary review, pronunciation practice, phrase building, confidence building, and encouraging students to think and respond in English. Games are great ways to begin or end a class. Openers for classes are used to introduce...  [Read more]

In the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL), games are very important, with adults and especially with children. Let’s face it, no matter how much one wants to learn another language sometimes class discussions about verb tenses and vocabulary can be monotonous, slow, and boring. Games make learning fun and can be used to add a little spice to class. Many people are motivated by competition so games can stimulate this enthusiasm and help to stimulate participation. Games can be used to aid in: learning vocabulary, verb usage, vocabulary review, pronunciation practice, phrase building, confidence building, and encouraging students to think and respond in English. Games are great ways to begin or end a class. Openers for classes are used to introduce new...  [Read more]

In an ESL lesson, the materials chosen to present the new grammar and vocabulary are a very important part of the teacher?s preparation and largely determine how well the lesson will be understood and enjoyed by the students. The options of materials are many but all have their own appropriate uses. It is a good idea for ESL teachers to build up a collection of teaching materials and ideas that span from fun games to worksheets to short, easy novels. Often, a course book is the main guideline but other materials should be used to complement and diversify the lessons. Choosing the correct materials depend on many different areas such as class size, language level, personal interests of the students, student ages, etc. But the teacher should view this part of...  [Read more]

1. Finding a Qualified Native English Speaker ESL Teacher 2. Factors to Consider When Hiring an ESL Teacher 3. Interviewing ESL Teacher Candidates 4. Conclusion Are you looking to hire a qualified native English speaker ESL teacher? Finding the right candidate for your ESL program is crucial for the success of your students. With the increasing demand for English language learning, it is essential to ensure that you hire a teacher who is not only a native English speaker but also possesses the necessary qualifications and experience to effectively teach English as a second language. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step process on how to hire the best ESL teacher for your program. When looking for a native English speaker ESL teacher, it is important to start by...  [Read more]

Are you looking to kickstart a career in teaching English as a second language (ESL)? With the growing demand for English language skills around the world, becoming a certified ESL teacher can open up numerous opportunities for you. However, with so many online courses available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this guide, we will explore the key factors to consider when selecting the best ESL online course for beginners, including accreditation, course content, teaching practice, and job support. By the end of this article, you will have a clearer understanding of what to look for in an ESL online course and how to make an informed decision that aligns with your career goals. One of the most crucial factors to consider when choosing an ESL online course is...  [Read more]

1. Exploring ESL Teaching Opportunities 2. Qualifications and Requirements for ESL Teaching 3. How ITTT can Help with ESL Job Search 4. Conclusion Are you passionate about teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) and eager to explore job opportunities in this field? Whether you are a seasoned ESL teacher looking for a new challenge or a recent graduate considering a career in ESL teaching, there are a plethora of opportunities available worldwide. ESL teachers are in high demand in countries where English is not the primary language, making it a rewarding and exciting career choice for many. From teaching in schools and language institutes to tutoring online, the options are endless. However, finding the right ESL teaching job that suits your preferences and qualifications can sometimes...  [Read more]

1. Overview of ESL Teaching in China 2. Qualifications Required for ESL Teaching in China 3. Benefits of Teaching English in China 4. How ITTT Can Help You Teach English in China Are you considering a career in ESL teaching in China? This lucrative and rewarding opportunity can open doors to a world of cultural exchange and professional growth. As one of the leading providers of TEFL and TESOL training, ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) can help you achieve your goal of teaching English in China. When it comes to ESL teaching in China, there are certain qualifications that you need to meet in order to be eligible for teaching positions. The requirements may vary depending on the institution or organization you wish to work with, but there are some common qualifications that are...  [Read more]

Anyone who has ever had to stand up in front of a group of people to give a speech knows it can be a daunting task. When we are nervous, our bodies conspire against us, leaving us with such physical symptoms as sweating and shaking, not to mention amnesia and a general feeling of dread. However, there are some tips you can follow to make public-speaking easier and to have it feel like second nature. First, we?ll look at ways to build self-confidence outside of the classroom. Then, we?ll look at methods teachers of English as a second language (ESL) can use to build their confidence while teaching. One of the easiest ways to overcome shyness is to feel good about yourself by repeating a personal mantra such as ?I feel terrific? into the mirror as you wake each day....  [Read more]

  Cassandra has recently completed the 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support. In this TEFL review video she outlines the process involved with completing ITTT’s online certification course and recommends the course to anyone thinking about teaching English abroad or has an interest in ESL and would like to find out more. 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. Unit 9 covered lesson planning: it went over the importance of planning a...  [Read more]

Check out Tesolcourse.com about TEFL - Canadian Based Online TEFL Courses and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad. You could also be interested in: This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned: A.B . - Scotland said: Knowledge and understanding of grammar has improved Expanded ideas of how to make lessons fun and interesting while developing students? abilities Think the 2 week practical course will help put these into practice and help work towards being a good TEFL teacher A.D ? USA I can't even put into words how much I feel like I have accomplished in participating in this program. I started with this program to get a taste of what it may be like to teach...  [Read more]

The following paper is a variation on the ?What I wish I had known before the course? topic. I have decided to focus on what I can do with what I have learned. I am not certain I will enter into the field of English instruction. In my traditional business courses, and if I enter into English instruction I plan to focus on the following three areas. ?Advocate for the use of high quality, Standard English ?Use grammar instruction carefully ?Encourage writing proficiency in all subjects/courses When teaching English?Quality Counts Advocating for Standard English The launch speech of Professor Koh Tai Ann, Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement of Singapore is a wonderfully crafted document that spells out the economic and social advantages of English mastery. The...  [Read more]

Job interviews are notorious for causing anxiety, but if you know what to expect and you prepare accordingly you should find they are not as bad as you are expecting. The essential nature of any interview is to show that you are confident in your teaching ability, keen to get started, and able to fit into the existing workforce. By doing some research and planning in advance, you should be able to demonstrate all of this and land the job on the spot. The worldwide market for teaching English abroad covers dozens of countries and many types of employer. In some situations it is normal to complete the recruitment process before leaving home, including an interview conducted via Skype or phone. However, in many of the most popular destinations employers prefer to recruit their teachers...  [Read more]

This marks my thirteenth week as a new teacher of sixth and seventh grade students, ages eleven to thirteen. I teach history and my class sizes range from twenty-three to twenty-seven, with a total of one hundred and fifty students throughout the day. As one can imagine, classroom management and discipline are extremely important with groups this size and with children in general. In an effort to improve the effectiveness of my current teaching position and to set the tone for my future ESL/EFL classrooms, I consulted the Phi Delta Kappan, an excellent resource for teachers both beginning their careers and those who are seasoned veterans in the field. Metzger, Margaret (2002). Classroom Management: Learning to Discipline. Phi Delta Kappan 84, 77-84. Metzger is a life-long...  [Read more]

Are you considering a career in online ESL teaching but feeling overwhelmed by the multitude of platforms available? Choosing the right online ESL teaching platform is crucial for your success as an ESL teacher. With so many options to pick from, it's essential to make an informed decision that aligns with your goals and teaching style. In this guide, we will explore key factors to consider when selecting the ideal online ESL teaching platform. From the platform's reputation and student demographics to payment rates and teaching resources, we'll help you navigate the selection process with confidence. 1. **Reputation and Credibility**: Before committing to an online ESL teaching platform, research its reputation within the ESL teaching community. Look for reviews and testimonials from...  [Read more]

Anyone who has ever had to stand up in front of a group of people to give a speech knows it can be a daunting task. When we are nervous, our bodies conspire against us, leaving us with such physical symptoms as sweating and shaking, not to mention amnesia and a general feeling of dread. However, there are some tips you can follow to make public-speaking easier and to have it feel like second nature.First, we'll look at ways to build self-confidence outside of the classroom. Then, we'll look at methods teachers of English as a second language (ESL) can use to build their confidence while teaching. One of the easiest ways to overcome shyness is to feel good about yourself by repeating a personal mantra such as 'I feel terrific' into the mirror as you wake each day. (John...  [Read more]

  Alina lives in Bucharest in Romania and has been teaching English there for several years. In her TEFL review video she explains how she chose to take the 120-hour online TEFL course with tutor support and videos from ITTT in order to receive professional training in English language teaching. After researching online, Alina decided that the online course from ITTT best suited her needs to be able to study while also working, which gave her the chance to apply what she was learning to her classes as she progressed through the course. Alina is looking forward to further study with a course in teaching English to young learners. 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...  [Read more]

One of the worst teaching experience is having a class come to an abrupt halt while someone searches a dictionary for a specific word, one usually not found in the end anyway. The problem of using dictionaries as a crutch could be rectified by not allowing the use of them in a lesson at all. The great art of circumlocution could be used instead, albeit kicking and screaming. Those experiences of being derailed by frantic dictionary searches would make any ESL teacher shudder and swear off dictionaries entirely. Should native language to English language dictionaries be banned altogether? Some would argue that using dictionaries is a good technique to use in the classroom. One that actually helps to create a more independent learner (...  [Read more]

One of the worst teaching experience is having a class come to an abrupt halt while someone searches a dictionary for a specific word, one usually not found in the end anyway. The problem of using dictionaries as a crutch could be rectified by not allowing the use of them in a lesson at all. The great art of circumlocution could be used instead, albeit kicking and screaming. Those experiences of being derailed by frantic dictionary searches would make any ESL teacher shudder and swear off dictionaries entirely. Should native language to English language dictionaries be banned altogether' Some would argue that using dictionaries is a good technique to use in the classroom. One that actually helps to create a more independent learner ( www.tefl.net/teacher_training). The...  [Read more]

How much money you can earn teaching English online depends on a variety of factors, including your qualifications, prior experience, and the platform you work for. Online English teachers are paid on an hourly basis, typically ranging between $15 and $30. If you decide to work through an online platform, as most online teachers do, a fee for connecting you with students and providing materials is also deducted in the form of a commission. There are different ways to earn a living as an online English teacher. Some teachers work for an online ESL company, some offer their lessons on an open marketplace, and others even start their own online ESL business. Depending on your qualifications and the type of platform, online English teachers can typically earn between $10 and $40 US per hour....  [Read more]

The following paper is a variation on the “What I wish I had known before the course” topic. I have decided to focus on what I can do with what I have learned. I am not certain I will enter into the field of English instruction. In my traditional business courses, and if I enter into English instruction I plan to focus on the following three areas.•Advocate for the use of high quality, Standard English•Use grammar instruction carefully•Encourage writing proficiency in all subjects/courses When teaching English—Quality CountsAdvocating for Standard English The launch speech of Professor Koh Tai Ann, Chairman of the Speak Good English Movement of Singapore is a wonderfully crafted document that spells out the economic and social advantages of...  [Read more]

Due to a government backed scheme to improve English language proficiency across the country, Vietnam has seen a boom in ESL teaching jobs in recent years. As well as having plenty of teaching positions, Vietnam also offers a great mix of cosmopolitan cities, laidback beach resorts, and lush tropical countryside. The relaxed way of life is another reason why an increasing number of teachers are deciding to move here, particularly those who are used to working in other Asian countries with a more strict approach to life and work such as South Korea, China, and Japan. With so much in its favour it is no surprise that Vietnam is currently one of the fastest growing destinations in the world for teaching English abroad. The average salary for ESL teachers in Vietnam is around $1,000 USD...  [Read more]

I am writing about motivation in the classroom, for the purpose of addressing the problem for teachers and to give some strategies that can be used to assist the teacher to overcome the problems.As a novice teacher I can only imagine the nightmare of having a class room full of unmotivated or demotivated students. This in itself is the motivation for me and why I choose this subject to write about. I believe that if the class is motivated the subject will take care of itself.It is believed by some that the student teacher relationship is that of power and that we should concern ourselves with the fostering of learner motivation, as it is considered to be the most effective and proactive, so to speak, power relationship. Of course levels of motivation will vary from student...  [Read more]

In recent years, the demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) education in Colombia has been steadily increasing. As the country continues to strengthen its global presence and attract international business, the need for proficient English speakers has become more critical than ever. Colombian schools are recognizing the importance of incorporating ESL curriculum into their educational programs to ensure that their students are equipped with the necessary language skills to thrive in a competitive, globalized world. 1. Improved Communication Skills: By learning English, Colombian students can effectively communicate with people from different countries and cultures. This opens up a world of opportunities for them, both academically and professionally. 2. Increased Job Opportunities:...  [Read more]

IntroductionIn this article I will gather the most common problems/difficulties Thai learners have when learning English. I will spot the main difficulties you as the teacher will deal with and I will give my tips/solutions of how you can understand the problems and deal with them.The article is based on own experience and new information I have learned from this course.Some of the major differences between Thai learners and European learners are:Certain students can be reluctant to talk and produce English in class. It can be caused by natural shyness or just the fact that they cannot express themselves in English or it can have its roots in cultural issues.How do we deal with these issues and how do we know if certain behaviour is caused by student´s culture or by natural ...  [Read more]

Throughout the ITTT course, the main suggestion for finding supplemental materials is to search through the school's resource library. There are obvious benefits to this: the staff may be able to direct you easily to what you are looking for, the materials can easily be photocopied (if that is an option), and the materials can be chosen as the need arises during the class. However, there is a whole other world of materials available on-line as well. While there are many places where Internet access is impossible, the teacher will probably be aware of this before arriving and could do some preparation and bring ideas and materials with them. For an isolated school, the teacher can also then cheaply and easily provide the resource library with new and updated activities, ...  [Read more]