Is Tefl Universal Legit

We can start with two sayings: 1) These is no such thing as a free lunch And 2) You get what you pay for With these two things in mind let us explore what free TEFL certificates are available and the problems that may be associated with them. This is becoming more common with online courses in all subjects across the curriculum. You are able to take a course for free (or at a minimal cost) but there is no certificate issued with the course. You are then offered certificate options from a PDF emailed version to full hard copy certificate with postage. When you add the certification cost you find it is similar to buying a regular course which has the certificate and regular postage already paid for in the price. There are some legitimate free TEFL courses available as well as many not so...  [Read more]

During the history of mankind, there have been several more or less universal languages such as Latin (and Greek) in the Roman empire, medieval Latin in Western Europe, later French and English.No language has been really universal (global), but the current position of English comes closest..A ccording to a recent survey that was carried out among the U:N officials regarding the langauge that is best suited for receiving corresponce and publications,the officials had to choose among english,french,and spanish.and the result was 130 nations chose english,36 chose french and 19 chose spanish. This means the representatives of 97% of the earths population picked english. English is the language most often studied as a foreign language in the European union(by 89% of...  [Read more]

  This video is the first video of our series on conditionals and reported speech. The conditionals are commonly referred to as "if" sentence structure speaking about if this happens then that happens. 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. Course book and Lesson Material. The coursebook is a universal book: it does not and cannot take into consideration the specific needs of your learners. This is the idea that all learners at a given level are...  [Read more]

  This TEFL review was recorded by Volodymyr from Kiev in Ukraine. He is currently working as an English teacher in the Ukrainian Dance Academy. Having completed his 120-hour online TEFL course with ITTT Volodymyr wants to move to China to teach English and is looking forward to learning more about China as he pursues his English teaching career. 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 covers the difficulties that learners can face when...  [Read more]

If you have done some research and made the decision to teach English abroad or online, you will probably have been confronted with a mound of perplexing letters: TEFL, tesol, and CELTA – what do they all mean, and which is better? Don't worry. We are here to help you understand the differences and lead you into a world of education and international travel. First, let's get the abbreviations out of the way. TEFL stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language, tesol stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and CELTA is an acronym for Certificate in English Teaching to Speakers of Other Languages (until recently, it stood for Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). To put it another way, TEFL and tesol are generic terms for the field of teaching English...  [Read more]

Faster than global Starbucks addiction, English is sweeping the Planet. With over one quarter of the people on Earth speaking English 4, the language is fast replacing French as the new lingua franca 2. There is a reason that English is considered by some, to be on the fast track to becoming the World?s first Universal language 2. It is simply necessary to be able to communicate with people from around the globe these days. Powered by telecommunications and the internet along with distance breaking inventions such as airplanes 2, the world has become a much smaller place. We can now chat via the Internet with someone in another hemisphere and then go out to lunch with an exchange student who has flown in from another continent at a restaurant where the server is...  [Read more]

  Leslie is a Canadian English teacher at a junior high school in the Japanese countryside. In this TESOL review, Leslie tells us she is looking to open her own English language day care centre at her home and with this in mind she took the 120-hour certificate course with ITTT as well as the 50-hour young learners course to bring her qualifications up to date. Hopefully for Leslie this will be the first step on a rewarding career as the owner of a successful English language school in Japan. 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...  [Read more]

"Global English" in a sociolinguistic context refers almost literally to the use of English as a global language http://www.english.ucsb.edu/faculty/rraley/research/global- English.html. The English language as a global language has proved itself to be taught and learned by people from all across the world. In many countries English is usually taught as second language and there is a big demand for knowledge to speak. TEFL courses will help to create English as a global language by continuing to create in classroom sights around the world, especially in countries where English is only spoken as a second language or not spoken at all.The English language is important for 'science' as it brings efficiency to a subject, but in the scheme of literature, the English language is...  [Read more]

Global English? in a sociolinguistic context refers almost literally to the use of English as a global language http://www.english.ucsb.edu/faculty/rraley/research/global- Englishl.? The English language as a global language has proved itself to be taught and learned by people from all across the world. In many countries English is usually taught as second language and there is a big demand for knowledge to speak. TEFL courses will help to create English as a global language by continuing to create in classroom sights around the world, especially in countries where English is only spoken as a second language or not spoken at all. ?The English language is important for ?science? as it brings efficiency to a subject, but in the scheme of literature, the English ...  [Read more]

A question on the minds of many English as a Second Language instructors are whether or not it is appropriate to teach students the use of slang and idioms in the English language. Although the distinction between what is a formal term versus an informal one is crucial, slang is a significant part of conversational English and, as such, should be covered in the classroom. It would be very difficult for someone new to the English language to understand an American movie, TV show, news broadcast or even a typical conversation as they are filled with nonstandard English. Firstly, it is important to define the terms “idiom” and “slang”. Slang can be described as nonstandard vocabulary of a given culture or subculture. In other words, slang is typically a...  [Read more]

A question on the minds of many English as a Second Language instructors are whether or not it is appropriate to teach students the use of slang and idioms in the English language. Although the distinction between what is a formal term versus an informal one is crucial, slang is a significant part of conversational English and, as such, should be covered in the classroom. It would be very difficult for someone new to the English language to understand an American movie, TV show, news broadcast or even a typical conversation as they are filled with nonstandard English. Firstly, it is important to define the terms ?idiom? and ?slang?. Slang can be described as nonstandard vocabulary of a given culture or subculture. In other words, slang is typically a nonstandard ...  [Read more]

During your TEFL/TESOL course at our Orlando location, you can take advantage of the great weather to fully explore all that the city has to offer. We assure you, you will absolutely fall in love with the city once you are there. Our training center is in downtown Orlando. From there, you can go basically anywhere within a short amount of time. Our local staff and teacher trainers will be there for you during your stay and not only assist you with questions about the course, but also help you get around Orlando. What Orlando is most famous for are its many amusement parks. Adding to that the sunny weather throughout the entire year, it is not hard to see why there are so many parks in this location. Universal Studios, Magic Kingdown, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the Animal...  [Read more]

Located on the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a thriving, modern metropolis and the world’s only island city-state. Formerly a British colony, Singapore was once known as the “Jewel of the British Empire” and even though the city has changed significantly since achieving independence, its British history can be seen all over in its place names, monuments and architecture. Singapore sees visitors from all over the world, with direct flights from hundreds of countries as well as ferries bringing passengers from the numerous ports in the region. It is also a major shopping destination for people from other Southeast Asian cities and the world famous Orchard Road is home to many shopping centers and hotels. Singapore has plenty of interesting things to see and do. A visit to Sentosa...  [Read more]

English is rapidly becoming the dominant global language. If you want to reach a wide audience, it is a well-known fact that being able to write in English will get you further than writing in any other language. However the benefits of English being the dominant global language have been questioned by many. According to French researcher Jacques Melitz, working at the Centre de Recherch' en Economie et Statistique in Paris, there are grave concerns with this ever growing development. He argues that English as a universal language in scientific based environments is extremely beneficial, as a straightforward understandable language needs to be created in a field that will not differ on a global scale. However when it comes to the more creative aspects of the language, such as...  [Read more]

English is rapidly becoming the dominant global language. If you want to reach a wide audience, it is a well-known fact that being able to write in English will get you further than writing in any other language. However the benefits of English being the dominant global language have been questioned by many. According to French researcher Jacques Melitz, working at the Centre de Recherch? en Economie et Statistique in Paris, there are grave concerns with this ever growing development. He argues that English as a universal language in scientific based environments is extremely beneficial, as a straightforward understandable language needs to be created in a field that will not differ on a global scale. However when it comes to the more creative aspects of the...  [Read more]

The use of slang and idioms in the classroom is very important, I believe. Not to teach students everyday slang and idioms is to ensure that they remain outsiders to the learning and understanding of the English Language. Some teachers make the option of not teaching that kind of language because they associate it with vulgarity and obscenity. That is not all true. The average native speaker does use a certain amount of slang and idioms in eveyday speech. One incentive for teachers to teach students the knowledge of such words and phrases is so that the latter get familiarized with them and become aware of the words instead of picking them up from outside the classroom. That could lead to a misunderstanding of some of those words causing embarrassing situations. ...  [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]

Florida is an impressive destination filled with natural beauty and action. Whether you visit its cities, beaches or parks, Florida’s laid-back atmosphere is evident everywhere. When the first Spanish settlers came from Europe and landed on the rich soil of the area, they were fascinated by what they found. Lush nature, rich flora, and fauna and lots of sunshine are among the reasons why they named the land Florida, or “Land of Flowers”. The state’s peninsula shape and two coasts, on the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, create a favorable climate that allows exotic plants and animals to thrive. The best part is that you can experience all that first-hand when joining our four-week TEFL/TESOL program in Florida. Our training center location of Orlando is one of Florida’s most...  [Read more]

With communication technology and global economics making the world an increasingly smaller place, the need for a universal language is becoming increasingly important. Is it English? As a mono-language, more people on the planet probably speak Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, and maybe Spanish, but as a second language more people are learning English than any other language. Within the very near future, there will most likely be more speakers of English as a second language than native English speakers. Science and technology, and most business industries around the world are conducted with English as a common medium, reinforcing its own momentum. More people are traveling leisurely and professionally than ever before. Without at least a minimal grasp of English, if you...  [Read more]

Learning a second language through music. K. Sarah-Jane Murray. Academic Exchange Quarterly 9.2 (Summer 2005): p161(5).               “Songs provide us with a window into a world that is not our own, a world that we glimpse and remember thanks to the power of music.” (Murray) It’s the age of technology, a generation of cell phone carrying, ipod listening, x-box playing, and internet fanatics. The necessary next step for the pedagogical world is to incorporate this technology into their teaching repertoire. Music in particular is everywhere, on the radio, television, in movies, etc. Incorporating music in the curriculum for students learning another language would be beneficial and engaging for the...  [Read more]

With communication technology and global economics making the world an increasingly smaller place, the need for a universal language is becoming increasingly important. Is it English' As a mono-language, more people on the planet probably speak Chinese, Arabic, Hindi, and maybe Spanish, but as a second language more people are learning English than any other language. Within the very near future, there will most likely be more speakers of English as a second language than native English speakers. Science and technology, and most business industries around the world are conducted with English as a common medium, reinforcing its own momentum. More people are traveling leisurely and professionally than ever before. Without at least a minimal grasp of English, if you travel...  [Read more]

If the addition of the 'one-millionth word' to the English language is any indication of its ever growing popularity and immense power, then it's safe to say that this language has indeed come a long way from its modest inception to the burgeoning behemoth that it currently manifests itself in worldwide. The research article I chose to write is based on the two hotly contested arguments (for and against) the English becoming the undisputed world wide language. I read the following articles:(1) http://www.languagemonitor.com/Global_English.html by Neil Reynolds, The Globe and Mail, March 24, 2006(2) http://www.langedizioni.com/varie/aggiornadid/bettinelli_bc06/globish .ppt#1 power point presentation by Dr. Barbara Bettinelli to generate the following results:The world according to...  [Read more]

The 19th century witnessed the onset of the industrial revolution, given rise through a symbiosis with advanced means of conducting intercontinental trade. For the most part, it was British explorers, pioneers and entrepreneurs who were opening the gates to the outside world in search of cheaper and more exotic resources and raw materials. Today, the colonization of these bountiful regions of the globe which formed the British Empire has not only left the imprint of our culture and civilization, but also the English language. Further promoted by the economic and cultural influence of the U.S, post WWII, English has progressively become the most widely recognized international language. In our current, globalized world, the access to recourses such as technology,...  [Read more]

Stephen Krashen differentiates between the concepts of language acquisition and language learning in this way: He likens the process of language acquisition to adolescents and young adults living outside of their native country in a year long exchange program where they attain near native fluency but remain unfamiliar with phonology and/or grammar rules. He links the concept of language learning to the traditional approach of teachers/students in classrooms with specific focus on structure and grammar rules. Krashen summarizes, ?Language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules, and does not require tedious drill.? He further states, ?Acquisition requires meaningful interaction in the target language-natural communication-in which ...  [Read more]

The business world has been my world throughout my career. I've been involved in virtually every aspect of it: from being a laborer digging ditches in the hot sun, to giving major presentations before company brass in elaborate boardrooms while wearing a 3-piece suit. I've been on both sides of the desk, with domestic and international firms, large and small. There have been many things learned, and one of them is the importance of 'relationship'. In the sales arena, it is well known that a purchase is made from a friend. That is, relationship is key. After all, business is all about money, about survival of the company, and that means making a profit. It's a simple arithmetic dynamic:Income less expenses = 'the bottom line'That bottom line must be a positive number for...  [Read more]

Stephen Krashen differentiates between the concepts of language acquisition and language learning in this way: He likens the process of language acquisition to adolescents and young adults living outside of their native country in a year long exchange program where they attain near native fluency but remain unfamiliar with phonology and/or grammar rules. He links the concept of language learning to the traditional approach of teachers/students in classrooms with specific focus on structure and grammar rules. Krashen summarizes, “Language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules, and does not require tedious drill.” He further states, “Acquisition requires meaningful interaction in the target language-natural communication-in...  [Read more]

ESSAY ORGAN'ZAT'ON: In this essay I want to discuss cultural sensitiivty in the classroom. In order to speak intelligently about the topic we first need to to know what we are talking about. Let us begin by defining our terms, beginning with culture. After doing that we can then apply these terms to classroom experience.WHAT IS CULTURE' Anthropologists most commonly use the term 'culture' to refer tot he universal human capacity to classify, codify and communicate their experiences symbolically. This capacity is long been taken as a defining feature of the genus Homo. However, primatologists such as Jane Goodall have identified aspects of culture among our closest relatives 'n the animal k'ngdom. In order to resolve this we can say that symbolic experiences while not exclusive...  [Read more]

Over the past several years, I have periodically come across newspaper reports, magazine articles, and television & radio discussions about the emergence of English as a universal language. I must admit, the idea of a single, universally spoken language did intrigue me. I would sometimes wonder about how easy travel would be if the entire world spoke the same language. However, a few questions often arose in my mind. Why English' Why, with the enormous population of Southeast Asia and the widespread use of Spanish throughout Central and South America, would English be the language of choice for the world' Also, why does the world now need a global language' Fortunately for me, David Crystal has conducted extensive research into answering my questions. In his book,...  [Read more]

In this essay I review some issues related to child development which are useful for ESL teachers to be aware of as they may enhance or constrain language acquisition.Stages of Language Acquisition: Much evidence suggests that basic sounds, vocabulary, negating phrases, forming questions, using relative clauses, etc., are developed in stages. This appears to be independent from the learning situation (in the classroom or on the street) and is generally applicable across a spectrum of learners from different language backgrounds. It is analogous to the learning stages that babies go through when acquiring language: babbling (bababa), vocabulary (milk then later milk drink), negation (no play), question forming (where she go) and so on. Interestingly, error correction does not...  [Read more]

The most prominent form of intelligent testing in modern life is I.Q. ('intelligence quotient') testing; the original calculation of which was the formula 100 x mental age divided by chronological age. For example, it was worked out on chronological age averages; so if a ten year old scored as highly as the average fourteen year old, their IQ score would be 140. Although this worked well in assessing the intelligence of children, it was rather a limited methodology, with many variances, for example the difference between someone who has just turned four years old and someone who is approaching five years old is supposed to be considerable in terms of learnedness and intelligence.Various alterations and developments were made to this original, and indeed fairly basic, IQ test...  [Read more]