Previous Pronunciation

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word whodunit. This word describes a mystery or detective story that can either be a movie, a book, a play or anything to that extend. It is basically a short form of the words Who has done it?, meaning who is the criminal / murder in the story. 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 learned about many different ways to present information to students in this unit. In addition, I also learned of...  [Read more]

Since we expect, D.v., to be in Bangkok, Thailand, from this January to May to teach English it seems quite appropriate to explore some of the challenges that we may encounter. During our previous year in Chiang Mai our Thai landlady came monthly to collect our rent money and always stayed to visit for an hour or so to practice her English. She consistently expressed frustration saying that ?my English has gone back to my teacher.? This probably rather common problem seems to stem from the Thai educational system?s approach to teaching English in the classroom. Typically English is taught from the earliest grade in school along with Thai, classes are often quite large, 30-40 students or so, and the style of instruction is by rote. It is hard to imagine that the ...  [Read more]

Since we expect, D.v., to be in Bangkok, Thailand, from this January to May to teach English it seems quite appropriate to explore some of the challenges that we may encounter.During our previous year in Chiang Mai our Thai landlady came monthly to collect our rent money and always stayed to visit for an hour or so to practice her English. She consistently expressed frustration saying that ‘my English has gone back to my teacher.’ This probably rather common problem seems to stem from the Thai educational system’s approach to teaching English in the classroom. Typically English is taught from the earliest grade in school along with Thai, classes are often quite large, 30-40 students or so, and the style of instruction is by rote. It is hard to imagine that...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'lose' and 'loose'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. 'Lose' spelled with one 'o' is a verb and means to fail to keep, to fail to win or to fail to make money. Such as in these three examples for each meaning: 1) To fail to keep: I will lose weight but also my hair. 2) To fail to win: I'm expected to lose this game. 3) To fail to make money: I will lose a fortune. The word 'loose' spelled with double 'o', on the other hand is not a verb but an adjective. It means not tight, or free from constraint. A suitable example sentence for the word 'loose' would be: 'These trousers are loose.' We hope this explanation helped you and next time you'll know exactly which word to use. Below you...  [Read more]

1. Understanding ESL Teaching 2. Requirements for Teaching ESL in Russia 3. Benefits of Teaching ESL in Russia 4. How ITTT Can Help You Begin Your ESL Teaching Career in Russia Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) is a rewarding career path that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. As an ESL teacher, you will have the opportunity to help students from diverse backgrounds improve their English language skills, opening up new opportunities for them in education, work, and social interactions. ESL teaching in Russia is particularly popular, with a high demand for qualified teachers to support the country's growing focus on English language proficiency. To teach ESL in Russia, you will typically need a Bachelor's degree in any field, as well as a TEFL (Teaching...  [Read more]

1. Qualifications for Teaching English in French Schools 2. Education and Training Requirements 3. Language Proficiency and Certifications 4. Experience and Skills Teaching English in French schools can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for educators looking to expand their horizons. However, to qualify for teaching positions in France, individuals must meet certain requirements and possess specific qualifications. In this guide, we will explore the qualifications needed for teaching English in French schools, including education and training requirements, language proficiency, certifications, experience, and skills that are essential for success in this role. To teach English in French schools, candidates must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in English language, education, or a...  [Read more]

Like the people of other nations, Thai people face many problems when trying to learn English; some of these problems are cultural and some are more rooted in the many obvious differences between the two languages. Different age groups or students of different levels may not always face the same problems. A class of intermediate children is likely to have different problems to those of an adult class of beginners. One issue that can be quite frustrating as a teacher is rooted in the Thai culture of not wishing to lose face. This often leads to students being shy and unresponsive in class. They are scared of making mistakes in front of their peers as this would cause them to lose face. Another issue that is based on culture and can also be frustrating for a teacher is a tendency...  [Read more]

1. Qualifications for Teaching English in Asia 2. Education Requirements 3. TEFL Certification 4. Experience Are you considering a career in teaching English in Asia? It can be a rewarding and exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in a new culture while sharing your language skills with eager students. However, before you embark on this journey, it is essential to understand the qualifications required to teach English in Asia successfully. One of the primary qualifications for teaching English in Asia is a bachelor's degree. Most countries in Asia, such as China, South Korea, Japan, and Thailand, require English teachers to have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in any field. In some cases, a degree in English or Education may be preferred, but it is not always mandatory. Having a...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in France is a rewarding and exciting opportunity for educators looking to immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience while sharing their language expertise. As a native or fluent English speaker, you can contribute to the language learning journey of French students of all ages and backgrounds. In this guide, we will explore the qualifications required to teach ESL in France, including language proficiency, educational background, work permits, and teaching certifications. One of the primary qualifications for teaching ESL in France is a high level of English proficiency. As a language teacher, you will be expected to effectively communicate with your students, create engaging lesson plans, and provide guidance on grammar, vocabulary, and...  [Read more]

Are you interested in teaching English in Phuket, Thailand? If so, it's essential to understand the qualifications needed to pursue this rewarding career opportunity. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) certifications are highly valued in Phuket and other parts of the world. Let's delve into the qualifications required to embark on a successful teaching journey in this beautiful island destination. Teaching English in Phuket requires a solid foundation in language teaching methodologies, classroom management techniques, and lesson planning. A TEFL certification equips you with the necessary skills to teach English to non-native speakers effectively. On the other hand, a TESOL certification focuses on teaching English to...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Qualifications for Teaching ESL in the US 3. Certifications and Training 4. Experience and Skills Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) in the United States requires specific qualifications and credentials to ensure effective instruction and support for English language learners. Educators in this field play a crucial role in helping non-native speakers develop their English language skills and integrate into American society. Whether you are considering a career in ESL teaching or seeking guidance on the necessary credentials, understanding the essential requirements is vital. To teach ESL in the US, educators must meet certain qualifications set by state education departments or individual school districts. A bachelor's degree in education, TESOL (Teaching...  [Read more]

Introduction:Listening is the ability to identify and understand spoken language. Listening is a receptive skill. The receptive skills used in language acquisition: listening and reading enable the productive skills: speaking and writing (Saricoban, 1999). Listening is the communication skill used most often in the assimilation of information and the most neglected in foreign language teaching (Norris, 1993). Effective listening is dependent upon the listener's decoding skills, i.e. the listener's ability to make sense of the message. For foreign language learners accurate and intelligent listening is a necessity. A good teacher will enable intelligent listening by enhancing her student's decoding skills.Unlike written and spoken evidence, successful listening is more ...  [Read more]

Are you a non-native English speaker looking for opportunities to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) in France? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various avenues available for non-native English speakers to teach ESL in France. From language schools to private tutoring, there are plenty of options for individuals with a strong command of the English language to share their knowledge and expertise with eager French learners. 1. Teaching English as a Non-Native Speaker in France 2. Qualifications and Requirements 3. Finding Job Opportunities 4. Tips for Success Teaching English as a non-native speaker in France can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience. While some may believe that only native English speakers can teach ESL effectively, many language...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Qualifications and Certifications 3. English Proficiency 4. Teaching Experience Are you considering a career as an English teacher in Australia? Becoming an English teacher is a rewarding and fulfilling profession that allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of others. In order to pursue this career path in Australia, there are certain prerequisites that you must meet. From qualifications and certifications to English proficiency and teaching experience, this guide will provide you with valuable insights into what it takes to become an English teacher in Australia. One of the primary prerequisites for becoming an English teacher in Australia is obtaining the necessary qualifications and certifications. Most schools and language institutes require English...  [Read more]

Embarking on a career in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. One of the most respected certifications in the field is the CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), which is offered by Cambridge Assessment English. Before enrolling in a CELTA course, there are certain prerequisites that aspiring teachers need to meet to ensure a successful and productive learning experience. 1. **Educational Background** 2. **Language Proficiency** 3. **Teaching Experience** 4. **Commitment and Motivation** While a bachelor's degree is not a strict requirement for enrolling in a CELTA course, many accredited institutions prefer candidates with a higher education qualification. Having a university degree demonstrates the...  [Read more]

Introduction I have met and spent time with some language teachers here in the U.S. who prefer to teach low-level learners. The teachers tell me, for one thing, lower-level learners are often more enthusiastic than their more able counterparts. They can also make noticeable progress in a relatively short time. The points below can help to make a class at the beginner level more effective. False Beginners Probably the majority of low-level English classes will be for 'false beginners', learners who have studied English before, but have little or no communicative ability. Planning and Preparation Have some idea of how much material you are going to cover. Give your students an overview of the course and how much material you expect them to cover. On the other hand,...  [Read more]

Introduction I have met and spent time with some language teachers here in the U.S. who prefer to teach low-level learners. The teachers tell me, for one thing, lower-level learners are often more enthusiastic than their more able counterparts. They can also make noticeable progress in a relatively short time. The points below can help to make a class at the beginner level more effective. False Beginners Probably the majority of low-level English classes will be for 'false beginners', learners who have studied English before, but have little or no communicative ability. Planning and Preparation Have some idea of how much material you are going to cover. Give your students an overview of the course and how much material you expect them to cover. On the other hand, don't make your plan...  [Read more]

(1) 'The world is your classroom' is the TEFL International motto and four fun weeks with us is your ticket to living your dreams abroad, in exciting locations all over the world. Some people are attracted to a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) Course for various reasons. Some people see the opportunity to help underprivileged people to learn English, some wish to travel extensively and some are in it for the good money that is offered in some countries. A TEFL Qualified Teacher can work with students of all ages, provided they meet the chosen countries visa requirements. A TEFL Qualified Teacher can travel the globe and earn a comfortable living teaching. A TEFL Qualified Teacher can also earn some very good money if they decide to work in countries...  [Read more]

Lesson planning is one of the most important but controversial aspects of teaching. Some teachers and educationist are of the opinion that it is very important to make a detail plan of what they are teaching. They spend hours and hours making a daily or weekly plan. Others are of the opinion that it is simply a method devised by the administration to keep the teachers in lengthy but useless paperwork. I personally think that a good plan is like a good movie or a piece of music. If a good movie or music is made keeping in mind all the important aspects like rhythm , tempo, beat etc it will always hold the attention of the viewer or the listener. In the same way a good, well organized lesson plan will keep the students interested in what they are doing. An ill prepared...  [Read more]

Lesson planning is one of the most important but controversial aspects of teaching. Some teachers and educationist are of the opinion that it is very important to make a detail plan of what they are teaching. They spend hours and hours making a daily or weekly plan. Others are of the opinion that it is simply a method devised by the administration to keep the teachers in lengthy but useless paperwork.I personally think that a good plan is like a good movie or a piece of music. If a good movie or music is made keeping in mind all the important aspects like rhythm , tempo, beat etc it will always hold the attention of the viewer or the listener. In the same way a good, well organized lesson plan will keep the students interested in what they are doing. An ill prepared lesson plan...  [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]

Phonetics has been defined by Roach (1992) as the 'scientific study of speech' (Roach, 1992: 81.) It is concerned with how speech sounds are formed, how we use them in our spoken language and how we can record these speech sounds using written symbols. Phonology on the other hand has been defined by Roach (1992) as 'the study of the sound systems of languages' (Roach, 1992: 82.) According to Roca and Johnson (1999), the way in which we speak is somewhat similar to playing a recorder. This is because when you play a recorder you have to blow air from your lungs, as you do when you speak. However, to play a tune, you cannot simply blow air into the recorder; you must have your fingers over specific holes. Therefore, when we speak, we have to interfere with the air that comes out...  [Read more]

1. Teaching English in Italy 2. Qualifications and Requirements 3. Finding a Job in Italy 4. Teaching English in Italy with ITTT Italy, known for its rich history, art, and culture, is a popular destination for TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teachers looking to teach English abroad. With a high demand for English language instruction, there are abundant opportunities for qualified teachers to find work in Italy. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of teaching English in Italy, including qualifications and requirements, finding a job, and how ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) can help you kickstart your teaching career in this beautiful European country. Teaching English in Italy can be a rewarding experience for those who are passionate...  [Read more]

Teaching English online is now firmly embedded in the TEFL world and many thousands of teachers find it a convenient way to earn a living without having to leave home or when traveling the world. However, despite not actually working in a physical classroom, online teachers still have to meet the same kind of criteria as those working in a traditional classroom environment. So, what do you need in order to take advantage of this rapidly growing sector of EFL teaching? The requirements for teaching online vary from one employer to the next, but there are a few common factors that many look for. Most online employers will expect you to have completed a TEFL course of at least 120 hours as this is the minimum level needed to cover all the most important areas of EFL teaching. If you also...  [Read more]

Songs offer a change from routine classroom activities. They are precious resources to develop students' abilities in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. They can also be used to teach a variety of language items such as sentence patterns, vocabulary, pronunciation, rhythm, adjectives, and adverbs. Learning English through songs also provides a non-threatening atmosphere for students, who usually are tense when speaking English in a formal classroom setting. Songs may both be used for the presentation or the practice phase of the grammar lesson. There are various ways of using songs in the classroom. For primary students, the best songs would be those that are either familiar to the children or those, though maybe not familiar, which have an international nature, such as...  [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]

Humans speak with each other by creating sounds. That is how we communicate with each other. Over the centuries the different languages have created systems of grammar to explain how the words in their languages work. Sometime after that, they began to create systems to explain how the sounds, or phonemes, of the different words work. Two disciplines arose out of this: phonetics and phonology. Phonetics is the study of the sounds themselves. In the world there are a limited number of possible sounds which the human vocal tract can produce. Of these sounds, the distinctive pronunciations of the different languages are produced. But how are theses sounds produced and represented? The answer to this question is the area of study of Phonetics. Generally, Phonetics is ...  [Read more]

Humans speak with each other by creating sounds. That is how we communicate with each other. Over the centuries the different languages have created systems of grammar to explain how the words in their languages work. Sometime after that, they began to create systems to explain how the sounds, or phonemes, of the different words work. Two disciplines arose out of this: phonetics and phonology.Phonetics is the study of the sounds themselves. In the world there are a limited number of possible sounds which the human vocal tract can produce. Of these sounds, the distinctive pronunciations of the different languages are produced. But how are theses sounds produced and represented' The answer to this question is the area of study of Phonetics. Generally, Phonetics is subdivided into...  [Read more]

If you have never taught English to complete novices before, the prospect of spending an entire lesson speaking with students who don't comprehend a single word you say may seem frightening. Teaching absolute beginners differs from teaching other courses, as any ESL teacher will tell you. It can be difficult, but it may also be one of the most enjoyable and gratifying language levels to teach. Every new word your students learn is important at this level, and the greatest approach to teaching it is to be as creative and funny as possible. Generally, teaching the letters and numbers should be one of your first priorities. You will lay a solid foundation for everything else your students will learn by teaching them the letters and numbers at the start of the course. Ascertain that your...  [Read more]