TEFL Dona Ana

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]

A concern related to student behavior and classroom discipline is the 'Level of Law' that is set in place by the teacher for the class. A level of law represents the working ethical and behavior system in the classroom setting. What level of behavior is permitted in the class' Can students shout, push, criticize other students and act not in accordance with other rules set forth by the school' As teachers are establishing their 'level of law' at the beginning of the school year, they may need to explain on the first day of class, that these rules are not personally directed towards any one particular student, group of students but rather all the students in the class. The teacher may also point out that that the purpose of class rules is to allow for a comfortable learning...  [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]

  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 the English language we use modal verbs to show if we think something is certain, probable or possible. We also use it to talk about ability, to make requests and offers, and to ask permission, in different degrees of formality. Intransitive phrasal verbs also occur in the English language sentence structure. The key is the ability to pick out the direct object. Try and encourage the students to use phrasal...  [Read more]

Are you looking to stay fit and healthy from the comfort of your own home? With the rise of remote work and busy schedules, finding the time to hit the gym can be a challenge. However, with the right home exercise plan, you can achieve your fitness goals without the need for expensive equipment or a gym membership. In this guide, we will explore a variety of effective home exercise plans that can help you stay active and healthy, no matter your schedule or fitness level. 1. Bodyweight Workouts: One of the most convenient and effective ways to exercise at home is through bodyweight workouts. These workouts utilize your own body weight to build strength, endurance, and flexibility. Exercises such as push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks can target multiple muscle groups and provide a...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a foreign language can be done one of two ways: teaching a group of students or by teaching on a one-to-one basis. It's estimated that up to 40% of TEFL teaching is done one-to-one, however teachers find it increasingly difficult to find relevant material, advice and assistance on the method. Nicola Meldrum argues that teaching one-to-one 'unfortunately is not covered much in ELT discussion' and that 'It is somehow assumed that teaching English as a foreign language means organizing huge groups of students, while the reality is that one to one is a normal and significant part of our teaching lives' . Teachers are in effect left to their own devices; however this doesn't stop the concept of teaching one- to-one being an effective and advantageous method for...  [Read more]

The research had been done by a group of teachers including us. It was based on a project implemented by our school. Research included some books and internet articles that have been read before the time to give a basic guideline what to look for. The links are included at the bottom of the page. We personally went to different institutes to learn more about the latest technology used in Taiwan. It is not an article based on research using books and internet, but personal participation and experience. This research article explains three concepts or methods currently used in our school or institutes in and around the country of Taiwan. New technology in a classroom has become a common teaching tool for everyday activities. We are privilege that we are in a country and...  [Read more]

'I never made a mistake in grammar but one in my life and as soon as I done it I seen it.' Carl Sandburg (Cited at Online English Grammar).Is it possible that someone can speak, write, and think in a foreign language without knowing any of the rules and complexities of that language'Indeed, as a native speaker of English I consider myself to have a good grasp of the language, yet up until recently I did not know anything about grammar, nor did I see any value in learning about it. After all: I am communicating in English right now, I was communicating in English from an early age, and I will be communicating in English for a long time to come, so what would be the point of learning about tenses and things like that' In response to the above, it may be fair to say that if...  [Read more]

If you have been researching TEFL certification you will undoubtedly be aware that there are many different options on offer, with a wide range of training hours mentioned. Unfortunately, as there is little standardization within the TEFL world, individual course providers are at liberty to provide any format of training they see fit which can often make it confusing for potential trainees. So within this environment, how do you know which course is right for you? The first thing to consider is what do you want to achieve with your TEFL qualification? One ever-growing opportunity is to spend some time helping others in a developing part of the world by volunteering as an EFL teacher. In many areas there is a huge demand for qualified teachers to provide English language instruction...  [Read more]

Once you have completed your chosen TEFL course and have that all important certificate in your hand, you can seriously start to plan the next stage of your adventure. Thanks to the sustained demand for English language teachers right across the world there are plenty of countries to choose from, each with its own unique set of attractions. But how long will you have to commit for when you sign the job contract? The most common contract in European schools is for an academic year that generally runs from September to June. The great thing here is you will have a couple of months off during the summer break to travel or earn some extra cash working with private students or at a summer camp. Summer language camps are very popular across much of Europe and usually run for 4 to 8 weeks,...  [Read more]

Thailand is firmly established as one of Asia's must-see destinations and is a favorite stop for many on the traditional backpacker trail. For those who want to stay on for an extended visit the good news is there is a healthy demand for English language teachers in many parts of the country. Although wages may not match those found in some of the region's teaching hotspots, you can still earn enough to live a comfortable lifestyle and to enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. In the past it was almost the norm for teachers to work ?under the table' without a proper work permit, however, those days are largely gone and you now need to have the necessary paperwork in place if you want to earn a good salary. To be granted a work permit you need to possess a degree in any...  [Read more]

Orange County is a county in California that encompasses several cities including Irvine, Anaheim and Santa Ana. To the north is the urban sprawl of Los Angeles and to the south is San Diego, and the county’s proximity to these major urban centers is one of the many reasons that make Orange County a popular place to visit. Add to that over 40 miles of beautiful coastline and a year-round warm climate and it is easy to see why Orange County is an excellent choice for anyone taking a TEFL/TESOL course. The early economy of Orange County relied on the cultivation of various fruit crops and numerous cattle ranches; as such the area was lightly populated until the beginning of the 20th century. In the early 1900’s the cities of Newport Beach and Santa Ana were connected via electric railway...  [Read more]

Have you ever had trouble with a student unwilling to participate in the classroom, a student that no matter how hard you to inspire seems to remain unmotivated' This type of occurrence is very common in the classroom today. There are always the students that seem to be unmotivated, regardless of what positive encouragement you provide for them. There is no single formula to cure unmotivated students (David, 1993), but with the proper techniques and thinking, every student can be brought to participate in the classroom. There are many reasons a student may be unmotivated. Think about when you were in school; did you really want to be there learning' Most of us would have rather been outside playing, or hanging out with friends. Students go through many biological changes...  [Read more]

  And so on to the final phase of the ESA lesson, which is called the activate phase. What we have done so far, if you remember, is to engage the students, to get them talking and thinking in English, where possible we've elicited the teaching point from the students and covered any gaps in knowledge to make sure that the teaching point has been fully covered and then we've checked understanding of that teaching point by asking targeted and specific questions. Usually the types of activities that we've done for the study phase will involve using a single word in order to answer those questions correctly this, however, is not how language is actually used. When we use language, we always use it in some form of context. So the purpose of the activate activity is to put that teaching...  [Read more]

The word rapport originates from the French word, rapporter, meaning to bring back and the Oxford English Dictionary definition is one of “a close and harmonious relationship in which there is common understanding”. But what is the reality of rapport and is it of any importance in the classroom? With so many teaching methods, practises, aids and testing means at a teachers disposal, do we even need to spend time considering rapport and trying to build it with students? The short answer is most definitely yes. Rapport is a key characteristic of human interaction. It is a commonality of perspective. It is about basic interaction at every level. The relationship and rapport developed between a teacher and their students is a vital...  [Read more]

Have you ever had trouble with a student unwilling to participate in the classroom, a student that no matter how hard you to inspire seems to remain unmotivated? This type of occurrence is very common in the classroom today. There are always the students that seem to be unmotivated, regardless of what positive encouragement you provide for them. There is no single formula to cure unmotivated students (David, 1993), but with the proper techniques and thinking, every student can be brought to participate in the classroom. There are many reasons a student may be unmotivated. Think about when you were in school; did you really want to be there learning? Most of us would have rather been outside playing, or hanging out with friends. Students go through many...  [Read more]

There are many different methodologies for teaching a foreign language. Here at TEFL international, we are exposed to the ESA (engage-study-activate) method, put to use in the classroom in a total emersion context, which is quite effective, yet very different from the way that many of us have been exposed to learning a second language in our native countries. Second language study in school in the United States was always done with the ?Grammar translation? method, usually in a bilingual classroom, a different yet somewhat effective way to learn some languages. These are contrasting methods yet they seek the same result, to increase communication skills in a tongue you are not familiar with, and until you are exposed to the both of them it?s hard to say which is...  [Read more]

Dyslexia causes difficulties in many specific areas of learning. It generally affects reading, writing and spelling and can also influence math skills. The problem with this condition is that it is hard to define. It often overlaps with other types of specific learning difficulties that can also affect spoken language and motor skills. The condition Dyslexia is a very prevalent all over the world. It is becoming more and more understood. What is agreed upon by the scientific community is that dyslexic people tend to process information in a different way than the rest of the population. Evaluating who is dyslexic is very difficult. Defining dyslexia is very tricky, the difficulties associated with the disability range from mild, to moderate, to severe. It is not...  [Read more]

What is most remarkable about the assortment of discipline on the market today is the number of fundamental assumptions they seem to share. Some may advocate the use of carrots rather than sticks; some may refer to punishments as “logical consequences”. But virtually all take for granted that the teacher must be in control of the classroom, and that what we need are strategies to get students to comply with the adults expectations. In this path-breaking book entitled Beyond Discipline” by Alfie Kohn calls these premises into question and with them the very idea of “classroom management”. He questions the assumption that problems in the classroom are always the fault of students who don’t do what they are told, suggesting that we might...  [Read more]

What is most remarkable about the assortment of discipline on the market today is the number of fundamental assumptions they seem to share. Some may advocate the use of carrots rather than sticks; some may refer to punishments as ?logical consequences?. But virtually all take for granted that the teacher must be in control of the classroom, and that what we need are strategies to get students to comply with the adults expectations. In this path-breaking book entitled Beyond Discipline? by Alfie Kohn calls these premises into question and with them the very idea of ?classroom management?. He questions the assumption that problems in the classroom are always the fault of students who don?t do what they are told, suggesting that we might instead reconsider what they have...  [Read more]

sn?t it funny how our preconceptions are often way off course? Certain things we?re preconditioned to think, be it because of cultural influences, peer/family influence or experiences, and, more often than not, we don?t question these; Tesco and Wal-Mart are Mecca?s; McDonald?s food tastes amazing; being quiet makes you a good student. I ran away from this conditioning and ended up on a TEFL course in sunny Phuket, the ?Pearl of the South? : an excuse to escape the real world for a while and maybe earn a qualification with which I could escape for a wee while longer. Many things Western culture had tried to precondition me to believe I?d already balked at- Wal- mart´s and suchlike are more demonic corporations to be run away form rather than Mecca?s...  [Read more]

I started the course on 8/1/07.I was quite nervous in the days prior to starting as I haven`t really studied intensively for a number of years. I was also a little worried about standing at the front of the class teaching English but not speaking Thai. I hadn`t done any reading about how the course actually works and I now know that it would have been a good idea to have done this.The first day you get thrown in at the deep end because you have to stand at the front of the class and talk for 3 minutes about a subject of your choice.The three minutes seemed a lot longer than it was.At the time I didn`t really see the point of this exercise but now I can appreciate the relevance of it.It`s basically a confidence builder and also gives you some insight into what it will...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a foreign language can be done one of two ways: teaching a group of students or by teaching on a one-to-one basis. It?s estimated that up to 40% of TEFL teaching is done one-to-one, however teachers find it increasingly difficult to find relevant material, advice and assistance on the method. Nicola Meldrum argues that teaching one-to-one ?unfortunately is not covered much in ELT discussion? and that ?It is somehow assumed that teaching English as a foreign language means organizing huge groups of students, while the reality is that one to one is a normal and significant part of our teaching lives? . Teachers are in effect left to their own devices; however this doesn?t stop the concept of teaching one- to-one being an effective and advantageous...  [Read more]

  Marija from Serbia, having completed a degree in English, wanted to take her TEFL course with ITTT to increase her employment opportunities. In this TEFL review, Marija tells us how she found the course to be very well organized and really appreciated the way the course showed her how to take the elements of teaching theory covered in the course and put them into practice. Marija recommends the course to anyone without teaching experience to enhance their knowledge of English language teaching and to gain confidence in the classroom. 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...  [Read more]

Upon my investigation of obtaining a position teaching English as a foreign language in the country of Spain I discovered a bit of vital information. This being that it is rather difficult for an American, or non EU resident, to find work. Though it?s not impossible, the red tape and the jumping through hoops to get the required visa cause employers to look to their native English speaking neighbors in the U.K. and Ireland to fill positions. However, the demand for teachers is high, and if you have the time, money, and patience, eventually something will turn up. There was a common sentiment, and lots of sound advice in the articles I read, which was all very enlightening and, for the most part encouraging. With a little diligence it can be done. Firstly,...  [Read more]

Teaching students in groups is very common in most classrooms. If the group is fifteen or forty they still have the same needs and problems that all students have. Teaching groups is a very large topic so this essay will concentrate on a few certain topics that will be based on research and the experiences that I have encountered while teaching English to large groups. I will concentrate on three areas the first is using choral repetition as to encourage students to use English. The second will be concentrating on using group work to help all students to contribute to the class and the last is limiting the use of the native tongue while doing group work.Some students do not have the confidence to participate in class, due to many reasons, so Choral repetition helps to produce...  [Read more]

  Dan from Ukraine completed the 120-hour online TEFL course from ITTT. In this TEFL review video Dan tells us that he is currently teaching in China. The course gave Dan a lot of insight into teaching as well as plenty of materials and lesson plan ideas that he can use in his classes. Dan recommends signing up if you are thinking of teaching English abroad. 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 learnt many different things relevant to...  [Read more]

Teaching students in groups is very common in most classrooms. If the group is fifteen or forty they still have the same needs and problems that all students have. Teaching groups is a very large topic so this essay will concentrate on a few certain topics that will be based on research and the experiences that I have encountered while teaching English to large groups. I will concentrate on three areas the first is using choral repetition as to encourage students to use English. The second will be concentrating on using group work to help all students to contribute to the class and the last is limiting the use of the native tongue while doing group work. Some students do not have the confidence to participate in class, due to many reasons, so Choral repetition helps to...  [Read more]

Discipline is a complex issue to handle in the classroom--occasions will always arise when it is necessary, and a teacher who is unfamiliar or unskilled in discipline does a disservice not only to himself, and to the students, but to the parents, the school administrators, and, in a far distant future, society in general. Discipline is not just intended to put a stop to a currently occurring behaviour, but to teach the misbehaver why it was wrong and to show him to prevent its repeat himself. Several different methods of discipline exist, from the strictest to the most lenient, and there is a delicate balance in being an authority figure who is capable of holding discipline and having the rapport with the class that is so useful for teaching: authority must be joined to ...  [Read 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. This unit discusses the productive skills, Speaking and Writing. The skill of writing can sometimes be overlooked in TEFL classes because it is often relegated to homework that doesn't get done. With writing, you want students to be able to write the letters well, spell words correctly and use proper punctuation and layout for the task. In speaking, pronunciation is much more important than in writing since...  [Read more]