TEFL Lake Catherine

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]

In everyday life, the existence of rapport is an important, if sometimes under acknowledged aspect of any relationship a person has with another. Since teaching requires such a high level of personal interaction it is clear that the process of building rapport is all the more essential. Here I will outline one of the most widely accepted methods – Mirroring, Leading & Pacing.Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) was brought to popularity by Richard Bandler in his book “Frogs to Princes”. It discusses the idea of modeling excellent behaviors with the intent of teaching said behaviors. In studying and modeling rapport building, it was noticed that people who share a high level of rapport with each other take part in a sub conscious system of mirroring. This...  [Read more]

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

The primary purpose of assessment and evaluation is to improve student learning. Information gathered through assessment helps teachers to determine students’ strengths and needs in their achievement of the curriculum expectations in each course. This information also serves to guide teachers in adapting curriculum and instructional approaches to students’ needs and in assessing the overall effectiveness of programs and classroom practices. In order to ensure this primary purpose, assessment and evaluation must:be communicated clearly to students (and/or parents if applicable) at the beginning of the course and at other appropriate points throughout the course;address both what students learn and how well they learn;be based both on the categories of...  [Read more]

If you are looking for a destination with lush nature and stunning scenery in America, come and visit Wisconsin. Even though the state is nicknamed “America’s Dairyland”, there is far more to see in Wisconsin than just farmland. However, it is worth noting that the state is America’s largest producer of dairy product and also produces the best cheese in the country. Take a closer look and you will find that Wisconsin offers lush nature, including big forests, lakes, and even waterfalls. Due to its location at the Great Lakes, Wisconsin is a major destination for water sports enthusiasts, but you can also find plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Join our TEFL/TESOL course in Wisconsin and spend four exciting weeks in the state. The coast of Lake Superior in Wisconsin is a major...  [Read more]

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

The city of Madison in Wisconsin, USA, is blessed with extraordinary natural landscapes. The area around the city is the traditional home of the Native American Ho Chunk tribe who lived in this sacred land surrounded by four lakes, Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, Lake Kegonsa, and Lake Waubesa. When the first American settlers came to the area they built their homes and named the city after former US President James Madison. Many travellers from around the united states and across the globe come here to visit a variety of attractions, including Monona Terrace, First Unitarian Society Meetinghouse, and Memorial Union. As you can see, Madison is the perfect combination of nature and history that makes for a great place to take your TEFL/TESOL course. Madison has a long history that begins in...  [Read more]

Without a doubt, New York is among the top most visited states in America. This is because of the many historic attractions, natural wonders and vibrant cities in the region. On top of that, New York is one of the most ethnically diverse states due to the mass immigration since the early 19th century. Today, New York is a melting pot of cultures, languages and also food. You will find everything you can imagine in New York. Upstate New York is the right place for you if you are searching for lush nature, such as forests and tall mountains. Many locals and those from further away come to the northern part of New York to spend some quality time outdoors. Lake George is a popular destination for those wanting to hike, bike or camp in a picturesque location. There are also a couple of...  [Read more]

Michigan is a unique state featuring beautiful scenic landscapes with a coast at the Great Lakes. Being the only state that consists of two separate peninsulas, it is no wonder that Michigan is a popular destination for many to spend a thrilling vacation. In fact, “The Great Lakes State” attracts millions of visitors from across the globe each year due to its fascinating outdoor offers. Visitors in Michigan especially like to go on long hikes or treks through the mountains. Many like to explore the state’s parks on horseback, stopping the Great Lake shores to swim, take the boat out or go fishing. Michigan is the perfect place to get in touch with nature. Visit Michigan and you have the choice between 97 state parks, 6 state forests, and 4 exciting national parks. As you can see,...  [Read more]

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

Sign up for our TEFL/TESOL training course in Utah and you will have the chance to spend four exciting weeks in one of America’s most fun regions. The state does not only offer exceptional natural wonders but is also rich in history. Red canyons made up of sandstones as well as gushing rivers are the main features of Utah landscapes. Even the Navajo and Ute-Aztec tribes who lived in the area thousands of years ago were drawn in by the mystical vibe that Utah gives off. Come and join our in-class TEFL/TESOL program in Utah and you can explore all that Utah has to offer. When in Utah, you have to visit its many parks. In fact, Utah has seven national monuments, five national parks, three national historic trails, two recreation areas and one national historic site. This means you will...  [Read more]

ITTT’s TEFL course in Guatemala gives you the amazing opportunity to earn your TEFL certificate in a thriving city that rests in the shadow of an impressive conical volcano. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be in the perfect position to secure a job teaching EFL in Guatemala and elsewhere in Central and South America. Guatemala offers visitors a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. With towering tree clad volcanoes, lush canyons, Pacific coast waves and laid back Caribbean bays. There’s plenty to do, see and explore in Guatemala and whether you are looking for adventure, interested in history or simply want to unwind, Guatemala has it all. Taking our course before teaching in Guatemala is sure to be an adventure you will never forget. For those wanting...  [Read more]

ITTT’s TEFL course in Guatemala gives you the amazing opportunity to earn your TEFL certificate in a thriving city that rests in the shadow of an impressive conical volcano. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be in the perfect position to secure a job teaching EFL in Guatemala and elsewhere in Central and South America. Guatemala offers visitors a diverse range of landscapes and experiences. With towering tree clad volcanoes, lush canyons, Pacific coast waves and laid back Caribbean bays. There’s plenty to do, see and explore in Guatemala and whether you are looking for adventure, interested in history or simply want to unwind, Guatemala has it all. Taking our course before teaching in Guatemala is sure to be an adventure you will never forget. For those wanting...  [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]

If you are thinking about joining the tens of thousands of people already working as ESL teachers in China, one of the first decisions to make is which location in this vast country would suit you best. Although it is possible to find jobs off the beaten track, the vast majority of positions are located in big cities such as Beijing and Shanghai. However, as there are more than 150 other cities with a population of over one million people, there are plenty of options for you to consider. With a population of over 20 million, the vast city of Shanghai offers countless opportunities for ESL teachers, particularly in the field of business English. As it has such a large job market and offers very competitive salaries, Shanghai is one of the most popular destinations in the whole of Asia....  [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]

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]

Famous for the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is a country located on the Pacific coast in the north west of South America. It is bordered to the north by Colombia, to the east and south by Peru and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. The country is famous for its biodiversity, with thousands of endemic species of plants and animals, and for its rich history and culture. It has been part of a number of empires throughout history including the Inca and the Spanish and its capital city, Quito was named as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO. The city is located on the eastern slopes of an active volcano and its historic center is home to a number of well-preserved examples of colonial architecture. Ecuador is home to a number of national parks housing a plethora of fascinating plant and...  [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]

According to Webster's Dictionary an idiom is 'an expression whose meaning cannot be predicted from the usual meaning of its constituent elements.' I also like the definition of T.C. Cooper's that 'An idiom can have a literal meaning, but its alternate, figurative meaning must be understood metaphorically.' In the last week, since choosing 'idioms' as a subject for this paper, I have been particularly aware of how many of these phrases are used in everyday speech -' 'It's a piece of cake,' 'I'm fed up!' 'It's raining cats and dogs,' 'Let sleeping dogs lie.' These are enough to make a student who has consulted an English dictionary shake his head and say, 'I can't make heads or tails of what these phrases mean,' which, of course, he cannot do until he has been taught 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]

Our TEFL training course in Cambodia gives you the opportunity to earn an accredited and internationally recognized TEFL certification in a country with a rich and diverse history. You’ll experience the traditions and lifestyle of one of the most fascinating places in Southeast Asia and on successfully completing the course, you may well decide to stay on and teach English here. Cambodia is a land of many fascinating and awe inspiring sights and sounds, from the large temple complex of Angkor to the magnificent Tonle Sap Lake, there is always something new to see and discover. You can explore the history of the Khmer civilization among the many ruins that abound in the country, the most famous of which is Angkor Wat. If you join our TEFL course in Cambodia, not only will you get to...  [Read more]

Teaching grammar can be one of the most frustrating aspects of an English teacher?s job description. Teaching grammar can be divided into two categories, declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge. Declarative knowledge can be summed up as knowledge about a thing such as the rules of grammar whereas procedural knowledge is being able to apply the knowledge to communicate effectively. To illustrate the difference declarative knowledge would be being able to understand the instruction manual on how to assemble a bicycle where as procedural knowledge would be what you demonstrate when you actually put the bicycle together. Being good at one does not necessarily make one good at the other. Many of us native English speakers can use our native tongue correctly but...  [Read more]

  And now let's look at the pronouns. Simply put, pronouns take the place of a noun. We have various types of pronouns. They are personal pronouns, which can either be subject or object. We have reflexive pronouns, relative pronouns and possessive pronouns. With our personal pronouns, we have to decide whether it's the subject or the object. The subject is the doer of an action, whereas the object is the one that receives the action. Subject pronouns are: I, you, he, she, it etc. Object pronouns are: me, you, him, her, etc. In the sentence "Greg hit Pete," the subject of the sentence is "Greg", therefore I would say "He hit Pete," or I could put a pronoun in for the object of the sentence, where "Greg hit Pete", now, I go into "Greg hit him." With our reflexive pronouns, these are...  [Read more]

If you are thinking about teaching English abroad, you may well have wondered whether you should take a TEFL certification course at home or wait until you head overseas. There are pros and cons relating to either choice, but here we look at the main arguments in favour of completing your TEFL training before leaving your home country. Yes, in many of the most popular countries for teaching English abroad jobs are routinely organized from within your own country. In this scenario you will have an interview via phone or webcam from home. If you are then offered the job you will often have to send off a range of documents that are required for the employer to organise your visa, or you may organise this on arrival in some cases. This method of recruitment is most popular in Asia, where it is...  [Read more]

La Antigua is the most popular destination in the country for both tourists and Guatemalans alike, and is famous for its well preserved colonial architecture and spectacular ruins—so much so that the entire city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guatemala is a portal to another world – timeless architecture, cobblestone streets, archaeological ruins, and volcanoes looming overhead. Located in the central highlands of Guatemala 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) above sea level, La Antigua is the perfect launching point for trips to the Pacific coast, Lake Atitlan, Tikal and the jungle, all of which are just a few hours away. As if that isn't enough, once your course is finished, we will provide you with lifetime assistance finding employment. Our TEFL course in La Antigua offers...  [Read more]

It is a necessity for students to learn how to use a dictionary. Everybody owns one and requires to use one at a point in time. A dictionary is defined as 'a handy all-in-one reference book that provides up-to-date and accessible information on the core vocabulary of current English' (Soanes, vi). Some dictionaries contain encyclopedia information describing important people, places, and historical events. 'Its priorities are clear explanations of meaning, informative encyclopedia entries, and help with spelling pronunciation and usage' (vi). The dictionary text is up to date verification of how the language is used in the present day; these words are based on thousands of English words conceded. The explanation for the terminology is offered in an understandable and direct...  [Read more]

This paper is concerned with teaching the productive skill of writing for students of non-native English speaking countries. This is an area that has all but been ignored in the past and somewhat over looked in the field of TESOL, as administrators, teachers and students seem to be more concerned and more focused on the speaking side of the productive skills.As more and more ESL students are seeking writing help at the college and university levels, the need becomes clear for better writing instruction in the ESL classroom. The ability to write well is not a naturally acquired skill, nor is it a linear process easily fit into some pre-taught format. Writing must be taught as a set of practices in a formal instructional setting and must be practiced. Good writing involves composing...  [Read more]

This paper is concerned with teaching the productive skill of writing for students of non-native English speaking countries. This is an area that has all but been ignored in the past and somewhat over looked in the field of TESOL, as administrators, teachers and students seem to be more concerned and more focused on the speaking side of the productive skills. As more and more ESL students are seeking writing help at the college and university levels, the need becomes clear for better writing instruction in the ESL classroom. The ability to write well is not a naturally acquired skill, nor is it a linear process easily fit into some pre-taught format. Writing must be taught as a set of practices in a formal instructional setting and must be practiced. Good writing ...  [Read more]

Discover the Exciting World of Teaching English in Siem Reap Siem Reap, a vibrant city in Cambodia, offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals looking to embark on a fulfilling journey in teaching English. Whether you are a seasoned educator or someone considering a career change, this bustling city provides a unique and enriching environment to hone your teaching skills while immersing yourself in a rich cultural experience. The demand for English teachers in Siem Reap is on the rise, with a growing number of language schools, international schools, and private tutoring opportunities available. By becoming a certified English teacher through the International TEFL and TESOL Training (ITTT), you can equip yourself with the necessary skills and qualifications to excel in the field...  [Read more]