Three Kings Day Symbols

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]

Discipline in the classroom is many faceted. In this article, I will focus on being proactive with discipline. I have been a teacher for over twenty-five years and have always worked to create a positive, caring and supportive classroom for my students. In a classroom, there must be rules, positive consequences and negative consequences. That is part of creating a positive discipline plan. If teacher is proactive, she will have much less difficulty with discipline. The goal i s to be able to teach the curriculum in a comfortable classroom atmosphere-for you as a teacher and for your student. The single best resource I have found for discipline is a book entitled The First Days of School by Harry Wong. Harry says, ?What you do on the first days of school will...  [Read more]

Phonetics and its Uses in Foreign Language Instruction Phonetics is the study of the physical aspects of speech. It is broken down into three categories: articulatory phonetics deals with the way in which speech sounds are produced, concerning itself with the actual organs involved in speech (vocal tract, tongue, lips, etc.); acoustic phonetics studies the physical properties of speech sounds, such as the properties of sound waves and the acoustics of speech; and auditory phonetics analyses the way in which humans perceive sounds, and involves the anatomy and physiology of the human ear and brain (Nicole Dehe, ?Phonology and Phonetics,? 1-2). Phonetics looks only at sounds themselves, rather their meanings or the context in which they are used, while the study of...  [Read more]

Phonetics and its Uses in Foreign Language InstructionPhonetics is the study of the physical aspects of speech. It is broken down into three categories: articulatory phonetics deals with the way in which speech sounds are produced, concerning itself with the actual organs involved in speech (vocal tract, tongue, lips, etc.); acoustic phonetics studies the physical properties of speech sounds, such as the properties of sound waves and the acoustics of speech; and auditory phonetics analyses the way in which humans perceive sounds, and involves the anatomy and physiology of the human ear and brain (Nicole Dehe, 'Phonology and Phonetics,' 1-2). Phonetics looks only at sounds themselves, rather their meanings or the context in which they are used, while the study of sound systems...  [Read more]

The first major factor that has an impact on how long it will take to get TEFL certified is which type of course you choose to take. There are three main TEFL course types to be aware of: The most common form of in-person TEFL course is the four-week, 120-hour TEFL certificate. Trainees on this course usually travel from their home country to one of many locations around the world to take the course. Courses should involve a theory component, covering language awareness and teaching skills, and a practical teaching component where trainees teach classes of real English language learners and receive feedback. These courses usually take four weeks to complete and therefore some form of accommodation is required for the duration of the course. This and the travel aspect, make this form of...  [Read more]

costa rica has long been renowned for the friendliness of its people, high standard of education, enlightened environmental policies, and for its peaceful, democratic government. Most of all, Costa Rica is famous for its stunning natural beauty and the density and diversity of its exotic flora and fauna. The town of Manuel Antonio occupies a unique place on Costa Rica's central pacific coast where the rainforest sweeps down from the mountains to greet a series of warm palm-fringed beaches. Bordered by one of the nation's most stunning national parks to the south, Manuel Antonio is a living paradise and a nature lover's dream. The trees are alive with tropical birds of all description and home to three species of monkey, including the rare mono titi (1200-1300 left in existence). Wild...  [Read more]

The brazilian ITTT course is located in the amazing city of Natal. Aptly known as the ""city of sun"", Natal enjoys a pleasant 360 days of sunshine a year, with a comfortable average temperature of 28°C. Natal is one of the closest spots in Brazil to both europe and North America, receiving direct flights from a number of European cities. Natal is also famous for having the best air quality in the Americas and is blessed with more than 20 incredible beaches with crystal clear waters and coral reefs along the coast - a spectacular destination for your TEFL course. Every year, thousands of tourists are attracted by the gorgeous dunes, balmy weather and calm ocean, making Natal one of the most visited places in the north-east of Brazil. If you prefer your water just as wet but not as wild,...  [Read more]

  Besides the four future tenses in English (future simple, future continuous, future perfect and the future perfect continuous) there are three additional tenses we can use when speaking about the future. These include the 'going to' future, the present continuous and the present simple. This video gives you an overview how to use them for future statements. 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. Managing a class room is, at the end of the day, the...  [Read more]

In general, most schools and language centers will expect their job applicants to commit to contracts of between 10 and 12 months. However, if you are looking for a short term adventure during the summer break, there are a few options to explore. Although you might find some employers who will take on teachers without a long term contract, most short term opportunities are found in English summer camps or via a volunteer organization. English language camps are a popular fixture during the summer months in many countries across Asia, Europe and Latin America. These usually involve around one to two months work teaching English to young learners from primary age right through to university level, depending on the location. Although this type of work is only short term, it still provides...  [Read more]

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word eloquent. This word means a person who is fluent and also persuasive in both speaking or writing. It can also refer to the action of clearly indication or expressing something. The word comes from Latin eloqui meaning to speak out. 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 don't quite understand why we are being taught "TEFL jargon", if at the end of the day we are barred from using such thins...  [Read more]

Before we look at this question closely, we should first make an important distinction. The number of hours you teach in the classroom (often called contact hours) are not the same as the number of hours you will be expected to be in school, often confusingly called contract hours. Next, it is important to appreciate that different teaching jobs have different typical hours. There are basically three types of jobs available. Most schools abroad work normal office hours so you will probably need to be in school, Monday to Friday, from 7:30 a.m. (in many Asian countries) until 4:00 p.m. This equates to around 40 hours per week. You will not have to teach for all of those hours but a typical teaching load would be around 20-25 hours per week. When you are not teaching you will be expected to...  [Read more]

  In this video Linda breaks down the difference between "look", "see" and "watch". The differences surrounding these three words can be quite difficult to understand for non-native English learners. However, this video looks at the three words in detail breaking down exactly how to differentiate between them. 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 14 is about different ways of evaluating students'levels and progress.There are a number of...  [Read more]

It is common knowledge that learning grammar can be a complex process. However, learning vocabulary is not as simple as many assume it to be. And retaining it for a lifetime is not simple at all. One model for learning new vocabulary consists of five stages. Having sources for encountering new words, receiving a visual and auditory image of the word, learning meaning, making memory connections to strengthen recollection and finally, using the words.In many instances, the teacher is given mandatory books and lesson materials to use as resources. Since the final stage of using the words is the result of the middle three stages, those are precisely the stages the teacher should focus on.The author recommends synonym usage to assist in the learning of new vocabulary. So a...  [Read more]

The tefl international TEFL course in Granada is in the ideal location to discover the past and enjoy the present. History is everywhere in the area. Granada’s architecture and rich cultural history is passionately kept alive; the delicious cuisine; the resounding sound of Flamenco music played into the night; the blending of Islam and Christianity. Granada is totally unique. Historically, Granada hosts one the last fortifications of the Moorish Kingdom in Western europe. The internationally famous Alhambra and the Generalifé are samples of the splendour of this fascinating civilisation. It was in Granada in 1492 that Christopher columbus received the support he needed and a charter from the then Queen to seek a new route to india, which ultimately resulted in the discovery of the...  [Read more]

Edged by the magnificent Himalayan ranges in the north and bounded by a breath-taking coastline made up of three seas, india has a stunning assortment of landscapes and culture, with captivating historical sites and intriguing royal cities, pristine beaches and mystical mountain tops, dynamic people and exciting festivities. The experiences are endless as the diversity of climate and culture make a visit to India eye-opening and rewarding. Whether you're in the dusty heat of the south or the snowy cold in the north, you'll travel roads filled with bicycles, auto-rickshaws, sputtering motorbikes, tinsel-draped trucks, camel carts and an occasional cow or two. Take a trip to one of the many wonderfully crowded markets and observe the community of beggars, hawkers, tourists, holy men,...  [Read more]

It is common knowledge that learning grammar can be a complex process. However, learning vocabulary is not as simple as many assume it to be. And retaining it for a lifetime is not simple at all. One model for learning new vocabulary consists of five stages. Having sources for encountering new words, receiving a visual and auditory image of the word, learning meaning, making memory connections to strengthen recollection and finally, using the words. In many instances, the teacher is given mandatory books and lesson materials to use as resources. Since the final stage of using the words is the result of the middle three stages, those are precisely the stages the teacher should focus on. The author recommends synonym usage to assist in the learning of new ...  [Read more]

I'd like to write about my experience in volunteer teaching with an ALT, Assistant Language Teacher, at the local elementary school.Through this experience, the following important points that were covered by the TEFL course have been re-confirmed.1. Planning and preparation before lessons.2. Usage of the whiteboard/blackboard, flash cards, and the CD player.4. Facilities: classroom or gym'3. Body language: gestures and eye contact4. Voice control: volume, pronunciation, and accent5. DisciplineChiba prefecture, north east of Tokyo, where I live has been employing ALTs from all over the world for a number of years. Most of them are just out of college. Some of them have lived in Japan as exchange students in the past. ALT stands for assistant language teacher and therefore they...  [Read more]

The combined TEFL course provides a convenient option for anyone who wants the benefit of in-person training from a highly qualified teacher trainer, but who doesn’t have the time to commit to a full in-class course. The course starts with an online section that covers all the theory topics. You then attend one of our training centers to complete your observed teaching practice classes. Yes. The combined course covers all the same content as the full in-class course. However, if you are not comfortable with the idea of distance learning or would prefer more interaction with your tutors and other trainees, then the in-class TEFL course might be the better option. Yes. If you complete the combined course you will be issued with the exact same certificate as those who complete the...  [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]

Seville is the capital and largest city of the region of Andalusia, in the South of spain. It is quite possibly one of europe's most beautiful and exuberant cities, and has captivated visitors for centuries with its rich history and folkloric tradition that continues to permeate daily Sevillano life. Legend has it that Seville was founded by the famous Hercules, and this city also gave life to the legendary figure of Don Juan, offered a nearby port from which columbus sailed to discover the New World, and produced such notable characters as Carmen and Figaro. Seville's biggest holiday, Holy Week (La Semana Santa), is during the March/April course, as is Seville's week long party, the Feria. From April 30 to May 4, everyone in Seville spends as much time as possible at the fairgrounds,...  [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]

TEFL International's centre in Buenos Aires, Argentina is an unbeatable destination to take the TEFL certification course in Latin America. There are lots of job opportunities for TEFL certified native or fluent English speakers, and you can also learn or improve your Spanish. As the capital city of Argentina, Buenos Aires has so much to offer visitors that it is difficult to narrow down your itinerary to just a few things to do. Buenos Aires is a thriving multicultural city and the best way to explore its diversity is to get out and about in the various neighborhoods that make up the city. By choosing to study with TEFL International in Buenos Aires, you are signing up for an exciting and rewarding time in Argentina. Known as the "Paris of South America", Buenos Aires is one of the most...  [Read more]

It is very common for teachers working overseas to send money back home for a variety of different reasons, such as student loan repayments, to pay a mortgage on a property, or simply to help out family members. Unfortunately, it is not always a straightforward process as there are several factors to consider, including transfer fees, exchange rates, and the actual time each method takes to complete. Below we take a look at some of the most common options. Banks can offer a reliable option for transferring your money, although this largely depends on where you are in the world. If you are teaching English in a popular location such as Japan or South Korea, banks are often a good choice as they generally only charge a small fee and transactions typically clear within one or two days....  [Read more]

Here I was, waiting to teach a 'Lets Learn English' session with the Pacific and Asian newcomers to Australia. I was to continue the conversational English lessons with them. The attendees were looking forward to the class. I could tell this by the enthusiasm in their greeting as they arrived and by their hunger to learn in previous sessions. What's more we were having fun as we journeyed into the English language together. What's the biggest problem these students have I thought' The simple answer is 'the peculiarities of the English language, or more specifically'words. So what are words anyway' They're just sounds or noises that we utter after all. Unlike lower animals we may not bark neigh, moo, roar, purr or growl, but we do react instinctively to what's happening around...  [Read more]

ITTT’s TEFL training course in Chongqing, China is an excellent choice for those looking to experience life in a thoroughly Chinese modern city. The course is completed over a period of three weeks and is a great solution for those wanting an in-class course but cannot attend a four week course. Sited on the Yangzi River, Chongqing is an important industrial and economic center in southwest China. Founded three thousand years ago, Chongqing has served as the country’s capital a number of times, most recently during the Second World War. Due to its location on the Yangzi River, the city has always been an important transport hub and is now a major manufacturing and economic center. The city is very popular with Chinese tourists and is becoming increasingly popular with foreign visitors...  [Read more]

There are many different language teaching methods and teaching styles. Diane Larsen-Freeman states in her book Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching, that the term 'language teaching method' is a 'set of links between actions and thoughts in language teaching' (Larsen-Freeman 1). The actions and thoughts of teachers, worldwide, lead to many different teaching styles. Through the TEFL course offered by ITTT, students of teaching learn about the ESA method. Engage, Study, and Activate (ESA) is a great outline of how to run a classroom. Many different styles can be incorporated within this outline, as well.One method, the Direct Method, has been applied for many years by language teachers. The one very basic rule of the Direct Method is that there is no...  [Read more]

As a TEFL educator, I have been faced with various challenges in the classroom. Of those that I have encountered, fostering motivation and interest in my students has been the most demanding. As Melissa Kelly states in her recent article on motivating students, '['] motivation is probably the most significant factor educators can target in order to improve learning.' During the time I have spent teaching English, I have realized this. Without motivation, a classroom is dead.According to research findings, there are three significant factors that play into classrommAccording to research findings, there are three significant factors that play into classroom and student motivation: control, competence and connection (Kelly). Kelly refers to these as 'students' needs', and emphasizes...  [Read more]

As a TEFL educator, I have been faced with various challenges in the classroom. Of those that I have encountered, fostering motivation and interest in my students has been the most demanding. As Melissa Kelly states in her recent article on motivating students, ?[?] motivation is probably the most significant factor educators can target in order to improve learning.? During the time I have spent teaching English, I have realized this. Without motivation, a classroom is dead. According to research findings, there are three significant factors that play into classromm According to research findings, there are three significant factors that play into classroom and student motivation: control, competence and connection (Kelly). Kelly refers to these as ?students? needs?, and ...  [Read more]

There are a number of issues associated with how to correct a student in the best way possible. There are two main schools of thought as to the best technique. The first is to correct the student straight way to help avoid confusing them later, the second is to do it at a more appropriate time, and not inhibit the natural flow of speech. I believe that there is value in both, and should be judged upon individual situation. A distinction should be made between what is a mistake and what is an error. A mistake is more of a momentary lapse of concentration, however an error may be caused because the student isn't aware that it is wrong, or the student doesn't know another way of saying it or finally if the student indeed knows the correct form but can't quite ...  [Read more]