Teach English in Gaobadian Zhen - Shangluo Shi

English has quickly become the language of the world. Whether we like it or not, most countries have chosen English as the language of business and international interaction and because of this, many are pushing their people to learn English as a second language. To help guide this initiative, many businesses, schools, and private households are hiring native English-speaking men and women to teach English to those wishing to learn. While learning directly from a native speaker is the ideal way to learn a new language, unfortunately, it is common for many English speakers to go abroad and hope to be able to teach affectively simply based on their language skills, with no prior ESL or teacher training. Completing a TEFL course before deciding to move and teach ESL is beneficial because not only does it allow you to develop the important teaching skills necessary to teach in any classroom, but it also helps to give you an understanding of the unique ways in which ESL classrooms operate. Just because you can speak a language does not mean that you can teach it. Native English speakers often take for granted the fact that they were able to learn English first, as it is a very difficult and complicated language to learn. One way that TEFL helps teachers to better affectively teach is by covering all of the basic and necessary skills that one needs to be a teacher, but in a way that is geared towards teaching ESL. TEFL gives specific instructions in areas such as lesson planning and material preparation. Using the Engage, Study, Activate lesson planning system is a great way to help you organize the class schedule in a way that allows for maximum learning time. Students can be exposed to English in many ways by using this plan; students can think for themselves about their own prior knowledge, use books, worksheets, and other written sources, and speak and interact with one another (as well as the teacher!) to practice and develop their language skills. Effective lesson planning and structuring completely changes the way a classroom can operate, and can make all of the difference when it comes to helping the students learn. Another major benefit of completing a TEFL course is the way you are able to “see” into an ESL classroom before you actually teach in one. An ESL teacher abroad often times goes into a classroom full of people who look different, speak differently, have different ages, and varying preexisting language abilities. Unit 6 provides 2 video clips- one depicting “effective” teaching, and one representing “ineffective” teaching- and the differences between the two are astounding! Simple techniques such as speaking slowly and clearly, organizing games/materials, smiling, and allowing enough time for students to think and understand without feeling rushed or pressured are all things that we see the teacher do to better manage his classroom and help the students feel comfortable. When the teacher creates a safe and inviting environment, then the students will feel more relaxed and have a better learning experience, but without completing the TELF certification first, it would be difficult to see and understand this important concept. Countries all over the world are trying to encourage their citizens to learn to read and speak English. While this may seem like a very daunting task considering the difficulty of the English language, it is becoming more and more possible through the use of native English speakers as teachers. However, just because someone can speak does not mean that he or she can affectively teach. Earning a TELF certificate is a great way to help the teacher prepare him or herself for the many challenges that come along with teaching ESL in a foreign country. The course provides guidance in areas such as lesson planning and material use, and also gives a first-hand glimpse into an actual classroom to show the teaching methods being used in real-life situations. By completing a TEFL course, one is setting him or herself up for a successful ESL teaching experience.