Teaching Versus Education

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences This essay will be a comparison of my personal experience teaching English in Barbados, a country whose main language is English versus teaching English in a rural area in Japan, a country whose main language is Japanese (not English). Firstly, I will briefly discuss the definitions of teaching. Secondly, I will summarize English education for young learners in each country. Finally, I will compare and contrasts my personal experience in both countries and the valuable lessons I have learned. To protect the anonymity of the schools, the specific areas and any other identifying information will be excluded from this essay. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Desriel G. Please note that this...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In today's world, teaching English has become a mainstream job, no longer limited to native speakers. Everywhere you go, you will find nationals from various countries teaching English with sometimes rather strong accents. What are their motivations and why would schools choose non-natives to teach English in the first place? This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Patrick B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. While traveling through Asia or South America, two of the areas where most TEFL teachers currently operate, one will often encounter ESL teachers. Why? Many of them travel a lot and have rather relaxed curriculums with just...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Teaching Ideas This blog post focuses on the theories, methods and techniques of teaching, which are the three elements that make up any methodology and we can start with a statement; Some teachers believe that the intelligence of their own children is due to their genes, whilst the intelligence shown by their students is due to their teaching. This is an interesting statement because it contains within it a philosophical argument and it's a philosophical argument about the way in which we learn. Basically this first part of the sentence is saying that the intelligence of their own children comes about due to a natural process of genetic inheritance, so that it could be said to be due to nature. This is exactly the opposite of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom management skills are an important part of a teacher’s profession. The success of EFL and ESL learners depends on the teacher’s expertise in delivering an effective lesson in a well-managed classroom. Classroom management skills vary from one teacher to another. Classroom management skills are a trial and error process. They take time to build and come with experience. Every teacher has a different style. If the students are learning effectively in a classroom, then the teacher has succeeded in delivering a solid lesson with good classroom management skills. A successful teacher has a positive effect on students’ learning. The teachers’ personality does not determine whether they are a good...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching is an opportunity that all of us can learn and benefit from. Teaching expands across all nationalities, genders, religious, racial and age groups. Education among different age groups has is similarities and differences that have evolved throughout civilization. Throughout my time teaching, there are several pros versus cons when it comes to teaching children and adults. Both are an absolute joy to teach in my opinion, however, some strategies must be implemented that both can benefit from. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vivian M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Some of the similarities that teaching children versus...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As time goes on, everything evolves, including technology. And with the rise of new technological innovations, education has done it’s best to adapt to such innovations to cater to the needs of its students. Today, I will be talking about the pros and cons of online and onsite TEFL learning and which one is the most suitable. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduateAllister J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. When students take their courses online, they are in complete control of how, when and where they intend to complete them within an allotted time frame. Such an option is perfect for students who are working and would not be...  [Read more]

Zareena Younis Destinations Alumni Experiences Nepotism, known as “wasta” in the workplace, is common in the Middle East, especially in the private sector. Personally, this area of common practice was unknown and unheard of to me as I come from a system of being recruited through the normal steps of applying for a job, being selected for an interview, and then being hired based on my experience knowledge, and skills. The normal practice of hiring a candidate based on their knowledge, skills, and experience matching the vacant job position available does occur in the Middle East, but not at the level it should be. It is shocking to witness the level of nepotism that still exists, especially in the education sector, which is...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As time goes on, everything evolves, including technology. And with the rise of new technological innovations, education has done it’s best to adapt to such innovations to cater to the needs of its students. Today, I will be talking about the pros and cons of online and onsite TEFL learning and which one is the most suitable. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Allister J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. As far as pros go, the biggest one is flexibility. When students take their courses online, they are in complete control of how, when, and where they intend to complete them within an allotted time frame. Such an option is...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas English is a language that has a variety of dialects: particularly, there are three different major English segments. English (American ), English (Australian), and English (British or Uk). The three segments have differences in the way they are written and spoken. In this article, I will compare American English versus British English and my own experience with these two. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate maria c. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. British English is a very formal form of the English language. The Uk practices formal speaking and dictation while the United States of America uses slang and informal English. The...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Are there alternatives to punishment? In this essay, we will explore what punishment sought to achieve within a classroom environment versus its applicability when seeking alternatives. Particular attention will be placed on measures that teachers may promote to achieve a class-culture that favors deterrence above sanction. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aaron T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Before we can understand what punishment promotes and if possible alternatives are available, we must first know what punishment is within the parameters of a classroom. “Punishment involves some kind of unpleasantness or infliction...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas My personal experience being an ESL teacher in China. Does the content of TEFL, YouTube, LinkedIn and Blog’s have more prowess over a newly graduated university student with passion? Let us not forget, most training institutes are businesses first and education institutions second with advertising portraying the latter as their priority. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Troy D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. To be an ESL teacher is rewarding. It can be tiresome – energized kids and constant attention - but the reward out-weighs the labor. Teaching is not for everyone and neither is sleeping (night owls versus early...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas There is no denying that psychology plays a vital role in child-rearing and student education. Parents, teachers, and other learning institutions consult and practice different child-rearing and teaching techniques that are all grounded from various studies and theories presented by several well-known psychologists in the likes of Ivan Pavlov, John Watson, Edward Thorndike, Carl Rogers, and B.F. Skinner. All these practices are done with one objective in mind and that is finding out which is the most effective when it comes to promoting child motivation and discipline. Taking into consideration that there is no clean-cut way on how to rear and teach a child, these multiple practices of rearing and teaching spark...  [Read more]

Asia Ridley TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English education in Japan has been prominent for decades and starts in elementary schools. It is in high demand as the relationship between the U.S. and Japan as well as the abundant amount of tourism. Last year straight after graduating from university in the United States, I moved to Japan and began teaching English. I was fortunate to pass the interviews and become part of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme {JET}. Being an assistant language teacher {ALT} in the Japanese education system versus a conversation school has its differences. Therefore I will be diving into how one can contribute to the classroom as an ALT. In Japanese elementary schools, all the students...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching English online is a huge growing market in today’s globalized society. According to the British Council, there are over a billion people who are learning English (750 million English as a foreign language learners and 350 million English as a second language learner). The difference between EFL and ESL learners is that EFL learners live in a country where the language of the community is not English and English is used by a learner in rare instances such as for business or pleasure; while ESL learners live where English is either a primary language or has an established role in the society and the language is used daily. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nina S. Please note that...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Learning a foreign language in any part of the world is a demanding task which requires dedication and long-term commitment. It, however, can be particularly difficult for Chinese students. From a completely different alphabet to the lack of professional foreign expert training due to a high demand, Chinese students face a number of problems in learning the English language. This post was written by our ITTT graduate Dovydas Z. In recent years, increasing competition among Chinese students has transformed learning English from an optional to a required course. In spite of this, the traditional teaching methodology applied at local educational institutions has, for the most part, remained the same. Due to a large...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Stories are an important part of any culture, English speaking or not. They can be oral or written and can showcase how culture works and their history. Whether old traditional stories or new popular current stories, the tales we share with young children can shape their developing ideas and values. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rochelle L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. When working with young children in Early Childhood settings, stories help children to make sense of their world, safely express their emotions, and explore new ideas and values. For example, a story that focuses on friendships might help a child who...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Alumni Experiences Korean learners of the English language face numerous challenges in acquiring the language on a proficient level, although English is introduced to children at an early age. English is incorporated into the primary school curriculum from the age of four, yet only a small minority master the language on a proficient conversational level. Unfortunately, the reasons seem to stem from cultural and social differences, the significant differences between the two languages; Korean and English, and the Korean Educational System is also a contributing factor. This post was written by our ITTT graduate Beatrix N. To begin with, cultural differences seem to be a central reason why Koreans...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Since I am still relatively new to teaching, I felt it was important to reassure myself on why I choose this career path as well as my efficacy in the role. Self-monitoring is extremely important in both our personal and professional lives. Self-regulation leads to personal growth and that is invaluable in our lives. I believe that the teacher needs to be a student first. As a teacher begins to develop more experience in their role over time, naturally follows comfort and sometimes comfort can lead to complacency. I believe that students cannot benefit from a complacent teaching professional because the world around us changes frequently. Students need to be informed on the most up to date and accurate information...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas During my career as an educator, I have had the opportunity to teach English as a second language using both classroom and private tutoring platforms. My undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin - Madison led me to a major in Communications. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Joseph E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. One course, in particular, required an internship at a local elementary school where I worked with students of diverse backgrounds. Although I had not majored in education at the university, that one course inspired my desire to teach, especially to children who had language barriers. Before college I...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have experience in Childhood development. I’ve taught over twenty plus years. My experience ranges from infants to school-age children. I have always taught three-year-olds and up. For almost two years, I have had the pleasure of working with children that are 18 months to 24 months old. I am the Lead teacher for our Toddler program. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Judy N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Although working in a private preschool has helped me in childhood development, learning strategies are also important. The courses that I have taken have helped me learn so much. One of the most important things to...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Destinations Alumni Experiences Welcome to another live session this week and we're on at a different time this week. Usually we're a little bit earlier, but we have a special guest today, and that's because she's based in Germany. So we had to change the time a little bit. I’m Linda from ITT, you've probably seen me before, if you've watched us live and I’m here with Brit today. Hi Brit! Hi, thanks for having me, and painting your time to meet my schedule, and thank you so much for getting up early.I know it's early in Germany right now. just have my coffee and I’m good to go.That's awesome,where in Germany are you exactly? so I’m based near Trier, which is along the border with Luxembourg. So very close...  [Read more]

  South Korea is a small but incredibly beautiful country, and during the 4 week TEFL you will have fantastic opportunities to experience the rich culture and history. Not only will you have the chance for local excursions, but based in Incheon, you will be less than an hour away from the lively city of Seoul on the express train. The first week of your program includes in-depth cultural orientations, ensuring you deeply understand the Korean way of life and culture. This includes a welcome dinner, tour of the local neighbourhood and the “Grand” Palace (Gyeongbok Palace), taekwondo class and learning South Korean cookery and language. Incheon is home to Korea’s only official Chinatown, where you can try jajangmyun (noodles with black bean sauce) at the Gongwachun restaurant and...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences In this blog post, we will look at 8 of the most widely held misconceptions regarding the teaching of ESL worldwide. The demand for English Teachers abroad is really high and whilst it's true that it's not the easiest thing in the world to do and maybe you want to go to a country or a place that you have set your mind on a certain location maybe that doesn't work out. You just need to be a little bit more flexible. According to some estimates there are about two billion people in the world speaking and learning English (British council) and those are all potential students. Some of the biggest companies in the ESL industry you might want to look out for when you are applying for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Several surveys, such as EF (Education First), have shown that France has the worst English level in the European Union. We shall explain, firstly, why French students have problems in learning English and what these problems are. Then, secondly, we shall share solutions to these problems. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Mohamed S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Indeed, the difficulties that French students face are not recent but have deeper origins which are historical. As you may know, there has been a rivalry between the French and the English dating back to the Hundred Years War (1337-1453,) when the two countries...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Welcome, my name is Linda nice to see you. I’m a TEFL and TESOL professional at ITTT and I’ve been living and working in Asia since 2012-ish and I live in South Korea and I’ve been here for five and a half years. I also taught English in China and here in Korea as well and I also work for ITTT and we have a guest so to speak but also from ITTT but joining us for the first time my colleague Lisa. My name is Liza. I’m a TEFL and TESOL expert at ITTT as Linda and I’m also a former ESL teacher. I’ve been teaching online this year but before I worked in China as a lead teacher in a kindergarten so that was quite fun and I'll share my...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Hello everybody, Liza here and I'm super glad to welcome you to today's session. I'm excited that it didn't take long after the previous one and by the way if you didn't see the previous live stream I strongly recommend you do because last week we discussed teaching in China. I know that many people are interested in going abroad to teach and to discover new cultures. So if you want to know a little bit more about it feel free to check it out. Today we are going to talk about a slightly different approach to teaching which is online teaching. Today's session will take approximately 45 minutes. First we'll cover some of the teaching modes in online teaching because there are actually a couple of them. Then we will...  [Read more]