TEFL Deer Park

  In this episode, we cover the pronunciation of the word quay. This word is used as a noun and refers to the platform used for loading and unloading ships. Synonyms for quay include wharf, pier or landing stage. The spelling of the word was influenced by the French spelling quai. 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. by far one of the hardest units I've come across this far. I will need to go back and review this again to get a better understanding...  [Read more]

Michigan is located in the famous Great Lakes region and is a very popular destination for visitors from far and wide. ‘The Great Lakes State’ is the 10th most populated state in the US and the only one that consists of two individual peninsulas. On the Upper Peninsula you will find some of the best outdoor activities to be found anywhere in the country. Trekking, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and boating are definitely the order of the day. If you are looking for a little more horsepower, simply rent an off-road vehicle and enjoy the natural wonders from behind the wheel. Michigan is certainly a place where you can enjoy the outdoors in many different ways. Michigan is home to a staggering number of state forests and national parks. That is why people come here in large numbers...  [Read more]

Wisconsin is a state rich in natural beauty and history. Located in the Midwest of the USA, south of the famous Great Lakes, the landscape of Wisconsin is lush and diverse. It is not hard to see why Wisconsin earned the title ‘America’s Dairyland’, as it is home to the country’s most renowned dairy products, cheese being the most famous. Wisconsin is a particularly great place to escape from the city rush by hiring a cabin in the woods. Hike around lakes, climb waterfalls, or simply relax in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it in Wisconsin. The area around Lake Superior is a wonderland for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the best outdoor activities include biking and hiking in Chippewa Valley, and enjoying a great day out kayaking...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences British versus American English is a subject that encompasses a number of fields, including linguistics, history, archaeology, geography, and the study of the history of the English language. British English has a deep foundation that stretches back into time to the advent of the Indo-Europeans, and while America can claim this as well, the language was, for the most part, very close to its modern form by the age of exploration. That being said, many archaic forms of words and grammar were still in use during the age of exploration and spelling was not standardized when the great voyages and colonization of the Americas began. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Aaron T. Please note that...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have always looked up to teachers regardless of the subject they master. Since we are kids, teachers become part of our lives at school. We become familiar with this role since we start attending school till we reach university and as students, we were all at some point in front of different styles of teaching methods and personalities. Whether we feel or not comfortable with a teacher, they are there to educate and to share their knowledge. The role of a teacher has significantly changed over the years and as a result of the role of the students also has been affected in some way. Teachers are part of our growth and development process which is very relevant to our lives. Kids are sent to school every day for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have always looked up to teachers regardless of the subject they master. Since we are kids, teachers become part of our lives at school. We become familiar with this role since we start attending school till we reach university and as students, we were all at some point in front of different styles of teaching methods and personalities. Whether we feel or not comfortable with a teacher, they are there to educate and to share their knowledge. The role of a teacher has significantly changed over the years and as a result of the role of the students also has been affected in some way. Teachesome way part of our growth and development process which is very relevant to our lives. Kids are sent to school every day for...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Today, learning English seems like a good way for all people to enhance a piece of knowledge not only inside but also in other countries worldwide. Most people tend to learn English which is a major social necessity. Especially, students learning a new language from the young ages are pretty hard for them; consequently, it causes an increasing number of students who are under more pressure to absorb this subject in both school and home. In this essay, the possible solutions to tackle this problem will be discussed in detail. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nhai N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Generally, students must...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences If English held no promise of greater opportunity, there would be little reason for a non-native speaker to bother with it. After all, to most of the world, it is a hegemonic foreign language that delights in disobeying its own rules and depicts its non-speakers as the exotic and sometimes less civilized other. If one’s native tongue alone could grant unlimited opportunity and unrestricted global mobility, then there would be no reason to learn any other language, least of all one as complicated and othering as English. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Roberto T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. However, for better or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Today, learning English seems like a good way for all people to enhance a piece of knowledge not only inside but also in other countries worldwide. Most people tend to learn English which is a major social necessity. Especially, students learning a new language from the young ages are pretty hard for them; consequently, it causes an increasing number of students who are under more pressure to absorb this subject in both school and home. In this essay, the possible solutions to tackle this problem will be discussed in detail. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nhai N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. To begin with, teaching...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Teaching English as a Foreign Language, also known as TEFL certification, is widely used and accepted around the world and the training to become certified is highly diversified. TEFL can occur either typically within state school systems, privately at a language school, or with at tutor. Teachers usually are native English speakers; however this isn’t a requirement and there are many certified instructors whose native language isn’t English. Teachers who want to become certified must go through a teacher training course, also known as a TEFL or TESOL course. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Eric P. A few years ago, in-class TEFL certification courses were the only way to become a...  [Read more]

Lourien Prinsloo TEFL Information Alumni Experiences English became the undisputed lingua franca of the modern world. Having a common language, English has led to unprecedented periods of peace in the world and opened up a world of opportunities to people of all creeds, cultures, and backgrounds. Furthermore, English achieved fame through reaching large audiences and became a communication key. Effectively communicating in English quickly became a happy medium for trading, diplomacy, and human relations. Today more than 57 countries recognize English as an official language. As if this is not enough for the English language, it also enjoys another achievement. The most commonly studied foreign language, all around the world. To...  [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 The first Waldorf School was founded in 1919 in Stuttgart for the children of the workers in the Waldorf Astoria cigarette factory. The school’s doors were open for all the children regardless of their social status. It was the end of World War I and because of post-war chaos, people were looking for new educational systems. In such an environment, it was not difficult for Waldorf pedagogy to find its place among other reform movements. Today there are more than 1000 Waldorf schools all around the world. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Hande B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. One of the most special features of this school...  [Read more]

Federico Riva Alumni Experiences There are numerous reasons why a person may choose to read. One of the strongest motivators to read is the ability to gain knowledge and to learn new information. Another common reason why an individual decides to read is for enjoyment and for the chance to use their imagination. All of these factors play a role in how reading aids in language acquisition, whether it be a person’s native language (L1) or a second language (L2). This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Meghan L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Language acquisition means learning how to communicate through reading, with writing, by speaking or with gestures. An...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences As far as I can remember, I always wanted to become a teacher in a foreign country. The most thrilling part about it was to convey knowledge to others and extend my own cultural awareness. When I heard about TEFL online courses after graduating from university, I immediately thought it would be the best option for me in order to achieve my greatest dream. After the completion of this course, I will move to Tokyo with the strong will to teach English to all different types of students, regardless of their age or current English level. Now that I am almost done with my TEFL online course, this post will take a look at my improvements and achievements so far. I will particularly focus on what I feel is the best...  [Read more]

Russ Tuff TEFL Information Alumni Experiences “What we can’t see can’t hurt us” - Really? Not many businesses will do well out of this current CoronaVirus / COVID-19 pandemic gripping the planet with fear at the moment, (unless we are toilet paper manufacturers) as we stand, waiting like a deer in the headlights for something we can’t see to hit us. I don’t know what COVID-19 means, however, I was looking for a positive way to think about it and I came up with: “Communication Of Virtual Instruction Design” For those unfamiliar with the terminology of “instruction design” it’s what we do as teachers. The technical terminology is: “a systematic approach to education that prompts educators to familiarise...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas One of the most important aspects of becoming a great teacher is establishing a positive rapport with students. Even with all the technical knowledge of teaching theory in the world, a class will not be successful without creating beneficial bonds between the teacher and pupils. With a tactful and thoughtful approach to building a deep rapport with the students, these bonds can establish a learning environment in which the students and teachers can thrive. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate James S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For every class lesson plan there should be an icebreaker to ease the students into the material....  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations Japan has been a popular destination for teaching English abroad for many years. This is mainly due to the country's vibrant culture, the great food and friendly locals. Japan has a lot to offer and it can be overwhelming to find the ideal city to move to. This post looks at the 10 best cities in Japan for teaching English abroad. All cities are listed in no particular order. Also check out our other related Japan content: * Step-By-Step Guide To Legally Teaching English in Japan * Teaching English In Japan - The Salary and Budget Guide * The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program: All You Need to Know and How to Apply * The Most Common Problems Students in Japan Face When...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Every person living in modern society has the first language; this is the language which we have learned fluently without conscious effort, it was taught to us as children by the people in our immediate surroundings, usually parents or caregivers. Not everybody, however, has a second language. Unless raised in an environment where there is more than one language spoken regularly (by multilingual parents or others whom we are in regular contact with), for most people a second language takes conscious effort to acquire, for a range of motivations, and usually through at least some form of study and education. Learners of a second language may, for example, live in a country in which multiple languages are spoken but...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivation is perceived to be one of the key factors of any success story we know of today. It implies hope and a desire to act upon a task that may not look so appealing to us, on the contrary, motivation is usually needed when we face challenges. Whether it’s trying to climb a career ladder, get rid of bad unhealthy habits or even force yourself to go to the gym a certain amount of times per week. All these activities require a tremendous level of motivation and the desire to act upon it in the first place. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Vadym L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For example, studying a new language is no...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In this essay, I will not only take a closer look at how to deal with difficult students and how to properly react to and solve challenging situations in the classroom but I will also highlight possible solutions outside the classroom. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dennis S. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. First of all, teachers need to be aware of cultural differences that might spark conflicts within the classroom. So it is vital to study the local culture in-depth and make sure one is familiar with the dos and don’ts of the particular society before starting to teach. This also includes gestures that may be normal...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences To begin with, I’ like to say that I’m pretty excited about writing this summary since this course was an interesting online journey and there are some things to share, indeed. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Denys L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The games play an extremely important role in teaching and particularly/especially during my classes! I consider this to be not just one of the teaching techniques, but the solid, essential, natural, and extremely useful part of the whole world of education. All of us, no matter how old we are, find ourselves enjoying the game. We have a playful nature either it is on the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom management is important in part of teaching, and the effect of classroom management directly affects classroom efficiency. Therefore, learning how to effectively manage the classroom is a required course for every teacher. In the classroom, children are prone to situations where their thoughts are not concentrated and they are absent-minded in class such as chatting, speaking, doing small moves, thoughts wander, or because of the lack of self-control during the game. These conditions are inevitable, which is determined by the physiological and psychological characteristics of the students at a young age. So, in general, how should young English teachers manage the classroom? This post was written by our...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As a child, my mother dropped me off at school every morning before she goes to work. I would go throughout my day at school and stay in the after school programs until my mother picked me up late in the afternoon. Like many other single mothers, my mother had to work a lot like to support the family. I grew up going to school and doing my homework to the best of my abilities without the extra encouragement from a parent. My mother would ask if I did my schoolwork and I would tell her that it was done at school. Since she was very busy working she trusted in the school to do their job in educating me and she trusted me to do my part in my education. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences As someone of mixed heritage, I have always had an interest in learning about cultures other than the one I live in America. My father is Colombian and my mother is American, so growing up I felt obliged to learn more about the Colombian background I was fairly unfamiliar with. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Catherine P. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I never felt satisfied with the amount of exposure I had to my Colombian heritage. My mom never learned Spanish, so around the house, it was easier for my dad to speak to my siblings and me in English. As a result, we barely grazed the surface of the Spanish language and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Assuming it has already been understood generally, I do not intend to elaborate on the reasons between Myanmar and Burma, even though it still remains unknown to many. In this essay, I will be using ‘Burmese’ or ‘Burmese language’ to refer to the language and ‘Myanmar’ for the country. Language acquisition can understandably present several challenges ranging from alphabets, accent, construction styles, pronunciation, etc. Depending on several factors, different language speakers will have different challenges. While one part is no less difficult than another, I reckon, in Myanmar, there is one component that most learners seem to have similar difficulty in taking up the English language –...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences In the world we live in, being different is often deemed as bad. Where being the minority is often looked down upon. Sometimes we don’t like to admit that, but it is true. What people need to realize is that we are no different from one another. Someone from rural China is just as much of a person as I am even though we live thousands of miles away. The only difference is our story. Where we came from, whom we know, what we stand for. Our story and our background are what make us all unique and special. The sad reality is that the vast majority of us will never be able to experience another persons’ life. An astronomically large amount of the world’s population will never be able to step into another...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I would say the hardest part about becoming a Teacher is having the confidence to face your students in the classroom. I speak from experience because this was a challenge for me in the beginning when I taught Spanish as a foreign language. My students were primary and high school students, essentially just kids, but this intimidated me the most about my job. In time you will indeed and should become more confident teaching in the classroom, as the saying goes…” practice makes perfect”, right? However, there are some things a new teacher can do or be aware of to help increase their confidence in the classroom. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Genoveve C. Please note that this blog...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas English is a unique and fluid language, its usage changing rapidly throughout surprisingly short periods, throughout different socioeconomic groups, and across different regions. Therefore, it is widely understood that proper English and spoken English have different rules, importantly including the use of popular slang terms and idioms. This means that when someone is learning to communicate with native English speakers, they must learn expressions that will provide a certain context. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Remington T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Someone employed in a primarily English-speaking business will...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Every day, wherever we go and whatever we look at, we are exposed to the English language in some way. Even in the most basic daily activity, it is required a basic vocabulary in English. Each time we go shopping, whether on a store or online, signs and advertisements in English come up. If we are about to surf on the web or look for entertainment a basic English understanding is needed. All over the world, educational institutions from Kindergartens to Colleges, required to achieve a certain level of English to graduate. More and more companies require applicants to have a sufficiency in English to be hired. But in the past, English influence had not been so important. This post was written by our TEFL...  [Read more]