TEFL Saddle Ridge

  Alveolar sounds get their name from the fact that the alveolar ridge is being used. Again, that ridge is just behind the front top row of teeth. Here the tongue is on or very very near the alveolar ridge. It's typically the tip of the tongue or what's just behind the tip of the tongue, called the blade of the tongue. Here, we're talking about sounds such as ?t? and ?d?. If you say them at home, you can tell the tip of your tongue is on that alveolar ridge. Again, that's ?t? and ?d?, as well as sounds such as ?s? and ?z?. Again, the blade of the tongue is just near that alveolar ridge but it is very near nonetheless. The two other sounds that make it into this category is the ?l? sound, where the tip of the tongue is very clearly touching that alveolar ridge, as well as ?r? or the...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'assent' and 'ascent'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. Let's take a look at the two words individually. 'Assent' is a noun and describes an agreement or an approval of something. He nodded his assent and she continued. As you can see in the example, 'assent' indicates that he is agreeing. We could also say 'He nodded in agreement and she continued.' While the word 'ascent' is also used as a noun, it has a very different meaning. It refers to the action of rising or climbing up, for example: My legs were tired after I took the ascent to the cabin on the ridge. We could also say 'My legs were tired from the climb to the cabin on the ridge'. Below you can read feedback from an ITTT...  [Read more]

  And now we have our nasal sounds. There are three nasal sounds and basically the pattern of air that's moving out of our vocal tract has to do with two big instances and that is a closure in the vocal tract. Except aside from the plosives and affricates, what we have is air escaping through our nasal cavity. These sounds include ?m?, ?n? and ?ng?. We're moving from the front of the mouth to the back of the mouth. First with the M sound or the ?m?, we're closing both lips and the air is escaping through the nasal passage ?m?. Next we have our N sound or our ?n? sound. There, the closure is inside the mouth but our tongue is closing up near our alveolar ridge and the air is escaping through the nose. Again that's ?n?. Finally we have our NG sound and the closure there is happening...  [Read more]

  Hannah took ITTT’s 120-hour online TEFL course without tutor support. In her TEFL review video she gives a brief overview of her experience on the course. During the course she studied classroom management, grammar, lesson planning among other topics. Although she struggled with the final project the feedback she received was good and Hannah highly recommends the course. 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 feel that lesson plans are...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Say the word ‘hat’ to yourself out loud. Now say ‘mouth’. Was it easy? If you are a native English speaker you did it without thinking. You didn’t have to contort your face into all sorts of funny shapes or feel self-conscience during the process. The reason is that you already know the phonology of those two English words. You may not understand exactly how you said those words; whether they were plosives or voiced or non-voiced, whether or not the tongue was forward touching the teeth or raised touching the soft palate. You don’t need to know. You have heard and said these words hundreds if not thousands of times in your life. You already can say them easily without thinking. But what if you are...  [Read more]

  Place of articulation deals with the placement of the vocal organs when producing a sound. Before we can cover the particulars of places of articulation, we'll need to take a look at the various vocal organs and their locations. Moving from the front to the back we'd begin with our lips. We can use both lips in order to create a sound or we can use one of our lips with one of our rows of teeth, usually the top, in order to produce another sound. We also have other sounds, which use both of the rows of teeth. Further back we have what's called the alveolar ridge. That's the bit of the mouth that may get burnt when we're eating a pizza that's a bit too hot and the cheese burns just behind there our top two teeth. That again is the hard bit just behind our top teeth, called the...  [Read more]

California is probably the most famous state of them all due to the many Hollywood movies set here. Endless beaches, great surfing and a warm climate also make California a premier vacation destination. The Gold Rush of the 19th century first brought California a huge economic boom and an iconic wave of immigration. Still today, the state is among the most diverse in the country with a population of many different backgrounds and ethnicities. California is also the most populous state in the country and one of the largest as it covers three quarters of the entire West Coast. In the south, just 30 minutes from the Mexican border, lies San Diego. The city has a warm climate throughout the year and is often called ‘America’s Finest City’. San Diego offers splendid entertainment, outdoor...  [Read more]

  Now an example of a straight arrow ESA lesson for our engage phase. What we're going to do is to show the students a video of animals and they are going to say what they like about those animals and try to create a list of some more. So, remember what we're trying to do here is to get the students talking and thinking in English. We're using a typical engage activity, which is to create a list and we try to make sure that all the students have been involved in some way in creating those lists. Moving on to the study phase, the first part is going to be the board work and the teacher is going to try to elicit from the students what each of those animals can and can't do. Typically, what the students will say is just single words, so "run," "jump," "fly," etc. What we would then...  [Read more]

Lydia Pincott Destinations Alumni Experiences “But...why are you here?” It’s a phrase often uttered by Japanese, confused about what your reason could be for straying from the usual temples of Kyoto, shops of Shinjuku, and street-food of Osaka. The beaten path in Japan is pretty great and worth exploring thoroughly, but if you’ve done it, or feel like you’ve done it from seeing other people’s pictures, these 3 destinations are for you. Take a 4-week in-class TEFL/TESOL course in Japan and get a headstart in your teaching career! Picture this: Sandy beaches with perfectly turquoise waters stretching out as far as the eye can see, cafes with fresh, flavorful food just waiting to be devoured, and cheerful locals happy...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Many students of English as a Second Language (ESL) find that, of the many struggles they have with the language, pronunciation is the most difficult to master. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Sophie M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Pronunciation is an extremely important ability to have to sound more fluent in English. By gaining the knowledge and skill of proper pronunciation, an ESL student can come across at a much higher level of English ability and intelligence. However, this is easier said than done. In South Korea, for example, certain sounds aren’t used in their language but are used in English. Because these...  [Read more]

Georgia is one of the few Southern states that have a shoreline on the Atlantic Coast. That’s why the state is a popular tourist destination throughout the entire year. Moreover, Georgia is rich in history, has vibrant cities and boasts exceptional natural beauty. Combining these factors, you get a great location for your TEFL/TESOL course in the USA. Georgia was part of the original Thirteen Colonies and boasts a variety of unique historic sites and attractions. On top of that, the state’s landscape is dominated by the Blue Ridge Mountains in the north and it’s Atlantic Coast to the east. There is always something new to see and do in Georgia, which is why we are sure that you will enjoy your TEFL/TESOL course in this location. Georgia attracts millions of visitors each year due to...  [Read more]

Our tefl/tesol training course in the resort city of Santa Monica is a perfect location for anyone who wants to take their course within easy reach of the beautiful California coastline, as well as all the sights and attractions of the wider los angeles region. Located in the downtown area, our school is just a short step from the city’s fantastic beachfront and within a short bus ride of many of the most famous attractions in the area such as Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, and some of the best shopping to be found anywhere in the world. The course is operated in an esl school that is well-equipped with 10 classrooms, Wi-Fi throughout the building and access to photocopying and a useful resource library. We also have a small snack shop on-site as well as tea and coffee making...  [Read more]

ITTT offers one of the most professional and affordable TEFL training courses in Mexico. Located in the beautiful small town of Chiapa de Corzo, our training centre in Mexico provides everything you will need to successfully complete our teacher training program. Our course participants also have the benefit of our unique job support service that will be invaluable in helping you find and secure the right job for you, whether you want to work in Mexico, elsewhere in Latin America or anywhere around the wider world. Due to Mexico’s close proximity to the USA, there is a large demand for English language teachers throughout the country. Practically every city and town has job opportunities available for well trained and motivated teachers, so graduates from our training course should have...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As an aspirant teaching English to Chinese children, I chose ‘Pronunciation problems of Chinese people’ as the most attractive and the most useful topic for my summative task at this moment. As resources of this joyful and useful research on the internet, I have used three videos on Youtube made by the three experienced teachers of the English language. Only one of them works with children. And only one of them (accent coach from London, Luke Nicholson) gave a lot of live examples of the flaws in pronunciation that Chinese people, in general, make when speaking English, by showing the interviews with the Chinese actor Jackie Chan who sometimes manages to confuse his experienced interviewers. This post was...  [Read more]

Enrol on our ITTT course in the USA and experience learning and living in the richest and most powerful country on earth. With a diverse culture, beautiful and varied landscapes, magical cities and warm, friendly people, this really is an exciting place in which to take our TEFL course. The many immigrants pouring into the country each day and throughout recent history provide it with a diverse cultural heritage and a huge sense of national pride. New adventures await every visitor to this wonderful country also known as the ‘land of the free’. This country has a real need for quality English language teachers and those of you who choose to take our internationally renowned course here should have no difficulty finding employment following successful completion of the course. TEFL...  [Read more]

Exploring Siem Reap in Style with Affordable Tesla Options Siem Reap, a city in northwestern Cambodia, is known for its stunning temples, vibrant markets, and rich cultural heritage. For travelers looking to explore this enchanting destination in style and comfort, affordable Tesla options are now available. With a focus on sustainability and luxury, these electric vehicles offer a unique way to experience the beauty of Siem Reap while minimizing your carbon footprint. 1. **Discovering Siem Reap in a Tesla** 2. **Benefits of Choosing a Tesla** 3. **Exploring Siem Reap's Top Attractions** 4. **Booking Your Tesla Experience** Imagine cruising through the streets of Siem Reap in a sleek and eco-friendly Tesla, turning heads as you pass by ancient temples and bustling markets. With ITTT's...  [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]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Like we all know, the English alphabet has 26 letters. These 26 letters can make 44 different sounds or phonemes – 20 sounds come from the vowels a, e, i, o and u; and 24 sounds come from the remaining 21 consonants. A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound that can change the meaning of a word. If we consider sounds made simply by the letter ‘a’ for instance, in the word ‘apple’ – it’s /ae/, in ‘car’ – it’s /a:/, in amount – it’s /a/, and so on. This, consequently, makes English a non-phonetic language, which means that the pronunciation of a word is not dependent on its spelling. Now in order to pronounce a word correctly, we need to get three factors in it right - vowel sounds,...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Environmental Impact 3. Cost Savings 4. Convenience and Safety In the picturesque city of Cusco, Peru, owning a Tesla can bring about a myriad of benefits that go beyond just luxury and style. As the world shifts towards sustainable living, driving an electric vehicle like a Tesla can make a significant impact on the environment while also offering practical advantages to the residents of Cusco. From reducing carbon emissions to saving money on fuel costs, the decision to own a Tesla in Cusco can prove to be both environmentally conscious and economically savvy. One of the most compelling reasons to own a Tesla in Cusco is its positive impact on the environment. As a city known for its historical significance and natural beauty, Cusco faces environmental challenges due...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information The nomadic lifestyle is getting more and more appealing for many people wanting to escape the dry 9-to-5 trap back home. More and more people are packing their bags and heading off traveling around the world, making a living on the go. A great way to afford this lifestyle is teaching English, either online, at a physical school or to private students abroad. As this is getting increasingly popular, online English platforms, employers and English students are now expecting their teachers to be TEFL certified. But how do you find the time to study when on the road? Taking an online TEFL course might just be the answer to your problems! Here are 4 tips for getting your TEFL certificate on the road and for staying...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Every great teacher knows that the secret to a successful lesson is a solid plan. There is more to teaching than what happens in the classroom. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Madisen H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teachers spend lots of time outside of class analyzing student needs and getting creative to prepare the ideal lesson for their students. Many important things should be included in these plans. Lesson planning contributes to both the day-to-day success of a class, as well as its long term success. Without lesson plans, classes would be disorganized and unproductive. Also Read: Can I teach English abroad...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Music-based learning is an effective technique to develop English proficiency within an early youth classroom. Classroom-based singing can create a fun learning environment and lead to the development of musical skills, social interaction, and English vocabulary. This post was written by our ITTT graduate Patrick H. The most effective method for younger learners is the use of various simple rhymes. Rhymes are simple in nature and may easily be adapted to the current material that is being taught. The teacher and students will benefit most from a circular seating arrangement as it allows both parties to interact amongst each other in clear viewpoint. It is important for the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Each student faces their difficulties when it comes to English pronunciation depending on their country of origin. This essay will focus on the pronunciation difficulties facing ESL students in France and will also propose some solutions to help students overcome these difficulties. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Kerri M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The number of English vowel sounds greatly outnumbers those found in the French language. As such, French students will have to produce sounds that they have never produced before. The short ‘ɪ’ used in ‘bit’ does not exist in French. In this case, they will...  [Read more]

Seoul is a city with a long and interesting history. It is also a thoroughly modern and technologically advanced city. Ancient neighborhoods sit side-by-side with gleaming skyscrapers in a city that provides some of the fastest internet connections in the world. Such a technologically advanced city is able to offer a high standard of living at a cost of living that is comparatively low to many other cities around the world. This is none of the reasons that Seoul is a popular destination for TEFL teachers from around the globe. There is plenty to see and do in Seoul. If you are looking for home comforts then a visit to the international districts of Itaewon and Hannam would be a good idea. There are also numerous museums and parks around the city and festivals are held throughout the year. ...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching English to foreign students can be challenging, yet one of the most rewarding experiences. Providing education on the English language to young, middle-aged, or older individuals can be an eventful experience, shaping an instructor’s portfolio and personal life. In this report, I explore possible advantages and disadvantages of teaching English to university students in China from a prospective instructor’s perspective. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dhanisha N. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Teaching, in general, can be an action-packed experience. There are often peaks and valleys. Thus, it is interesting and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Since one of the essentials of being a good teacher is being respected by your students, it’s very important to make sure one does not offend culturally by one’s behavior or the content of the lessons. Lessons should be fun and at times feel “free” in the sense that students are laughing and interacting with each other and with the teacher perhaps in a game, but at no point should boundaries be crossed that would make students uncomfortable or put them in a defensive posture. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Renata D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. From the get-go, in establishing rapport, the teacher should do so in...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences From the days of Chaucer and Shakespeare to the present the English language has been filled with some amazingly peculiar and bizarre examples of speech and grammar. As the English sailed around the globe colonizing it to the extent the “sun never set on the British empire” the number of words that were adopted by the language could not help but grow. Along with this vocabulary growth so to did the number of expressions and grammatical rules that seem to make no sense when actually examined. One could say that English has been beating up other languages in dark alleys, then going through their pockets for loose grammar and spare vocabulary for centuries. This post was written by our ITTT graduate Jon C....  [Read more]

The ITTT TEFL course in Colombia gives you the opportunity to learn how to teach English in one of Latin America’s brightest stars and the gateway to South America. Colombia is a country filled with unique landscapes and innovative cities, cultural and gastronomic delights, and villages surrounded by imposing mountains. It is a country of diversity with places that only exist in Colombia. For lovers of nature and extreme sports, the three mountain ranges of the Colombian Andes are an excellent setting for climbing or walking trails. For water sports, the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Coast offer some of the world’s best surfing and snorkeling, and our lakes and reservoirs in the interior of the country are great for fishing and rafting. Colombia has everything; Caribbean beaches in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Japanese are known for being disciplined, dedicated, and hardworking individuals not only in their work but also in other aspects of their life like hobbies and studies. But why is it difficult for them to learn English despite their strong dedication, patience, efforts, and determination? This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Princess D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. I’ve been teaching English in Japan as my part-time job for more than one year now. I have seen and handled students of different ages, backgrounds, language levels, and experiences. Most of them are university students and young professionals, and I couldn’t...  [Read more]

Gianluca Costa Destinations Hong Kong is an energetic and exciting city. It is a modern metropolis with high skyscrapers, and its vast mountains make it a truly unique place. Adding to its beauty, Hong Kong is one of the major international financial centers, having very low taxation and a high standard of living. That's exactly why Hong Kong attracts people from all over the world. Even though Hong Kong is a small city, it has a lot to offer, and if you want to discover the local culture and learn their language, there are many language exchange groups or language courses to attend. The two main sports that expats do in Hong Kong are football and rugby. If you want to join a team during your stay, you can look on the internet for the Hong Kong...  [Read more]