TEFL Taylor 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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Establishing rapport in the classroom is essential if you are going to have a successful class. In this paper, I will examine some of my classroom experience and compare my successful classes to my less-successful classes. In doing so, I hope to make an observation about “best practices” that I can implement in my English teaching. Along with using my own experience, I will be talking with other teachers that I know and using the provided text that I have been given for this course. The three areas I will focus on are: Beginning the course, student participation, and being positive. Beginning the Course. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Taylor C. How a teacher begins a course will...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Music is an important element in our lives. When you’re on your way to work, you turn on the radio. When you’re too tired to do anything, you choose a song from your playlist and play it to make you feel relaxed. Human beings are emotional by nature. Music offers encouragement and the strength that one needs. Its importance cannot be taken for granted. It is a tool that connects people of all ages, nationality, and culture. It’s not odd to see a child listening to an old rock musician’s song. Also, it’s not surprising to see an Indian woman listening to Taylor Swift despite the differences in their cultures. I believe using music as a tool to teach English to foreign students have many advantages. This...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Motivating students is always a challenge and can, in fact, be one of the most difficult parts of education. There are countless ways to either encourage or intimidate a student into completing their work or participating in class but these external motivators have a limited effect. Encouragement and praise may only motivate a student while they are seated in the classroom. A teacher expressing disappointment on an uncompleted assignment may only encourage the student to avoid the subject or course work altogether. One of the best ways I have found for motivating students is to find a student's internal motivation. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Taylor O. Almost every student has a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences While English isn’t the most spoken language on earth, it is the language that is spoken in most places in the world. This is what designates English as a Global Language. If you want to study Neurosurgery at Stanford University, you’ll have to know English. You have a startup company in France, that’s going to revolutionize the smartphone industry. If you want to have your phones manufactured in China, you’ll need to know English. You’re from Russia, and spending your holiday at a hotel in North Bali. When you go out to the restaurant to order coffee from a native Balinese, you’ll need to know at least enough English to get your needs met. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In EFL lessons, there are several types of feedback that students can receive. First, there is feedback from the teacher; this can come in many forms such as “going through activities, checking students’ answers, giving praise and encouragement, correcting, setting regular tests, having regular group discussions, individual tutorials, etc.” (International TEFL and TESOL Training [ITTT], 2011, p. 16). Secondly, there is feedback from other students, also referred to as peer evaluation. These can take place in similar settings to teacher feedback and is often used by instructors to promote student-student interactions. And lastly, there are self-evaluations in which students reflect and assess their work....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences It's quite weird and confusing that English is different in different places. Many students are being taught in one way, while others in another way. Sooner or later they all face some problems in real-life communication. So, the question is, do they need to learn different versions of English or not? This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Taylor K. A student from rural China grows up learning British English in his local language school. He applies to a university in the United States and gets accepted. When asking for directions to his classroom he is told to go to the second floor, but cannot find his class because he is searching one floor higher than he should. During his class, he...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences There are many fields in today’s industries that require growth and adaptation on part of the worker. Teaching is no exception. While it’s true that after a few years many teachers will recycle old lessons, the lessons need to adapt to the new classroom. Being outdated can lead students to boredom and teachers losing confidence in themselves. The question becomes not ‘why’ but ‘how’ can teachers develop their careers. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Taylor K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Most teachers will begin their careers with a base level of certification or education. The most common would be through...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Have you ever considered living and experiencing a different culture? If the answer is yes, teaching is a good way to achieve your goal. Teaching can be hard and challenging but also very rewarding to watch your students improve. This is why taking a TEFL course is important for several reasons including the following: methods for teaching younger students, methods for teaching students who require different approaches to learning, and methods for keeping students under control in the classroom during an English lesson. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Taylor E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. First, I learned that...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Kindergarten students are at the "Beginner" phase of learning English. Therefore, you must treat the students and the learning experience in a fun and appropriate manner. Being kind, friendly, and entertaining is vital for young learners and your rapport as a teacher. Building a good rapport is essential to truly provide the best English course and helping the Kindergarteners progress throughout the semester. Since the students are so young and open to learning, talking only easy, simple words are beneficial to them at the moment. Do not go into further detail in the time being. They are beginners and need to learn the absolute basics before going into further detail about grammar. Your role as a teacher will be...  [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]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences When I first began my career of teaching internationally I remember a very distinct moment. I was sitting at a dinner restaurant with friends who were all from different countries: Germany, the Netherlands, the US, Columbia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Montenegro. While we were all from very different and faraway places we could all talk and share with each other. The only way that was possible was because of our one connected, global language. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Taylor K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. The term “global language” has never officially been defined. There has never been such a connection of...  [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]

Linda Dunsmore TEFL Information Teaching Ideas I’ve worked as an online tutor with VIPKid since 2017. I have also taught ESL in a traditional classroom setting. My experience dealing with parents in these two settings drastically differs. When I made the switch to teaching online full-time, I needed to adapt to this new way of interacting with parents. Some online teaching companies offer classes with multiple students. Working for VIPKid, however, I only have experience in the online classroom where the teacher is one-on-one with the student. In a one-on-one classroom setting the teacher will either be alone with the student, the student and a parent, or in some cases the student and multiple parents. I’m going to talk...  [Read more]

Maddy Payne Destinations TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Assistant Language Teachers in Japan come from different countries worldwide, bringing different kinds of English with them. In my experience, American English is often the most sought-after version of English. Some countries highly value Language Teachers from the USA, which often matches their American-style textbooks and resources. Sometimes people are even overlooked for job opportunities due to their Australian accent and British English background. Well, Japan is no different in this regard. Many Japanese schools hold American English in high regard, so what is it like being an Australian-English teacher in Japan? It's no secret that Japanese...  [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]