TEFL Winn

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas You are already back after the summer vacation and students should be excited to start a new semester full of interesting activities. But how to impress them from the very beginning if they barely know you? The answer is this: choose one of these stylish outfits and sway into your TEFL teaching like a superstar! If you are an EFL teacher in a university or a high school, this outfit is what you need. These styles perfectly correspond with the atmosphere of institutions like this. Plus, neat-looking teachers are always admired by parents, especially in modest Asian cultures. For a really elegant, classy look choose basic items in pastel colors with classic cuts and...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas “Who wants to play a game?” I would ask my students this question whenever I start a lesson. The resounding answer would always be, “Me!” In all my years of teaching, I have yet to see a student refuse to play a game. Games are effective teaching tools because it makes learning interesting and fun. I can tell you more reasons why games are good for teaching. Now let me give at least six of them. Firstly, games make you practice a lot. As the saying goes, ‘practice makes perfect.’ In everything you do, whenever you play a game over and over, your mind gets better at it too. For example, when students play ‘Boggle,’ they have acquired many three- and four-letter words by playing numerous times. When...  [Read more]

  This video covers the difference between 'lose' and 'loose'. As these two words have a similar pronunciation and spelling, their usage is often confused. 'Lose' spelled with one 'o' is a verb and means to fail to keep, to fail to win or to fail to make money. Such as in these three examples for each meaning: 1) To fail to keep: I will lose weight but also my hair. 2) To fail to win: I'm expected to lose this game. 3) To fail to make money: I will lose a fortune. The word 'loose' spelled with double 'o', on the other hand is not a verb but an adjective. It means not tight, or free from constraint. A suitable example sentence for the word 'loose' would be: 'These trousers are loose.' We hope this explanation helped you and next time you'll know exactly which word to use. Below you...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Keeping students motivated to learn can be one of the biggest challenges a teacher may face. Without motivation, the students can become bored and complacent; they may even start to act out and disrupt the class. A few ways a teacher can keep their students motivated are by participating in games and physical activity, reward, and praise, and having a good attitude as a teacher. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Victoria O. Also read: Top Online Lesson Plan Resources for New and Advanced Teachers Games and activities are a good source of motivation because they are fun. Students are usually excited to play games, especially younger students. Games get students physically involved in a...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences When an English speaker is traveling in the Philippines, it is not uncommon for a friendly conversation with a local to end with the local stating they have a nosebleed and escape from the conversation. In Filipino culture, nosebleeds indicate that the brain is too stressed. Although Filipinos pride themselves in being fluent in English, many are not as confident to speak it when the time requires. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Terence L. This phenomenon of foreign language speaking anxiety is not limited to just the Philippines. Anxiety is one of the vital factors when learning any foreign language. Multiple studies have shown that ESL learners struggle with the language because of the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I used to be a Mountain Guide, I have worked all over the World. I have often found myself with my clients in a mountain refuge where we would stay the night before making a summit bid the next morning. These refugees, usually found in remote and wild places, are manned by a Guardian who looks after the refuge, provides a dormitory bed for the night and cooks a hearty evening meal. The mountaineers who stay come from all over the World and everyone sits together on long tables, sharing food and wine and friendship. English is not always the common language but it would be the language we would try to use on our fellow diners. I can recall many a hilarious evening trying to make ourselves understood by a series of...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas Teaching speaking skills is an important part of an ESL class. Sometimes, entire conversation classes are established that focus solely on speaking. Here are 7 great games for your ESL conversation class. Write down the names and key points about five celebrities and assign them to the same amount of students in your classroom. One by one, a student enters a “party” with another student playing the host. The host must then find out the identity of each guest by having a conversation with everyone. Have your students stand in a circle. Choose a specific grammar point and have the first person asks a question using the grammar structure. The student then throws a ball to another student who answers the question...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Games are one of the most important components in the classroom. They include activities that have goals and rules at the same fun time. There are lots of benefits to playing games in the classroom. Students can practice important skills by playing an educational game in a small group or with a partner. Whole class games are great means to review skills for a test or at the end of the unit. When students need a brain break or during an inside recess, action games work perfectly. Games can be given for homework to provide fun, engaging and differentiated practice. Games can be played in all subjects and at all grade levels. Games are fun as well as beneficial. Here are important benefits that we should use games in...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Teaching Ideas We all know what it’s like to teach a class with reluctant students who don’t want to talk. It’s like pulling teeth. However, with these 7 awesome ESL conversation activities, you can really get your students talking! For this activity, you simply use a tumbling block game such as Jenga and write 1 simple ice breaker question on each block. Before a student places a block on the stack, they must first answer the question on the block. This activity is especially great for small ESL classes or for small groups in a big class. Also Read: The 5 Best Ways To Build Rapport With Your TEFL Students First, take a few minutes to brainstorm characteristics a person might have. This could be something like “has flown in...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations France is one of the most popular destinations for teaching English in Europe. While a lot of people settle in Paris to enjoy the Parisian lifestyle, there are a lot of other exciting cities in all parts of the country. Here are the top 8 places to teach English in France. Due to local laws and regulations, it can often be difficult for non-EU citizens to secure a visa and work legally in France. However, if you are dreaming of living and working in France, don’t despair. We have a thorough guide to legally teaching English for people outside of the EU. Be sure to check it out here for all the details on how to move to France and teach English. A wine lover’s paradise, Bordeaux is a port city on the Garonne in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Establishing rapport means to build a friendly, trustable and cooperative relationship between two parties. For teaching, it is an indispensable step to starting any satisfactory class. Having been a teacher for more than 1 year in China, I realize how important it is to establish rapport with the students before to ensure a successful class. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jia L. Since a teacher and students are playing different roles in a classroom, the distance between two sides is naturally born. Moreover, there are differences in the educational backgrounds and ages of the teacher and the students, which will probably contribute to a further distance in between, in the end. Under...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas In my experience, the classroom can be a great learning environment when using games. We know that learning can be very intimidating to some students when learning a new language, also students might be hesitant to come thinking they will be bored. With the help of games, you have now created a better experience for them when learning and interacting with their classmates. As teachers, there is always the chance that you will throw too much information at your students and overwhelm them. Using games is a means of creating a stronger desire for learning, and the students are more engaged and involved. Another benefit of games can also be to break the ice with new students and help them get to know one another. The...  [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...  [Read more]

  In this video we explain the difference between 'compliment' and 'complement'. Both used as a verb and a noun, 'compliment' expresses something nice about someone, for example: I complimented my brother on his delicious cooking. In this example, the word 'compliment' is used as a verb. Let's take a look at a sentence where it is used as a noun: I gave my brother a compliment on his delicious cooking. The word "complement" on the other hand is used when two things go well together, or complete each other. The word is especially often used to indicate that two foods go well together. It is also often used in fashion, such as here: 'Her black dress complements her red hair,' or 'That wine complements the fish very well'. This should clear up any confusion. Below you can read...  [Read more]

Our course in Italy affords students the possibility of learning English in one of the most stylish and cultural countries in Europe. This country is widely considered to be one of the most attractive anywhere in the world, due to its delicious food, amazing architecture, rich history, art and exciting nightlife. It is a hugely popular destination among our students. The demand for English language teachers in Italy is very high throughout the entire year. Armed with the world renowned ITTT certification you will be sure to secure one of the many employment opportunities which exist nationwide in this country. Our TEFL course runs throughout the year in Italy at two quite unique destinations offering different features. Rome is an extremely beautiful and ancient city in which to attend...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas It is a very well known fact that English is a very melodic language, it sounds very soft and children love singing in English. When you keep a certain rhythm, rhyme, and pace, it is very likely to learn faster and better almost any topic. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Valeria T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For a group of very young learners, it is quite a must to use songs, to put the students move and have some action in the classroom as their attention span is quite short and they need entertainment, fun, and playtime. I will take as an example of body parts. If I were to teach the body parts, I would choose the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I have been learning English my whole life and I have been teaching the language for the last nine years in three different countries, and in both roles (student and teacher) flashcards have been part of my learning and lessons; in fact, almost in every lesson. Most of the teachers and students with whom I have used these resources to work vocabulary and create different routines to learn and drill it, have really enjoyed it. It goes further than showing a picture and repeating the words which the teacher says: using flashcards opens up a wide world of possibilities to put into practice in our lessons. They can be games, drills, memory activities… It allows us to work either individually, in small groups, or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina TEFL Information Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas We all know that exciting lessons make you learn things easier and faster. So how do we bring some life into the boring lesson? There are a lot of ways. Some teachers use songs and cartoons, which are great for kids. The others find class discussions and debates helpful. They are a good choice for older students. But what do all of us love? Of course, games! Both children and grown-ups enjoy playing games. They bring fun into the studying process and can be productive. Games can be used at every stage of the ESA lesson. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Oleh K. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

1. Introduction 2. Benefits of Teaching English in France 3. Requirements for Teaching English in France 4. How ITTT Can Help You Find English Teaching Jobs in France Teaching English in France can be a rewarding experience for those looking to immerse themselves in a rich cultural environment while sharing their language skills. With its diverse landscapes, iconic landmarks, and delicious cuisine, France offers a unique opportunity for English teachers to explore and teach in a country known for its art, fashion, and history. Whether you dream of strolling through the streets of Paris or relaxing on the beaches of the French Riviera, teaching English in France can be a life-changing adventure. There are numerous benefits to teaching English in France, including the opportunity to immerse...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas After doing some research online and asking some of my friends who are experienced teachers, I have compiled a list below of what we believe to be the five favorite flashcard games. Until I am a practicing teacher myself, I cannot come up with my favorite list and it would also, of course, depend on the age and ability of the students. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Alessandra F. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. This is a classic game from our childhood and always guarantees to make everybody laugh. The way it works is, you place a flashcard on each chair, and there is one number of chairs less than there are students. You...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn (and save) teaching English in Spain? You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to Spain. Spain is one of the most visited countries in the world and has a large tourism industry. Because of this, the demand for TEFL qualified English language teachers is very high all across the nation. Most teachers find jobs in private language schools but positions can also be found in public schools through government-sponsored programs. You will find most available positions in large cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Valencia, but...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Kinesthetic learners are learners that learn through objects that they can touch and explore. They also learn best by discovering and experiencing and particularly enjoy physical activities that involve getting out of their seat and moving around. Unlike visual and auditory learners, kinesthetic learners can be tough to accommodate in the classroom because of their need to be physically active. Since they need to be active in their learning, they may get bored very quickly if you allow them to simply listen and look at your visual aids or video presentation. As teachers, we must always be versatile and understand how to incorporate different types of learners. Luckily, there are...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas People say that language is a tree and the vocabulary is the leaf of that tree. Therefore teaching vocabulary items are indeed an essential part of any English learners’ growth. Especially for younger students, who are motivated to learn the basic words, they need to get by in the language. There are many different ways to teach vocabulary. Using flashcards is one of the most suitable media in teaching vocabulary. Because learners can easily memorize and understand the meaning of vocabulary through flashcards. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Huong Hoang T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Students sit in a circle with a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Flashcards are considered to be an effective means to introduce new vocabulary in the ESL classroom. They are vivid, easy-to-use and they are considered to stimulate active recall method which helps us to retain the vocabulary for long periods. Some teachers consider that flashcards can to be used for young learners only. In my opinion, even adults will benefit from using flashcards. They can help to reduce TTT while introducing new vocabulary, can be used as a revision activity, and when adapted, can even be applied to practice vocabulary in complex grammar structures. Flashcards are easy to find. You can buy ready-made flashcards, use cutouts from old magazines or draw your flashcards. You can even ask your...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Budget and Salary Destinations This guide will help you answer the question: How much can I earn (and save) teaching English in France? You’ll also find information on the local cost of living in order to figure out how much to budget for when making the move to France. The figure you can expect to earn as an ESL teacher in France will vary considerably depending on your qualifications and experience, the location, and the type of employer. For most teachers, a figure between 1,000 and 2,000 EUR per month would be typical. Unfortunately, teaching contracts in France don’t usually include any additional benefits and teachers will have to pay for their airfares and accommodation out of their own pocket....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The classroom management is obviously one of the major skills of the teaching experience any teacher might have in his/her career as it is the path he/she makes for less or more than a year with the same students who are going to learn from him/her; it is then the skill of organizing and managing the class with a friendly and relaxed manner and above all maintaining discipline. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Olinga D. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Managing a classroom has its requirements every teacher must go through, from the first eye contact with the students, he/she must find the best way to establish rapport with...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas According to a study by scholars and experts in the field of linguistics, more specifically in the article of Riney & Anderson-Hsieh from International Christian University, the native language (L1) is a good predictor of pronunciation accuracy in English as researched by Suter in 1976. In the same article, it was mentioned that a subsequent study by Purcell and Suter in 1980, found that non-native speakers who are most likely to pronounce English (L2) poorly, fit the profile in Japanese ESL students. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Cherryl T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. In my two years of teaching ESL online, I’ve...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Classroom management can be referred to as the wide variety of skills and techniques that teaches us to keep students organized, orderly, focused, attentive, on task, and academically productive during a class. The strategies and the instructional technique used by the teacher to manage student behavior and activities related to learning can also be termed as classroom management. To keep the students organized, orderly, focused and attentive, the teacher must create a set of expectations that will be used in the classroom environment. It includes routines rules and consequences. In managing the classroom, the teacher must develop some management techniques that will support the teachers' expectations. This post...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Destinations Teaching English abroad is an adventure all by itself but there are some TEFL destinations that really take the cake for adrenaline junkies and adventure seekers. Here’s our list of the best places that won’t leave you bored when you’re not in the classroom. Nicaragua is filled with adventurous places but the city of Leon really wins the crown. Only here, you can balance on a piece of wood and zoom down the side of an active volcano. If that’s not enough, you can end your day at the nearby ocean catching some of the best waves in the Latin American region. Plus, there are plenty of English schools hiring TEFL qualified teachers in Nicaragua and the demand is increasing. Learn more about living and teaching in...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences English, like any language, is first and foremost the mother tongue of a person. Languages often are influenced by or entirely derive from migratory groups of people. The original native tongue of France, for example, was Gallic. The Latinized French we know today was only born after centuries of Roman occupation and assimilation. More confusing still, the nation takes its name from the Franks, who were themselves a Germanic tribe which conquered the territory from Rome. Despite this, their native German tongue had an only minor influence on French, as Roman Gaul had a quite large population. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Cole T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]