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We will take a roughly historical perspective as we look through the different methodologies for teaching English, from ancient past to current day. Named after the method used to teach the “classical languages” of ancient Greek and Latin and is often called grammar translation. There is a heavy focus on grammar such as verb conjugations and language rules. Also called the “natural approach” which is intended to copy the way we learn our native language naturally. As such, only the target language is used and the emphasis is on speaking and listening. As the name implies the two major components of this methodology are; audio (listen) and lingual (speak), so the method makes use of different types of drills to reinforce language structures. The focus is on using the target...  [Read more]

As online TESOL training has become so popular in recent years you will find some people suggesting that in-class courses are no longer relevant. The truth is somewhat different. Online courses offer a great deal of flexibility and convenience and are therefore here to stay. However, in-class TESOL courses provide a range of unique benefits that online options just can't match. On top of all the main benefits mentioned below, our in-class TESOL course can be taken in one of many fantastic locations around the world. Probably the biggest advantage that in-class TESOL courses have over online courses is the fact that they include several hours of Observed Teaching Practice (OTP). OTP involves planning and delivering your own lessons for real language learners in an authentic classroom...  [Read more]

There is a very large market for ESL teaching books and all the major publishers have some amount of involvement in their production. These books fall into a number of different categories and here we will look at the three main categories. Every teacher will have come across a few different book series that have been specifically written for the ESL teaching market. This type of resource generally comes in five different levels: starter/beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate, intermediate, and upper-intermediate. Each series will also contain three types of book: the teacher book, the student book, and the resource book (or something similar). The teacher book is key as it outlines the syllabus covered and it also breaks each subject up into individual lessons. Each of the lessons...  [Read more]

To meet the demand for teachers qualified to teach ESL online, ITTT has designed a course that is focused on the specific skills and knowledge needed in this unique learning environment. We also have an option where this specialized course can be combined with a standard TESOL certification course to give you a solid all-round qualification that will allow you to apply for jobs online and in-class. The contents of this specialized course are specifically designed to build on the subjects covered in our standard TESOL certification course and to ready you for the unique environment you will encounter if you decide to teach English online. Once you complete the course you will also receive access to our graduate network which is made up of hundreds of TESOL qualified teachers who...  [Read more]

If you want to join the tens of thousands of people who are teaching ESL in China right now, the first decision to make is which location would suit you best. The largest markets for foreign teachers are in the two big cities of Beijing and Shanghai. However, there are another 150 other cities with a population of over one million people, where ESL jobs can also be found. Shanghai is a truly vast city with a population of over 20 million people. Across the city there are countless potential employers, particularly in the field of business related English. As jobs are so widespread and the salaries are generally very competitive, Shanghai is one of the most popular teaching destinations anywhere in Asia. The city?s population is swelled by a huge number of expats from all over the...  [Read more]

When it comes to choosing the best online TESOL certification course you need to consider all the main options, what you want the qualification for, and what you hope to achieve with it once certified. First we will look at all the main online course options. The different types of online courses are easily separated by the average number of hours they require to complete them. Weekend courses: These are often marketed as “taster courses” and are done mainly at weekends to give those who are already employed a chance to see what TESOL is about. Due to time constraints (they usually last about 10 hours in total) there is limited material covered in terms of teaching and learning, but they can be useful to help you decide if doing a full course would be worthwhile for you. Short...  [Read more]

Lesson planning is a crucial aspect of teaching in the field of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). Effective lesson planning ensures that teachers are organized, prepared, and able to meet the diverse needs of their students. By carefully planning each lesson, teachers can create a structured learning environment that maximizes student engagement and comprehension. Additionally, lesson planning allows teachers to align their instructional goals with curriculum standards and objectives, ensuring that students are receiving a comprehensive and cohesive education. An effective lesson plan in TESOL should include several key components to support student learning and engagement. These components typically include clear learning objectives, a detailed outline of...  [Read more]

One of the key strategies for effective classroom management in TESOL is to establish clear expectations from the start. Communicate rules, routines, and consequences clearly and consistently to help students understand what is expected of them. This can help create a positive learning environment where students know what is acceptable behavior and what is not. Setting clear expectations also helps prevent disruptions and allows for smoother transitions between activities. Building strong relationships with students is essential for effective classroom management in TESOL. Take the time to get to know your students, show interest in their lives, and create a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. When students feel valued and respected, they are more likely to engage in learning...  [Read more]

One of the many benefits of teaching English abroad is the unique opportunity it provides for learning a second language of your own at the same time. If you want to improve your Spanish language skills or start them from scratch, there are several great destinations to choose from. Around half a billion people speak Spanish as their first language spread over twenty countries worldwide, and many of these have a decent market for foriegn ESL teachers. For many people who want to immerse themselves in the Spanish culture and language, the obvious choice might well be Spain itself. The country is well known for its historical sites, stunning beaches, and its relaxed attitude to life. Jobs are also easy to find in most major cities and popular tourist resorts, although the largest...  [Read more]

When it comes to choosing the best TESOL certification for non-native English speakers, it is essential to consider several factors that can impact the quality of the program and the overall learning experience. While there are many reputable institutions and organizations that offer TESOL certifications, it is crucial to select a program that meets your specific needs and goals. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a TESOL certification program is accreditation. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and rigor, which is especially important for non-native English speakers who may require additional support and resources to succeed in the course. Look for programs that are accredited by recognized bodies such as the British...  [Read more]

Teaching writing skills to non-native speakers is a crucial aspect of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). Writing is a complex skill that requires proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, sentence structure, and organization. Moreover, writing allows students to practice and demonstrate their language proficiency in a tangible form. By developing writing skills, students can communicate effectively, express their ideas clearly, and engage in academic or professional writing tasks. There are several effective strategies that TESOL teachers can employ to enhance the writing skills of non-native speakers. One key approach is providing ample opportunities for practice through writing prompts, journal entries, essays, and creative writing exercises. Additionally, teachers can...  [Read more]

Spain attracts a large number of ESL teachers from all over the world due to the culture and healthy job market. The type of visa you require varies depending on your nationality, so we recommend that you check with the Spanish embassy website before making any plans to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Spain is a long-standing member of the European Union so anyone with an EU passport can live and work freely in the country without a visa. However, EU citizens still need to apply for a residency permit and a tax number as soon as they arrive. The application process for this is generally very straightforward and your employer will normally help you with it. The most common route for non-EU citizens is to enter Spain on a 90-day tourist visa that is issued on arrival...  [Read more]

Although it is common for some ESL job interviews to take place over the internet or phone from within the teacher’s home country, many employers still prefer to interview in person on the school premises. Each job interview you have is likely to be a little different from the last, but there are a few simple guidelines you can follow to ensure you give yourself the very best chance of success. It is a well known idea that we form a first impression of someone within seven seconds of the first meeting. Because of this it is crucial that you are aware of some basic interview techniques to avoid blowing your chances before the interview has really begun. The first thing you should always do for every interview is turn up in plenty of time. Once the interview begins don’t forget to...  [Read more]

Costa Rica has much to offer those who choose to teach ESL in this part of Central America. A tropical climate, picturesque beaches, exotic wildlife and pristine rainforest are just some of its many attractions. But what visa do you need to live and work in the country? Unlike many other popular teaching destinations, it is technically legal for foreign teachers to work in Costa Rica on a standard tourist visa. Most nationalities, including Americans, Canadians and Western European citizens, are given a 90 day visa on arrival at the airport. Once the visa expires you can simply cross into a neighboring country and then get a new one on your way back into the country. When you first arrive in Costa Rica you are not legally allowed to work until you have registered for a tax number...  [Read more]

Integrating language skills in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) lessons is crucial for providing learners with a holistic language learning experience. By incorporating listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities, students can develop a well-rounded proficiency in English. This integration mirrors real-life language use, where individuals constantly switch between these skills to communicate effectively. Moreover, integrating language skills helps learners see the interconnectedness of language components, leading to a deeper understanding of linguistic structures and functions. There are several effective strategies that TESOL teachers can employ to integrate language skills seamlessly into their lessons. One approach is task-based learning, where students...  [Read more]

  At ITTT we believe in providing the very best value for money we can and part of this commitment is to offer a range of unique special offers on a regular basis. One regular offer that has proven to be extremely popular is the addition of a free specialized or advanced-level course when you sign up for a standard TESOL certification course. If you choose an in-class course, combined course, or our best selling 120-hour online TESOL certificate course with tutor support, you will be able to take one of these additional courses completely free of charge. Free courses are also available if you sign up for one of our great value course packages. The tutored version of the 170-hour TESOL course with online specialization, the Master Package, and the Professional Package are all included...  [Read more]

  The ITTT Blog offers a wealth of information on all aspects of the TESOL world in one convenient location. By visiting the blog you will gain access to hundreds of fascinating articles written by TESOL experts from around the world, as well as many by our own course graduates. The blog has many sections covering areas such as visas and work permits, teaching salaries, ideas for the classroom, and the different TESOL course options available to you. Another popular section looks at teaching destinations, including all the usual favorites and many places you might not have considered before. Many of our course graduates have contributed articles for the blog, most of whom are now working in classrooms across the globe. We highly recommend checking out these stories as they offer a...  [Read more]

  At ITTT we do our very best to provide TESOL courses to suit all budgets as we believe that every fluent English speaker should have the opportunity to teach, regardless of their background. Whatever your employment plans and whatever your available funds, you should be able to find a great value ITTT course to suit you among our many popular options. From short-format specialized courses to our advanced-level Diploma in TESOL, we have TESOL certificate courses to fit with almost every scenario. All our course prices are kept as low as possible to ensure that the wide world of ESL teaching is available to trainees from all walks of life. We also ensure you get great value for money by regularly giving away free additional courses with many of our most popular TESOL course options....  [Read more]

Assessing student progress in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) classes is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, assessment helps teachers understand how well students are learning and progressing in their language acquisition journey. It provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of teaching methods and materials, allowing educators to make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal learning outcomes. Additionally, assessment plays a vital role in motivating students, as it gives them a sense of achievement and helps them set realistic goals for improvement. There are various types of assessment that can be used to evaluate student progress in TESOL classes. These include formative assessment, which involves ongoing evaluation throughout the learning process to...  [Read more]

Hong Kong is a traditional favorite with many teachers as it is a modern, vibrant place where English is commonly used and most Western style comforts are readily available. The downside of its popularity is that the competition for the best positions is generally very strong. To give yourself the best chance of success, there are a few things you should know. Although there have been government guidelines in place for many years regarding foreign teachers, these have only recently begun to be properly enforced. The result of this is that it is now very difficult for anyone without a university degree and two years teaching experience and/or a TESOL qualification to find a legitimate job. On top of these basic restrictions, each employer is free to set their own requirements for jobs...  [Read more]