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English or Englishes: are varieties of English important for learners?

Over the past 200 years or so, English has grown to become the lingua franca (shared language) in a huge range of industries. The fields of media, engineering, medicine, shipping, air travel, international business and commerce all rely on English as the common language which can facilitate communication between countries anywhere in the world. Globally, by far the majority of international communication occurs in English between non-native speakers of English, between individuals,… All categories, How to..., Certificate courses, Diploma courses, TESOL Masters

5 Drama Techniques for Language Production

Communicative language teachers often borrow drama techniques to facilitate study and production of language in their classes. A popular example of this is roleplay from improvisational theatre to get learners using functional phrases whilst in role to fulfill a communicative aim. For example, learners may assume the role of service staff and customer(s) to make a reservation over the phone, order food in the restaurant, make a complaint about the food…the number of settings,… All categories, Five ways to, Teaching skills, ESL activities

Teaching grammar for young learners: children learn languages differently to adults

The grammar juggernaut continues to roll on despite many of the criticisms of an overly grammar-oriented focus that we’ve discussed previously here. In spite of our criticisms, one of the confusing things to make clear is that we don’t discourage teachers from teaching grammar entirely.  Even though students may to an extent (especially in Hong Kong!) judge a teacher by how effective they think their grammar lessons are (or even how closely their teacher’s grammar lessons conform to the… All categories, How to..., ESL activities, Certificate courses, Diploma courses

Expat guide: knowing your legal rights in Hong Kong (Part 1)

Any fan of Harry Potter will know that the alohomora spell opens a locked door and the expecto patronum charm provides protection. With a little know how and wizardry, the legal myths of Hong Kong can be unlocked and the unwary newcomer or even a seasoned resident protected from the ‘commodum habitus es’, or more simply being taken advantage of. As a former lawyer, I have never known a place that has so many legal myths which are perpetuated by the social grapevines. As a consumer it's… All categories

Overcoming self-doubt as a non-native English teacher

Teachers and teacher trainers, native speakers and non-native speakers alike, although having some of the best qualifications around, still have the odd stumble and doubt their language ability. Doubts can arise with vocabulary, grammar or pronunciation. I've noticed this happens more with non-native speakers like myself. I hold a range of certificates in English and TESOL including the highest in Mainland China for English major students – TEM 8, and a Trinity… All categories, Teaching skills, How to..., Careers in TESOL

TEFL Masterclass: finding the perfect balance with TTT

When I look back on the most common references to teacher talking time (TTT) in feedback forms and post lesson reflections, I see comments such as high TTT, my TTT was excessive, TTT unnecessarily high, TTT interupted learners thinking time, reduce my TTT. Do these sound familiar to you? How many people on your course obsessed over TTT? Take a few seconds and think back. There are probably many other examples you can come up with or put some names to those you… All categories, How to..., Teaching skills

Expat guide to living and teaching English in China

Have you considered living and teaching English in China? What things would you need to consider before you decide to pack up your life and move to the most populous country in the world? The first thing you need to decide is where you would like to live. China is a vast country and is as diverse as Europe, in terms of terrain, cuisine and cultures. Do you want to live in a futuristic metropolis with Blade Runner-esque skylines and international restaurants or a gritty, more down-to-earth… All categories, Careers in TESOL

5 Proven methods that help teachers connect with young learners

Most young learner teachers will have one of those classroom memories that haunts them. It could be a crying toddler who shouted continuously in want of a parent or another teacher non-stop for an hour. It might be the class of 12-13 year olds you thought were going to lock you in the cupboard if you turned your back for too long. It may be that your early experiences of teaching primary seem more like controlling a crowd at a football match than imparting knowledge and developing skills. The… All categories, Careers in TESOL, Teaching skills, Five ways to

6 Valentine’s Day ESL Activities for Young Learners and Adults

Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time to delve into themes of love and friendship with your ESL / EFL classes. In my teaching experience, kids and adults alike enjoy discussing and sharing traditions and ideas about love. Here are some of English for Asia’s favourite Valentine activities to do in class. Love letters : Famous People – 8 years old and upwards Find some age-appropriate love letters for your class to read. TheRomantic.com have great love letters from famous people. Pre-teach or… All categories, ESL activities, How to..., Certificate courses, Theme based learning

Alternative Careers in TESOL

If you’re thinking of taking an initial teacher training course, such as a Trinity Cert TESOL or a Cambridge CELTA, the obvious choice of career is to work as a teacher. There is much talk about whether or not experience within the TEFL industry is a springboard into other careers, and indeed during my years in the industry I have known former colleagues use the soft skills they have developed through teaching English as a foreign language to go into fields such as marketing,… All categories, Careers in TESOL

3 Step Guide to Flirting with Phonology

One of the biggest fears of trainees embarking on the Trinity Cert TESOL (and some experienced teachers) is what I have come to describe as ‘phonolophobia’ or ‘phonemophobia’; a fear of phonology and the phonemic chart. It’s only natural to be worried about facing up to something new. By starting the Cert TESOL you’ve taken the first step to conquering that fear. The next step is to explore the IPA chart itself. As with most phobias, it’s probably irrational. The more you get to know it, the… All categories

Incorporating Current Affairs into EFL classrooms

I remember shortly after the Brexit referendum, finding myself in a Chinese class trying to explain to my Mandarin teacher, why the British public were so polarised in their decision on whether to leave the EU. I struggled to express my opinion and needed to ask my teacher for topic specific vocabulary, such as ‘referendum’ and ‘European Union’, but I was motivated because I really wanted to express my opinion on this important matter. When students feel passionate or motivated to… All categories, ESL activities, How to..., Teaching skills