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How to exploit reading texts for TEFL classes

Teaching TEFL classes in Hong Kong can present a bit of a conundrum. In a culture that prioritises grammar instruction and accuracy over fluency, reading tasks are often seen as a series of questions to which the answers simply need to be copied straight from the text. However, reading comprehension texts for ESL learners create opportunities to integrate a variety of English sub-skills. For example, listening and speaking skills or exploiting a language or vocabulary aim. How a… All categories, ESL activities, How to..., Teaching skills

The importance of context for English teaching: experience, situation and surrounding language

Whenever we use language, whether we are speaking, listening, reading or writing, we do it in some kind of context. The situation we are in, the tone we want to express and the ways that others respond to us all affect the nature of the language choices that we make. Language without context lacks important reference points for meaning, and so is simply not as effective in communicating what we want to say. This is something that we must bear in mind as teachers, and something that our… All categories, Certificate courses, Diploma courses, How to...

Top 10 Interview questions to identify great English language teachers

It is a common misconception that people who grow up in English speaking environments are automatically qualified to teach English. If you are recruiting teachers to work at your centre, here are some key questions that will tell you more than you think about prospective teachers. Register for our next Teaching skills or CertTESOL Taster Workshops here. 1) Why did you choose to get into teaching? People get into TESOL for a range of reasons, both positive and negative. Someone who just wants… All categories, Careers in TESOL

What are the 4 written assignments on the Trinity CertTESOL course?

As much as many of you will sigh at the thought of written assignments, yes, there are assignments and they form the spine of the Trinity CertTESOL. There’s no getting away from it. The course is accredited at level 5 on the UK National Qualifications Framework, is equivalent to the first year of undergraduate study at a UK university, so does require a high standard of academic writing. Accurate and appropriate referencing of sources is required; plagiarism is taken very seriously. But,… All categories, Certificate courses, Teaching skills

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