TEFL Articles and Information

ESL/EFL Articles- Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL)

Articles for the English Teaching Community

Evaluating Teaching ESL/EFL/TEFL Job Offers from Schools Abroad

You have decided on being an ESL/EFL teacher so you are off on the job search. Aside from the obvious considerations such as what country to work in and what training/qualifications (TEFL/TESOL/CELTA/DELTA) to obtain; there are other things a teachers should consider when looking at potential job offers.
How To Find a Teaching Job Abroad in 10 Days Or Less

Yes - it can be done. You need to prepare the ground carefully, but there are a massive number of jobs available around the world and there are not enough English teachers to fill them. If you want to teach abroad quickly, you are pushing at an open door. The 10 steps for finding a teaching job in 10 days or less are listed below. But beforehand, you need to meet two basic conditions:
Where is the Best Place to Teach Overseas?

Where is the best place to teach overseas? It is hard to decide where to go when you look at the scope of unique and exciting experiences that are available in the different regions around the world. This article is designed to give you information regarding the way your decision about where to teach overseas can affect your lifestyle while you are teaching abroad.
Five Questions Every Struggling English Teacher Should Ask

Problems. What would we English teachers ever do without them? You might think, Well, I certainly would like to live without any problems: But would you really? Problems and difficulties in EFL and language teaching are notorious for forcing change, creative thinking and spurring new growth when we are impelled, as it were, into new directions and venues wed not otherwise choose. Problems? Bringem on.
Teaching English? It\\\'s Easy Isn\\\'t It?

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) sounds the perfect way to make some money while visiting or living in another country, or as a work from home business. After all you can speak English so you can obviously teach it, right?
TEFL Techniques
TEFL Techniques: Be Yourself! What makes a good teacher? Think about it can you remember a particularly good teacher you had at school? Can you remember any that youd rather forget? OK hold those thoughts, memories, pictures, words You KNOW what makes a good teacher.
Tips For Those Who Want To Teach English Overseas
The opportunity to teach English overseas can be a wonderful experience. Overseas work gives you the chance to see other countries and experience other cultures. Before you make a commitment to teach or work overseas, make sure you are fully informed about the country you'll be working in, requirements for foreigners working in the country, and the documents you'll need.
Blindfold Activities in the TEFL Classroom

One method of creating a genuine information gap is through the use of blindfold activities. Blindfolds can be employed in a variety of ways in the TEFL/foreign language classroom to foster a truly communicative and student-centered approach to learning. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Teaching Abroad: A Guide to the Basics

Teaching English as foreign language (or second language) is an excellent option for visiting new parts of the world. Because English is commonly used for diplomacy, higher education, business and technology, English teachers and classes are in high demand around the worldwide.
Not All International Schools Are Created Equal - A Quick and Dirty Guide For Overseas Teachers

Considering the recent unprecedented growth in the number of international schools in the world on top of the abundance already operating worldwide, it is no wonder you might be reeling from the thought of choosing the right school for you.
China Foreign Teachers’ Quick Reference Guide

The following article has been adapted from the comprehensive Foreign Teachers Guide to Living and Teaching in China that first appeared on the Internet in its original form in March 2007. It is specifically based on the mini-checklist of questions to ask and issues to consider, before accepting any job offer, in appendix A of the guide.
More ways to make sure students in your classes understand you

From making it longer to making it shorter, these techniques will help avoid misunderstanding in your classes
Getting a Job in Teaching
Characteristics that a teacher should have are patience, concern for others, love of children, persistence, listening skills, motivational, and a sense of humor. There are pros and cons in teaching.
Teaching English As a Foreign Language in Rwanda

Rwanda has recently announced that it will begin an official policy of teaching in English in its schools in an attempt to raise the international profile of the country.
A Day in the Life of Teaching English in Spain

Madrid's penetrative August weather is hard for any seasoned Madridilenos to bear. So this week's fresh September breezes complimented my first lesson very well...I have just completed my TEFL in Madrid and am enjoying the wealth of new opportunities it presents.
Teaching English in Singapore: Lucrative and Rewarding Jobs Await

For too long Singapore has been dominated by its larger cousins in the global market for TEFL/ESL destinations. No more should the Lion City just be a refuge to teachers from Thailand looking for some civilisation while on a holiday break. Lucrative TEFL/ESL opportunities exist that allow teachers to save and provide for a lifestyle teachers in Thailand and Vietnam can only dream of.
Language production activities in the TEFL/ESL classroom; moving beyond gap fills

Somewhere between scholarly studies of how people learn and the frontline experience of teaching, the issue of how TEFL/ESL learners actually acquire and keep language is confronted in activity design. Language practice activities come in many forms...
How to Tell If It\\\'s a Good TEFL Course

When I decided to train as a TEFL teacher in Madrid I discovered that like many important decisions I had to step away from it and carefully evaluate all of the aspects of where this could take me. After years of helping future teachers decide what TEFL course is right for them, I have worked out a fairly simple set of guidelines to find the right course for you.
The Effects of Pronunciation on Spellings and Comprehesnion
My study proved that pronunciation had a significant effect on spellings of some words, though my study was only focused in determining the words with middle and final 'r'. My study also found out that pronunciation affected comprehension in learning a new English.
Teaching at Japanese Universities
Hiring Practices, Class Allocation and Color Politics
What\\\'s the Difference Between TEFL Certificate and Diploma Courses?

There are basically two types of initial TEFL training - taking a weekend certificate course plus optional add-on modules or taking a longer intensive 4-week course. After qualifying and gaining at least one year's (preferably two years') experience, you will have the chance to extend your qualifications by taking a diploma course. There are also online TEFL courses, but these are not discussed here.
Will I Be Given a Curriculum to Teach From?

You can pose this very question at the interview stage when you apply for a job, but don't let a potential negative answer put you off. Some schools are incredibly organised, with a clear syllabus and curriculum, and files full of cross reference systems. These help you to source materials from which to teach when they should be used.
Why Teach English Abroad?
They say that travel broadens the mind. They're right. Teaching English abroad offers a world of opportunity and discovery.
Where is the Best Place to Teach Abroad?
The best place to teach English abroad? Well of course it all depends on the individual, your worldview, your tastes, experiences and your ambitions. Everyone has different motivations, different expectations and lifestyles.
Teaching Abroad - The Basics
Are you looking for a fresh challenge? Want to break from your routine? Do you feel that you would like to explore new skills and talents that you haven't yet had the opportunity to develop?