Hi all, thanks for dropping by. To make things easier, I've decided to merge some of my blogs, which, including this one, can now be found at ELT World. I've been getting off my backsides and writing recently, so come over to the new URL and leave lots of lovely comments.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
ELT World News Blog
Thanks to all of you who have visited this blog. I'm busier than ever over at eltworld.net setting up things. The ELT World news blog has been up and running for almost a year now...
Please drop by and learn all the latest TEFL scandal from around the world at the ELT World News blog, you'll be amazed what's going on in the wonderful world of English language teaching.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Making the Move
Dear all, I'm making the move gradually away from blogger and onto the eltworld.net website proper, hence the slowing down in posts. I'll keep you informed as to the progress with the whole range of blogs that will soon be up and running, including the all new David's ELT World blog, the ELT Times Newspaper, the ELT World News center, ELT World Lesson Plans and many, many more. Thanks for dropping by and please check out the new blogs.
Friday, October 24, 2008
TEFL Certification and Training Options for Teaching English Abroad
By Luke Fisher
We're once again joined by Luke Fisher, who delves into the world of teacher training courses in this latest addition to the guest authors series:
The various types of TEFL Certification available make it important to research all possible options before learning to teach English as a second language. As there are many types of courses available you can usually find one that will suit both your timing and the method that you prefer for instruction. In the past there have been two options when it comes to taking a TEFL course, the first is classroom style and the second is an online course. Currently, about 30,000 people per year become TEFL certified with 5,000 completing in-class courses and 25,000 completing online courses.
There are a number of options in terms of TEFL certification. The training methods vary due to the nature of the course itself, the main difference being the method of course delivery. An in-class 4 week course is face to face where trainees are taught along with their peers and includes the very important component of teaching practice with real students of English. By Contrast, an online course is by nature completed independently with the support of an online tutor either via email or chat. Although an online course is a convenient option in terms of cost and accessibility, the draw back is that no teaching practice can be completed due the course being online. Instead, a CD of teachers teaching are viewed and commented on.
Typically, a TEFL certification course is 4 weeks long and is more than often completed in the country where you plan to teach English. The course is fairly intensive and is designed to give a sound foundation and introduction to teaching English as well as teaching practice with actual students of English. Teaching skills, knowledge and experience are improved after the course when actually teaching. The most popular locations for TEFL certification are Thailand, Spain, Italy and Costa Rica.
Another option is TEFL certification online. The main advantage of this type of course is its flexibility and price. The course can be taken from pretty much anywhere with a pc and can be completed at a self dictated pace. The course can be completed in anything from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on the time that you have available. Not having to attend a training centre overseas for 4 weeks obviously makes this type of course a much cheaper option.
One further option is a Combined TEFL course. This is a combination of the two methods above. Trainees complete the online TEFL certification course and then attend a training centre for two weeks for further training and teaching practice. This is a good option for those that do not perform to their full potential in intensive environments. The teaching practice component of the combined course is offered in four locations: Thailand, Italy, Spain and the USA.
The quality of training and certification received when completing a TEFL course relates to the time involved in training and the amount of teaching practice hours completed. The 4 week in class TEFL course and the combined TEFL course involves approximately 130 hrs of training and 6 to 10 hrs of teaching practice. The industry standard recommendation for an in-class course is 6 hrs of teaching practice. The online course involves 100 hrs of training and post course options for in class components of teaching practice either locally or abroad.
About the author
TEFL Course is a leading provider in global TEFL Certification and TESOL Certification. TEFL Course will help you find TEFL Jobs in a range of countries.
We're once again joined by Luke Fisher, who delves into the world of teacher training courses in this latest addition to the guest authors series:
The various types of TEFL Certification available make it important to research all possible options before learning to teach English as a second language. As there are many types of courses available you can usually find one that will suit both your timing and the method that you prefer for instruction. In the past there have been two options when it comes to taking a TEFL course, the first is classroom style and the second is an online course. Currently, about 30,000 people per year become TEFL certified with 5,000 completing in-class courses and 25,000 completing online courses.
There are a number of options in terms of TEFL certification. The training methods vary due to the nature of the course itself, the main difference being the method of course delivery. An in-class 4 week course is face to face where trainees are taught along with their peers and includes the very important component of teaching practice with real students of English. By Contrast, an online course is by nature completed independently with the support of an online tutor either via email or chat. Although an online course is a convenient option in terms of cost and accessibility, the draw back is that no teaching practice can be completed due the course being online. Instead, a CD of teachers teaching are viewed and commented on.
Typically, a TEFL certification course is 4 weeks long and is more than often completed in the country where you plan to teach English. The course is fairly intensive and is designed to give a sound foundation and introduction to teaching English as well as teaching practice with actual students of English. Teaching skills, knowledge and experience are improved after the course when actually teaching. The most popular locations for TEFL certification are Thailand, Spain, Italy and Costa Rica.
Another option is TEFL certification online. The main advantage of this type of course is its flexibility and price. The course can be taken from pretty much anywhere with a pc and can be completed at a self dictated pace. The course can be completed in anything from 2 weeks to 6 months depending on the time that you have available. Not having to attend a training centre overseas for 4 weeks obviously makes this type of course a much cheaper option.
One further option is a Combined TEFL course. This is a combination of the two methods above. Trainees complete the online TEFL certification course and then attend a training centre for two weeks for further training and teaching practice. This is a good option for those that do not perform to their full potential in intensive environments. The teaching practice component of the combined course is offered in four locations: Thailand, Italy, Spain and the USA.
The quality of training and certification received when completing a TEFL course relates to the time involved in training and the amount of teaching practice hours completed. The 4 week in class TEFL course and the combined TEFL course involves approximately 130 hrs of training and 6 to 10 hrs of teaching practice. The industry standard recommendation for an in-class course is 6 hrs of teaching practice. The online course involves 100 hrs of training and post course options for in class components of teaching practice either locally or abroad.
About the author
TEFL Course is a leading provider in global TEFL Certification and TESOL Certification. TEFL Course will help you find TEFL Jobs in a range of countries.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Teaching English in Japan is at this Instant Easier...
By Judy Wellsworth
In this edition of the guest writers series, Judy Wellsworth gives us the lowdown on teaching in Japan:
In Japan, the necessity for English-speaking citizens has lately risen to epic proportions. With this increase in demand, finding a job teaching English in Japan is easier than ever for foreigners who wish to head abroad. Are you considering teaching English in Japan? If so, there are a few key things you should know before you begin your job hunt. Teaching English in Japan is an adventure makes sure it's not a stressful one
Image courtesy of www.freephotosbank.com
In this edition of the guest writers series, Judy Wellsworth gives us the lowdown on teaching in Japan:
In Japan, the necessity for English-speaking citizens has lately risen to epic proportions. With this increase in demand, finding a job teaching English in Japan is easier than ever for foreigners who wish to head abroad. Are you considering teaching English in Japan? If so, there are a few key things you should know before you begin your job hunt. Teaching English in Japan is an adventure makes sure it's not a stressful one
Image courtesy of www.freephotosbank.com
Gross Good While Coaching In Japan: Teaching English in Japan is also possible at a more laid-back level. If you're not interested in getting involved with a school, college, or corporation, consider teaching private lessons. Private teachers who travel to peoples homes to teach English can expect to earn about 15-20 Euros per session. You most likely won't make a living doing this, but it can be a great way to enhancement your income if you're forecast on staying in Japan.
A unique expansion in the field of teaching English in Japan involves teaching over the telephone. Although this method is catching on in many countries, it is particularly popular in Japan, and it offers teachers the opportunity to do their jobs without having to leave their home countries. Some might quarrel that living in France is the best part of becoming an English teacher. However, if your life doesn't permit travel but you're still interested in a TEFL career, telephone teaching is another option to walk around.
If you're interested in the Japanese culture and have a working knowledge of the language, teaching English in Japan can be a great way to support you while experiencing a different culture. If you’ve chosen this field, be prepared to do your research before embarking on your adventure. Till take some work, but it's very possible to make this your lifelong livelihood.
Ever since the middle of 1990, a lot of foreign individuals have looked into the possibility of teaching English in Japan. This is because of the vast opportunity that is waiting for them in the country. With the increasing weight of the American economy within the large-scale market or the desire to travel to the USA, a lot of citizens who do not know how to speak the language have decided to study it. English schools within the country want to be assured with the tutoring that they are providing their students.
It would not be an awful idea for you to try looking for a teaching job in the country, too. You can make your employment more enjoyable when you pick to apply within schools which have a good status. This way, you will be able to guarantee that the terms of your indenture are clear. If you want to make sure that the contract of your English teaching job is not just a false promise, you can ask for references from the people that you know. If you know someone who has previously qualified or is currently teaching in Japan , you might want to ask which school offers the best benefits. If you are engrossed in education English in Japan then you can take the TEFL course. All prices include tuition fees and course materials; the higher cost in Seville is because it includes accommodation. In the other 2 locations, accommodation is not provided but the course organizers will help you to assemble it.
There are many opportunities for teaching English in Japan so seize your TEFL certificate in one of these three locations and then help will be given to finding you a job in the area of your choice. Most contracts last for one year and then you are free to endeavor another country that appeals to you, maybe, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, the list is endless and the choice is yours a TEFL certificate in actuality is a authorization to the world.
About the author
You can also find more info on Teaching Certificates and Teaching Courses. Teachingjobshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known more about teaching jobs.
A unique expansion in the field of teaching English in Japan involves teaching over the telephone. Although this method is catching on in many countries, it is particularly popular in Japan, and it offers teachers the opportunity to do their jobs without having to leave their home countries. Some might quarrel that living in France is the best part of becoming an English teacher. However, if your life doesn't permit travel but you're still interested in a TEFL career, telephone teaching is another option to walk around.
If you're interested in the Japanese culture and have a working knowledge of the language, teaching English in Japan can be a great way to support you while experiencing a different culture. If you’ve chosen this field, be prepared to do your research before embarking on your adventure. Till take some work, but it's very possible to make this your lifelong livelihood.
Ever since the middle of 1990, a lot of foreign individuals have looked into the possibility of teaching English in Japan. This is because of the vast opportunity that is waiting for them in the country. With the increasing weight of the American economy within the large-scale market or the desire to travel to the USA, a lot of citizens who do not know how to speak the language have decided to study it. English schools within the country want to be assured with the tutoring that they are providing their students.
It would not be an awful idea for you to try looking for a teaching job in the country, too. You can make your employment more enjoyable when you pick to apply within schools which have a good status. This way, you will be able to guarantee that the terms of your indenture are clear. If you want to make sure that the contract of your English teaching job is not just a false promise, you can ask for references from the people that you know. If you know someone who has previously qualified or is currently teaching in Japan , you might want to ask which school offers the best benefits. If you are engrossed in education English in Japan then you can take the TEFL course. All prices include tuition fees and course materials; the higher cost in Seville is because it includes accommodation. In the other 2 locations, accommodation is not provided but the course organizers will help you to assemble it.
There are many opportunities for teaching English in Japan so seize your TEFL certificate in one of these three locations and then help will be given to finding you a job in the area of your choice. Most contracts last for one year and then you are free to endeavor another country that appeals to you, maybe, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Brazil, the list is endless and the choice is yours a TEFL certificate in actuality is a authorization to the world.
About the author
You can also find more info on Teaching Certificates and Teaching Courses. Teachingjobshelp.com is a comprehensive resource to known more about teaching jobs.
Monday, September 29, 2008
English learning resources: variety and motivation
By Luke Holden
In this article in the guest author series, Luke Holden discusses the need for variety in language learning:
Variety is the key to success for those learning a new language or trying to build on their existing knowledge. Having interesting and appealing material to study from is essential to maintain motivation as a student, and this article will attempt to explain some of the more useful resources available.
It is worth noting that new learners of a language really do need to build a solid foundation of knowledge before attempting anything else, and it is most useful for them to use material intended for that purpose such as structured textbooks and some websites for beginners. Both of these types offer constructive examples with relative variety. The good news is that for English learners with at least a basic level of ability, there is an abundance of material available as learning resources. In order to create some order of what exactly is available, the following three categories have been constructed;
'Authentic material' is material which has not been created for the classroom. It can be thought of as original and unedited, and covers areas like newspapers and magazines, business reports, leaflets and brochures, novels, and more. The advantage to using authentic material as a study aid is that you can get a first hand idea of how to apply your English knowledge to real, everyday situations. The problem for many learners is that they don't feel that they can use their knowledge, but authentic material crosses that bridge and is an endless source of interesting and varied information. For example, in a newspaper alone you can learn about world events, improve your general knowledge with related reports, or simply find out what is on television in another country. Authentic material has such huge diversity that a learner can always find something relevant to their needs or interests, and new authentic material is being created everyday.
'Non-authentic material' is material which has been designed for the classroom, and is usually edited to make it appropriate to a particular level of English. This kind of resource is best found in the classroom from certified esl and tefl teachers, or in the school itself. It's a very effective form of learning and covers categories like word searches, dialogues and worksheets, amongst others. Correctly designed non-authentic material has been built with a teaching idea or topic in mind, and should focus on helping the learner to understand a specific point of knowledge relating to grammar or vocabulary. The English learner who wants to understand an exact concept can use non-authentic material as a strong and useful tool, and then move back into authentic material for the application.
'Online material' is technically both authentic and non-authentic, but has been put into its own category because it is such a unique phenomenon. The growth of the internet over the last twenty years has helped numerous groups of people, with language learners at the forefront. A massive number of websites to help English learners has emerged, as Google proves with 85 million results for the phrase 'learn English.' Without a doubt, the internet connects the world and does so by uniting people from different countries and backgrounds, and who speak different languages. For English learners, the internet offers educational websites, but is not limited to that alone. It also has a huge selection of free authentic and non-authentic resources to cater for every need, and will continue to do so for years to come.
As has been shown, the availability of English learning resources is seemingly endless and ever-increasing. Knowing which type of material is most useful for which lesson is a matter of experience and unique to the individual, but by combining authentic, non-authentic and the internet together, any English student can succeed in their search for English learning resources.
About the Author
Luke Holden is an experienced English teacher, living and working in Beijing. He is the proud owner of http://www.aenglish.net, a collection of learning resources and advice run exclusively by English native speakers
In this article in the guest author series, Luke Holden discusses the need for variety in language learning:
Variety is the key to success for those learning a new language or trying to build on their existing knowledge. Having interesting and appealing material to study from is essential to maintain motivation as a student, and this article will attempt to explain some of the more useful resources available.
It is worth noting that new learners of a language really do need to build a solid foundation of knowledge before attempting anything else, and it is most useful for them to use material intended for that purpose such as structured textbooks and some websites for beginners. Both of these types offer constructive examples with relative variety. The good news is that for English learners with at least a basic level of ability, there is an abundance of material available as learning resources. In order to create some order of what exactly is available, the following three categories have been constructed;
'Authentic material' is material which has not been created for the classroom. It can be thought of as original and unedited, and covers areas like newspapers and magazines, business reports, leaflets and brochures, novels, and more. The advantage to using authentic material as a study aid is that you can get a first hand idea of how to apply your English knowledge to real, everyday situations. The problem for many learners is that they don't feel that they can use their knowledge, but authentic material crosses that bridge and is an endless source of interesting and varied information. For example, in a newspaper alone you can learn about world events, improve your general knowledge with related reports, or simply find out what is on television in another country. Authentic material has such huge diversity that a learner can always find something relevant to their needs or interests, and new authentic material is being created everyday.
'Non-authentic material' is material which has been designed for the classroom, and is usually edited to make it appropriate to a particular level of English. This kind of resource is best found in the classroom from certified esl and tefl teachers, or in the school itself. It's a very effective form of learning and covers categories like word searches, dialogues and worksheets, amongst others. Correctly designed non-authentic material has been built with a teaching idea or topic in mind, and should focus on helping the learner to understand a specific point of knowledge relating to grammar or vocabulary. The English learner who wants to understand an exact concept can use non-authentic material as a strong and useful tool, and then move back into authentic material for the application.
'Online material' is technically both authentic and non-authentic, but has been put into its own category because it is such a unique phenomenon. The growth of the internet over the last twenty years has helped numerous groups of people, with language learners at the forefront. A massive number of websites to help English learners has emerged, as Google proves with 85 million results for the phrase 'learn English.' Without a doubt, the internet connects the world and does so by uniting people from different countries and backgrounds, and who speak different languages. For English learners, the internet offers educational websites, but is not limited to that alone. It also has a huge selection of free authentic and non-authentic resources to cater for every need, and will continue to do so for years to come.
As has been shown, the availability of English learning resources is seemingly endless and ever-increasing. Knowing which type of material is most useful for which lesson is a matter of experience and unique to the individual, but by combining authentic, non-authentic and the internet together, any English student can succeed in their search for English learning resources.
About the Author
Luke Holden is an experienced English teacher, living and working in Beijing. He is the proud owner of http://www.aenglish.net, a collection of learning resources and advice run exclusively by English native speakers
Friday, September 26, 2008
Advice for a New ESL Teacher?
'When you first arrive in your assigned country, the first few minutes can be shocking. The air smells different, the people surging around you are likely different, the looks of buildings and storefronts and wares for sale may all be different' notes Douglas Anderson in his article 'Advice for a New ESL Teacher' over on the ELT Times online TEFL newspaper. Read on...
TEFL International discussed on the Forums
The issue of TEFL International has reared its head again over on the forums and is bringing about some heated debate. Check out the latest news over on the general discussion forum now!
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