TESOL Articles and Information

ESL/EFL Articles- Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (T

Articles for the English Teaching Community

How to Get a Teaching Job
Let me set the scene for a moment The interview committee at a well-respected, very competitive, high-paying school district has narrowed down its huge list of 500 applicants to the final three.
Characteristics of Good English Instructors

Teachers are the key figures in the English learning process. Their influence is fundamental to their students progress or lack thereof. To achieve the desired result in teaching English, i.e. guiding students to its successful acquisition, teachers have to be aware of and adhere to certain essentials. They also need to take into account crucial factors such as classroom atmosphere, classroom management, tolerance, patience, passionate, and other aspects. This introspective essay will undertake to highlight a number of good characteristics that make good English as a second or...
Building Up Your Vocabulary In A Foreign Language

You can't say you have a solid grasp on a foreign language unless you have a solid vocabulary to back your claims up. Grammar, spelling and pronunciation mistakes might slip every once in a while, but if you're reading a text or listening to a conversation and can't understand a third of the words used there, what's the point?
Why Learn Languages?

Why learn languages? Why would anyone want to learn someone else's language? Obviously, there are a lot of reasons, and if the question is on your mind, then you probably have a desire or need to learn a language yourself. The answer is often different for people. Put 10 random people together who are learning another language and you will probably have 7 or 8 different reasons and 5 or 6 different languages. Every answer is valid.
Spiral Second Language Teaching

For those of us working exclusively with authentic materials or even for those teachers who use them to complement their classes, spiral second language teaching plays a key role in their students learning process.
Memoirs of a Teacher
It was a year ago when we moved to Korea. A thousand miles away from our hometown in Texas, and everything seemed very strange. The cold Korean breeze rushed to meet us at the airport. Although basked with the delightful winter seasons from the United States, I was expecting a warmer welcome during our arrival in Korea. But that too, like everything else, is part of my illusions of Asia.
Working With Foreign Cultures

Cultures differ in how they communicate, how they use their time, and how they view themselves in terms of empowerment and decision making. The main variables we will discuss are selected from the research of Edward Hall, Florence Kluckhohn, F.L. Strodtbeck, and Geert Hofestede.
Fujikyu Highland, Riding the ALT Rollercoaster

"I saw a documentary on NHK recently and it said that if the foreign teacher is allowed to teach and the Japanese teacher assists, then the class will go well. But if the Japanese teacher insists on teaching in a Japanese way and wants to control the class, the students don`t learn as much and the class doesn`t go as well..."
Teaching English As a Second Language

Grew up in an English speaking country? Or your Mum and Dad taught you to speak English? Or both? Congratulations! You have a talent that is in huge demand and that can take you just about anywhere in the world. Teaching English as a second or foreign language.
Teaching Abroad With a TESOL Or TEFL Certification

TEFL and TESOL are acronyms for teaching English as a foreign language and teaching English to speakers of other languages. If you plan to teach English overseas then getting a TEFL or TESOL Certificate is a prime requirement.
If I Have a Degree, Do I Still Need a TESOL Certificate to Teach Overseas?
Depending on the country and the urgency of their need, there are many schools that will hire you to teach English if you have a degree from a recognized college or university. It generally does not matter in what discipline you earned your degree, but the preference is education or arts/humanities. Having said that, you will find that more and more, schools are asking for a TESOL or other ESL teaching qualification in addition to a degree.
How the English Language Has Been a Bridge Among Cultures

In terms of global conditions, the English language has been a significant and important influence. Economic globalization has lead to a quick expansion of the English language in all countries around the world. For this reason, as well as the advancements of technology, the English language has become a bridge among most cultures.
Tips For a Successful Student Teaching Experience

You have been assigned to a school. Now follow the tips for a successful student teaching experience. These suggestions will show you how to become a professional and could lead to a full time teaching position. These tips also apply to pre-student teaching candidates who are in the classroom for a shorter time.
TESOL Teaching Abroad Can Put You on the Road Less Traveled
When considering TESOL teaching abroad, many people automatically think of teaching in large and densely populated cities such as Seoul, Istanbul, or Rio de Janeiro. Of course, it is true that a great many TESOL opportunities can be found in big urban centers, but there are also a great number of opportunities to teach English as a second language in out of the way places that are off the beaten path.
How to Save Time and Increase Learning with the Students’ First Language

This articles challenges the preconception that English-only is the best way to teach. I will give reasons why you should use the L1, and give suggestions on how to use it in class to both save time and increase learning.
Advantages of Getting a CELTA For Teaching English
When I first thought about teaching English in a foreign country many of my friends said to me I shouldn't bother getting a certificate to teach, most private students don't ask to see it, and getting a job in an academy restricts your ability to travel. Well I disregarded their advice and applied for a place on a CELTA course, I spent a lot of time preparing for the course, and then found myself working 80 hours a week for weeks to get my CELTA.
Online or Onsite TESOL Courses?
Teaching English to Speakers of other Languages (TESOL) courses can be completed online or onsite. But what are the benefits of each?
Financing Your Future: How to Economize and Save in Modern China
How to save for the future on an English teacher's salary.
Progress Testing in TESOL

Progress tests are important for students. These tests assist students and teachers to measure progress in a specific textbook series. Teachers usually prepare their own progress tests, although many textbook series present a number of progress or unit tests.
Formal Testing in TESOL

Formal testing is important to both student and teacher and may be administered at either the start of a course; end of a course or at the end of a specific area of work such as at the end of a unit in a course book. There are various types of formal tests which will be discussed as well as what should be tested and the criteria for tests.
How To Become A Freelance English Teacher

Have you ever thought of teaching abroad? If you are a native English speaker it could mean an incredible experience alongside earning a decent income with it.
4 Tips to Secure a Teaching Job Abroad
For many, traveling and working abroad is a dream that will never be fulfilled. However, if you have a real passion for travel and are up for a challenge, you can turn this dream into a reality. There are many opportunities available for individuals who wish to teach abroad. All you need to know is how to take advantage of them. Follow these easy steps and you could find yourself teaching overseas quickly.
So You Think You Can Teach English?

Teaching English, like writing, is one of those occupations that people consider a fall-back option. In countries where English is not a native language, there is great demand for good English teachers. In places like these, it's quite common to hear unemployed graduates, new retirees or unhappy office workers saying, "Well, I could always teach English...", but is proficiency in English all it takes to be a good ESL instructor?
Teaching ESL - Why English Can Be Very Difficult to Learn

English can be very difficult to learn and there are many reasons for that. First of all, let's look at where the English language comes from: Latin, Greek, Norse, Germanic tribes (Saxony, e.g.), French (Norman), and many others. In days of yore in Britain where English started, there were the Angles (a tribal people)...thus Anglish which became English. However, the Angles had originally crossed the Channel from Germany as did the Saxons. Brittany is in France just across the English Channel and many of those folks found their...
Things To Consider Before You Teach In The Middle East

Going to teach in the Middle East can be an amazing and rewarding experience. You'll get to experience new and exciting cultures, make friends with people you might never otherwise meet, and you also get to take advantage of the travel opportunities. Before you quit your job and pack up your home, however, consider these three things.