Are you an in-service TEFL teacher who would like to take the next step in your career and become a Director of Studies? Former Director of Studies, Stuart Allen, shares his experience on what you can do to become the next academic manager in your school.
Using SPaG to mark your students' writing saves you time and improves your students' English. And not just writing; your students will improve all four major skills by using SPaG strategies in TEFL classes.
Interview with Tyson Seburn: Inclusive materials in ELT and LGBTQ+ narratives in ELT classrooms
Join me for an another insightful FRESH CHAT with Tyson Seburn, a prominent voice in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT), as we delve into the critical topic of inclusivity and representation in ELT classrooms and textbooks.
In this interview, Tyson shares his perspectives on the current state of ELT materials, highlighting the significant gap in resources that reflect diverse and queer identities.
📚 Topics Covered:
- The importance of inclusive and queer representation in language learning
- Challenges faced by educators in incorporating diverse materials
- The impact of inclusive content on student engagement and learning outcomes - Strategies for creating and sourcing inclusive ELT resources
- Tyson's personal experiences and insights from his work in the field
👥 About Tyson Seburn:
Tyson Seburn (MA EdTech & TESOL, University of Manchester) is a lecturer in and assistant director of an EAP foundation year at the University of Toronto and tutor on Oxford TEFL Barcelona’s Trinity DipTESOL course. He has volunteered on local and international teacher association committees, most recently as IATEFL TDSIG Coordinator.
His personal and professional experiences inspired his interest in Queer and racialised ELT experiences, and thus ways to better practices and materials. He discusses critical and inclusive pedagogies via his online spaces (fourc.ca and @seburnt).
He is author of Academic Reading Circles (2015) and How to Write Inclusive Materials (2021).
TESOL course:
TEFL Lemon offers an online 180-Hour Higher Certificate in TESOL, which is fully accredited by ACTDEC. Module 19 on our twenty-module course is all about Cultural Awareness, something all TEFL teachers must have, as we are teaching language to people all over the world. Having an understanding of cultural diversity is an essential part of what we do, so much so, that we have dedicated a full module to it, as well as focusing on what is is like living and teaching abroad.
Our TESOL course improves and grows month-by-month, and this interview with Tyson will be added to Unit 19 in the supplementary videos section.
To take our course and get 20% OFF the cost, go to this link and use our discount coupon below: https://www.tefllemoncourses.com/checkout/Course/20305
Discover the differences between 120-Hour TEFL and 180-Hour TESOL courses. Choose the best option to teach English abroad.
It can be confusing to know the differences between 120-hour TEFL and 180-hour TESOL courses. There is so much conflicting information about which one is the best choice for those looking to teach English at home or abroad. TEFL Lemon looks at the differences between TEFL and TESOL courses and give you our verdict.
Language-learning anxiety is a real thing, especially when students feel that classmates around them are having an easier time learning English. I look at strategies to build confidence in your language students and bring the feel-good factor to your students.
Thinking of getting your TESOL certificate? Choose the 180-Hour Higher Certificate in TESOL, the best online TESOL program you'll find.
Teaching language can sometimes lead to lessons being too linear. Boomerang lessons provide a more student-focused approach to learning English. I look at how these lessons can help your language students.
#TEFL #TESOL
Thinking of taking a TEFL course or TESOL course? Choose our amazing 180-Hour Higher Certificate in TESOL, a globally-accredited Level 4 program.
Have you considered taking an online TESOL course for TEFL teaching? Read our blog post here and get 20% OFF the cost of the course using 'BIG20' at checkout.
Taking your regular TEFL or TESOL certificate up to the next level is a serious decision. It's hard work, expensive, and needs consideration. Having a DELTA or DipTESOL opens doors in academic department management, higher-paid jobs, as well higher recognition in the field. We lay out the difference between the DELTA and the DipTESOL.
Autonomous learning is a great way to help your students achieve higher in their language learning. We explore what autonomous learning is, how it can help, and some real ways that your students can start self-directing their learning.
Learn how to be a better teacher and find a TEFL job overseas with our Higher Certificate in TESOL.
How to help ADHD students in language learning can be challenging for TEFL teachers, who sometimes lack specialised training or expertise dealing with ADHD. The disorder, which is characterised by symptoms including impulsivity, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness, affects 5–10% of the population.
5 ways to improve speaking skills in your EFL classes
Speaking is one of the most important skills for anyone to have, as it helps individuals communicate their thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively. It is a vital part of language learning and a crucial aspect of personal and professional development. Research has shown that language learners are keen to improve their speaking skills above all other core skills when learning a language.
Here are 5 ways to improve speaking skills in your EFL classes
Encourage Active Practice: one of the most effective ways to develop speaking skills is through active practice. Encourage your students to participate in conversations, role-plays, debates, and other interactive speaking activities that require them to use the language. The key is production. This will not only help them become more confident in speaking, but it will also give them the opportunity to practice their pronunciation, intonation, and vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. Teaching Speaking is one of the core units in the Higher Certificate of TESOL, a Level 4 qualification accredited by ACTDEC.
Emphasise Pronunciation: Good pronunciation is key to effective communication, and it is important to teach this aspect of speaking from the start. To help students improve their pronunciation, teachers can use videos, audio recordings, as well as themselves as a language model. Additionally, teachers can use pronunciation exercises, such as minimal pairs or repetition drills, to help students become more aware of their pronunciation errors and correct them. Feedback is important in pronunciation, and it should be given quickly, so students can actually use the feedback.
Develop Vocabulary: A rich vocabulary is essential for effective speaking. Encourage students to learn new words and expressions by using flashcards, vocabulary games, and real-life scenarios. It is also important to teach students how to use these words in context and how to express their thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise way. Reading is a great way to build vocabulary and you can read our blog post on how to teach reading in a second language here.
Use Authentic Materials: To make speaking practice more meaningful and engaging, use authentic materials such as news articles, films, and audio recordings of native speakers. This will help students to improve their listening skills and learn new vocabulary, expressions, and cultural knowledge. Authentic materials can also be used as a starting point for conversations and discussions, allowing students to apply what they have learned in a practical and relevant way. The 180-Hour Higher Certificate in TESOL has an entire unit dedicated to using supplementary materials and the importance of using authentic materials in language teaching.
Give Feedback: Regular and on-going feedback is an essential part of the speaking-practice classes, as it helps students to identify how and where they can improve. Feedback can be provided through individual or group feedback sessions, where teachers can focus on specific areas such as pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary usage. It is also important to provide students with positive reinforcement, such as compliments or praise, to boost their confidence and motivation.
Effective speaking skills are essential for personal and professional success, and they are important to your students. By encouraging active practice, emphasising pronunciation, developing vocabulary, using authentic materials, and providing feedback, teachers can help students become more confident and effective communicators. With the right approach and techniques, teaching speaking can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for both teachers and students.
by Stuart Allen
Follow the TESOL and Travel blog by TEFL Lemon Courses for more great ideas here.
Teaching reading in a second language poses some pretty big challenges compared to teaching reading in L1.
We examine these challenges and give some great tips on how to teach reading in L2 more effectively, and why it is important not to neglect reading in TEFL classes.