TEFL theory
A look at some of the theoretical and practical issues in English language learning and teaching.
Three Mistakes Teachers Make that Cause Learners to Fail
Are you guilty of any of these erroneous practices in ELT or language teaching?
Language Acquisition Vs Language Learning
In order to acquire language, learners need a source of natural communication. Unfortunately, with adult students, a quick look at current methodologies clearly shows that communication is set aside, neglected or even disregarded.
Should TEFL Teachers Be Bilingual?
There are reasons both for and against having bilingual TEFL teachers. Here are some arguments on each side.
Authentic Vs Graded Material in Second Languages
What are the pros and cons of using authentic versus graded material in the second language classroom?
Grammar Teaching: Implicit or Explicit?
Should we be teaching grammar implicitly, in context and communicatively, or explicitly, with rules-based grammar lessons? Or is a combination of the two the most effective way?
Teaching Your ESL Students to Understand Real English
In class, do you slow down your speech and try to articulate a little more precisely than you do when talking to other native speakers?
A Guide to Testing English Language Students
When we train as English language teachers, testing is often one of the parts of the job that doesn't get much attention. So here's a guide to how, why and when we test our students, and how to do it well.
Language Acquisition in Adult Learners
How do adults acquire a second language, and what can we learn from this as ESL teachers?
Is Grammar Really Important for a Second Language Learner?
Should students be learning from exclusively grammar courses, communicative courses, or something in between? Is grammar important, and if so, why?
How to Teach Mixed Ability Language Courses
One of the most difficult situations for a language teacher is a group with students of different levels, varying learning ability, or both. How do you design a lesson to meet all the varying needs?
10 Tips for Giving and Checking Instructions in an ESL Classroom
Here are 10 ways to make sure your instructions are as clear and comprehensible as possible in your ESL classes.
Effective Learners and a Learner-Centered Classroom
Designing effective learning requirements requires a clear understanding of, and attention to, both commonalities and differences in the learners and the learning.
