Learner Centred Teaching Methods

Teaching Styles We all learn in different ways, and similarly, as teachers we tend to have different ways of teaching which come more naturally for us. As teachers, we need to be aware of what our particular style is, but we should then try to adapt the way we teach to fit the needs of our students as well. There are many different categorizations of teaching styles, but rather than discuss the ways styles are categorized, I will simply summarize the ones most commonly referred to. Probably the most traditional one is the direct instruction style. Direct instruction is very teacher-centered, and provides for little if any student-teacher interaction or group interaction. The teacher is the focus of attention and provides all the information necessary for the student to excel in...  [Read more]

Teaching one-to-one Teaching English as a foreign language can be done one of two ways: teaching a group of students or by teaching on a one-to-one basis. It’s estimated that up to 40% of TESOL teaching is done one-to-one, however teachers find it increasingly difficult to find relevant material, advice and assistance on the method. Nicola Meldrum argues that teaching one-to-one “unfortunately is not covered much in ELT discussion” and that ‘It is somehow assumed that teaching English as a foreign language means organizing huge groups of students, while the reality is that one to one is a normal and significant part of our teaching lives”. Teachers are in effect left to their own devices; however this doesn’t stop the concept of teaching one-to-one being an effective and...  [Read more]

Problems for learners in a Country of your choice: Italy In this paper I will address the issues I face as a teacher from the context of living and working in Italy, as well as the common problems my students encounter while learning and speaking English. I also want to draw attention to the input culture and society has on language, and look at how these factors influence dynamics within the classroom. Of course, it is nearly impossible to view ones self outside your own given cultural perspective, so as a result of this I will also be discussing my own assumptions on how I "imagined" people might act, compared to the reality of the situation. Often I neglect to take into account these differences, simply because I was raised in America, where I am used to a different set of cultural...  [Read more]

Home / CELTA Trinity Courses / Athens Athens is always a popular choice with CELTA trainees as it has a thriving market for qualified English language teachers. The city is also overflowing with historical sites and is within easy reach of several beaches and the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. For a quick insight into all that Athens has to offer, click here to enjoy a virtual tour. As well as its many attractions, Athens also provides a welcoming and safe environment in which to live, study and work. If you then add the great climate, delicious local cuisine, and the vibrant nightlife, you can begin to see why the city has been one of Europe’s most popular for decades. No visit to Greece would be complete without heading to one of its many stunning islands,...  [Read more]

Home / CELTA Trinity Courses / Athens Athens is always a popular choice with CELTA trainees as it has a thriving market for qualified English language teachers. The city is also overflowing with historical sites and is within easy reach of several beaches and the calm blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. For a quick insight into all that Athens has to offer, click here to enjoy a virtual tour. As well as its many attractions, Athens also provides a welcoming and safe environment in which to live, study and work. If you then add the great climate, delicious local cuisine, and the vibrant nightlife, you can begin to see why the city has been one of Europe’s most popular for decades. No visit to Greece would be complete without heading to one of its many stunning islands,...  [Read more]

Teacher Self Analysis My early experiences of learning in the State education system of the UK clearly affected my career and attitude to education. In the main, I was taught by root, this had the affect of making me become bored and if I am honest, I did not take full advantage of my education. Later realising I still had some untapped potential I enrolled on a course in Higher Education. I expected the same teaching methods that I had experienced earlier in my life, but instead found a more progressive, student centered approach. My motivation was high and I achieved my Certificate in Education. I took these varied experiences with me when I entered teaching some ten years ago. I soon found that most learners at the college were I worked were poorly motivated, lacking drive and...  [Read more]

Australia and New Zealand constitute a large geographic area encompassing a huge variety of climates, topography and environments. The most immediately striking thing to the visitor is that the seasons are the reverse of those experienced by the northern hemisphere. The other curiosity is that water goes down the plughole the other way around. That not the only thing that’s unusual ‘down under’. Indeed, one is dealing with an entirely new world, only recently populated by non-indigenous peoples. There is an enterprising air about the new world, as well as a ‘can do’ attitude. With this said, people never hesitate to set aside their work worries in favour of ripping the scab off a few tubes, and getting the barbeque going on the beach; and a jolly fine time can be had by all....  [Read more]

TESOL certification is the required qualification that aspiring English language teachers need to qualify for the majority of teaching positions. However, due to the absence of established regulations governing TESOL certification, the process of selecting the right option can be challenging. Conducting an online search will reveal a diverse range of courses, characterized by significant differences in terms of study duration and financial investment, further complicating the decision-making process. How many study hours should I look for when researching TESOL certification? In-class TESOL certification Online TESOL certification Combined TESOL certification Other types of TESOL certification TESOL course packages One straightforward approach to categorizing the various TESOL...  [Read more]