Stories abounded not long ago about TEFL being recession proof, and it being one of the few industries that could withstand the financial depression found in many countries. It’s hard…
Written by Ben Davies
The purpose of this blog is to introduce you to some ideas about teaching English as a foreign language. I lived in Japan and taught English for several years. It was a great experience that I would strongly recommend. Browse through the blog posts and get some tips, or get in touch if you have a specific question or comment.
Motivation in the ESL Classroom
A lack of motivation from students can sap your enthusiasm for work. This problem is found most commonly when students are forced learners; a company rule, or a school requirement…
ESL English Teacher Resume Tips
When you’re looking for a job, it’s easy to lazily apply for every possible vacancy with a standard template. Crafting your resume for each job will get you much better…
How to Teach Fluency in English – Part 2
Last week, I wrote about the 3 main elements on the way to fluency (practice, knowledge and confidence). Here I want to talk about the practicalities of becoming fluent.
How to Teach Fluency in English
Fluency is often held up as being the goal for students to aspire to, particularly in Eikaiwa, or conversation schools. I find with many of my students that they have…
Interview with a Teacher – Kevin Burns (Part 1)
A special treat for you, readers! Kevin Burns of Kevin’s English Schools (based in Japan) has kindly agreed to be interviewed. Read on!
Japanese Income Tax Return
It’s that awful time of year again – St. Patrick’s Day is upon us. Hold on, hold on – that’s not right. What I meant to say is: it’s that…
TEFL Interview: Let’s Japan on… Japan
Last week’s interview with Shawn Thir of Let’s Japan.org was all about Eikaiwa in Japan. In part 2 he gives us his views on working in Japan.
TEFL Interview: Let’s Japan on Eikaiwa
Let’s Japan.org is one of the few truly worthy sites about teaching in Japan. It’s a place for open discussion, news, and facts that aren’t published by many others. Shawn…
ESL Textbooks and useless English
It’s been over a year since I last wrote about textbooks. I freely admitted back then that I avoided using them. During the past year, however, textbook usage has been…