Teacher Talking Time in the TEFL Classroom

Teacher Talking Time (TTT) is the amount of time the teacher talks in the classroom. It pays to make this as little as possible. Look at this typical TEFL classroom dialog: Teacher: Jamal, what’s your favorite TV show? Jamal: Er… Teacher: Baywatch? American Idol? Top Gear? Jamal: Baywatch. Teacher: Great! […]


Continue Reading

Task Based Language Learning‏‎ in TEFL

Task Based Language Learning (TBLL) is basically geared towards the students performing a particular task. In the ELT classroom this might: ordering a meal asking directions discussing a film preparing a job application It’s all about getting the students focused and using authentic language. The students are doing meaningful, practical […]


Continue Reading

Target Language

The Target Language or TL is the language your students are learning. In this case, English. This needs to be contrasted with a student’s Mother Tongue‏‎ or MT which is the language they first learned as a child. The TL is of primary importance in the classroom and should be […]


Continue Reading

Sweet Incentives in TEFL Teaching

Many teachers like to use Sweets or Candy as Incentives for their students, especially with younger classes. TEFL teachers heading abroad will often fill their bag with candy from back home not only to motivate their class but also offer a little bit of cultural input as well. But is […]


Continue Reading

Survival English

Survival English is a term we used to talk about the essential English someone needs to know in order to survive – live or work – in an English speaking environment. Typical students of Survival English might be: going to the US on holiday taking an English course in Australia […]


Continue Reading