The TEFL Academy Handbook 2021

Page 1: Introduction to the TEFL Handbook

  • Title: The TEFL Handbook by Sharon Turner

  • Publisher: The TEFL Academy

  • Purpose: Guide to start a TEFL career.

Page 2: Author and Editor Information

  • Author: Sharon Turner

    • Qualifications: Applied Linguistics BA, CertTESOL, DELTA

  • Editor: Mayy ElHayawi

    • Qualifications: PhD, CELTA

Page 3: Welcome Message

  • Objective of the Handbook: To assist EFL teachers in their initial experiences.

  • Real-Life Application: Written from 20 years of combined experiences from the author and editor in EFL.

  • Content Overview:

    • Each chapter provides background information and practical classroom applications.

    • Includes references to online resources for:

      • Job ads

      • Teaching resources

      • Online teaching platforms (e.g., Skype, Zoom)

      • Examination information

      • Professional development resources

      • Support through social media

  • Purpose: Aims to guide personal growth and professional development.

Page 4: Chapter Overview

Section 1: Getting Started

  • Chapters cover:

    • Chapter 1: TEFL Basics and Choices

    • Chapter 2: Classroom Familiarity

    • Chapter 3: Building Relationships

Section 2: English Skills and Grammar

  • Chapters cover:

    • Listening: Techniques and activities

    • Speaking: Strategies and lesson plans

    • Reading: Skills and materials

    • Writing: Processes and support

    • Vocabulary: Learning strategies

    • Grammar: Understanding and teaching approaches

  • Final Chapter: A Survival Checklist for new teachers.

Page 5: Continuing Chapters

  • Chapter Details:

    • Chapter 5: Speaking - Activities and lesson plans.

    • Chapter 6: Reading - Techniques and lesson plans.

    • Chapter 7: Writing - Understanding of processes.

  • Additional Focus: Vocabulary and Grammar systems.

Page 6: Starting Your TEFL Journey

  • Choices After Graduation:

    • Teaching options: Home country vs. abroad.

    • What to consider when applying for TEFL jobs.

    • Importance of understanding syllabus, course books, and classroom dynamics.

  • Relationships in Learning: Focus on personal and inter-student relationships.

Page 7: Understanding TEFL Basics

What is TEFL?

  • Definition: Teaching English as a Foreign Language; encompasses all aspects of EFL.

  • Context Distinctions:

    • EFL: English taught without immersion in an English-speaking culture.

    • ESOL: English for those living in an English-speaking locale.

  • Diverse EFL Learner Demographics: Wide range from young children to seniors.

Page 8: Making Choices

  • Factors to Consider:

    • Type of English courses.

    • Teaching institutions.

    • Home country vs. abroad.

Page 9: Course Types Overview

Different Course Types:

  • General English Courses: Focus on everyday English from beginner to advanced levels.

  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP): Prepares learners for university studies.

  • English for Special Purposes (ESP) including Business English.

  • Exam English Courses: Covers various recognized English exams.

Page 10: Assessment and Certifying Exams

Popular Exams:

  • General Exams: KET, PET, FCE.

  • Professional/Academic Exams: CAE, CPE, IELTS, TOEFL.

Additional Context

  • English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and youth-focused EFL teaching.

Page 11: Teaching Environments

Types of Institutions:

  • Private Language Schools, Government Schools, Universities, and Private Lessons.

Page 12: Job Considerations Abroad

Teaching at Home:

  • Available Opportunities: Job stability, relocation, freelancing considerations.

Going Abroad:

  • Evaluate cultural integration, job Preferences, travel logistics, and legal requirements.

Page 13: Important Preparations

  • Registration and Security: Register with consulates, keep copies of important documents, and understand local laws.

  • Local Engagement: Immerse in the culture to alleviate culture shock.

Page 16: Utilizing the Course and Teacher's Book

  • Course Book Structure: Contains units with language tasks and themes.

  • Teacher's Book Role: Provides teaching ideas, answer keys, and supplementary activities.

  • Principles of Course Books:

    • Not the sole resource for lessons.

    • Appropriate pacing of materials is critical.

Page 19: Supplementary Materials

Importance and Sources:

  • What Are Supplementary Materials?

    • Any teaching material outside of the main course book.

  • Where to Find Materials:

    • Course pack resources, publisher websites, YouTube, and authentic resources.

Page 23: Lesson Planning Strategies

Effective Planning:

  1. Lesson Plans: Essential for structure; emphasizes pacing and material preparation.

  2. Reflection: Focus on aims, necessary materials, and teaching phases.

  3. Adaptability: Flexible plans adjust to classroom realities.

Page 29: Classroom Relationships

Types of Relationships:

  • Student-Teacher and Peer Relationships: Understanding emotional blocks and fostering an optimal learning environment.

  • Social Dynamics: Engaging with students personally to enhance learning.

Page 40: Teaching the Four Skills of English

Key Components:

  1. Listening: Introduces skills, difficulties, and activities.

  2. Speaking: Integrates verbal communication techniques.

  3. Reading: Techniques for comprehension and engagement strategies.

  4. Writing: Structure and style in communication.

Page 41: Listening Skills Overview

Key Listening Features:

  • Phonological, syntactical, semantic, and discursive knowledge for effective listening.

Types of Listening Skills:

  • Discriminative, comprehensive, critical, therapeutic, and appreciative listening.

Page 42: General Advice for Teaching Listening

Learner Challenges and Solutions:

  • Prepare students for listening tasks by providing context, managing accents, and dealing with potential distractions.

Types of Listening Activities

  • Include diverse and inclusive strategies to keep engagement high and learning effective.