Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) – also referred to as teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) or English language teaching (ELT) – involves teaching English to those whose first language is not English, either in the UK or overseas.TEFL teachers work in commercial language schools, schools and institutions of further and higher education in the UK and overseas. Some may teach in industry, whilst others are self-employed. Teaching takes place with students of all ages and levels in various group sizes depending on where you teach. Classes are usually taught in English, even with beginners.
Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL), like any other teaching job, is about conveying information to students in an informative and interesting manner.Students learn English for a variety of reasons: to improve their conversational English; to improve their standard of English in preparation for school exams; to improve their English to gain entry to an English speaking university; or in order to be able to use English in their job. Consequently, the content of the lessons will vary. Depending on the school, the level of ability of the students may vary too.The aim of each lesson is to encourage the students to communicate with each other using the structures and vocabulary they have learnt, and to improve the four basic language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.Teachers will use a wide range of course books, other materials and a variety of audio-visual aids. There is a lot of emphasis on dialogue and role-playing, but more formal exercises, language games and literature will also be used.Typical work activities are likely to include:
- planning, preparing and delivering lessons to a range of classes and age groups;
- marking/providing appropriate feedback on oral and written work;
- devising and writing new materials;
- getting involved in social and cultural activities;
- participating in marketing events for the school;
- carrying out freelance teaching on a one-to-one basis;
- running specialist courses for adults or business people, which may require knowledge of scientific, technical or commercial terms.
