Top 12 English Teaching Skills: A Comprehensive Guide

The common language in today’s world happens to be English. With its 1.4 billion speakers worldwide, the numbers continue to grow. About 60 nations have English listed as one of their official languages. People are genuinely interested in good English teachers these days who are quite capable of teaching them the essentials of the language. If you aspire to become an English Teacher and enhance your English teaching skills, you must possess skills to deliver your best.

Teaching English can be difficult and requires lots of practice. Opting for Courses that have accreditation from TEFLCA (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) can help you hone your skills. You can get international job opportunities with the right certifications & skill set. Therefore, we have listed some required English teaching skills that will help you achieve your goals.

Top 12 English Teaching Skills

1. Communication Skills

First and foremost, you must develop good communication skills. Vague communication left students anxious and struggling to understand the concepts. People who are better at communication can clearly express their thoughts. Strong communication includes clear and concise expression of thoughts. It can enhance the overall environment for the students. You must work on this skill to deliver the most.

2. Presentation Skills

If you have ever watched Ted Talks, you must be aware of how good some speakers are at presenting themselves. Good presenters know how to present their thoughts, when to pause, and when to invite questions. They maintain the pitch and change their tone while speaking. Also, they know the importance of maintaining a good posture. You can incorporate these English Teaching Skills to make your lectures more effective.

3. Command over Grammar and linguistics

It is one of the most important English Teaching Skills. English Grammar can be confusing for those learning it as a foreign language. Some can find English difficult because English does not sound as it is spelled. Hence, most of the students get stuck here while learning English. Any English teacher must have a deep knowledge of grammar & linguistics to clear student’s doubts.

4. Interpersonal Skills

Another essential English Teaching Skills is to develop your interpersonal abilities. It means you should have empathy towards your students and know how to collaborate with them. Also, you should be an active listener. You must be aware that you will meet people with different thought processes and learning abilities while teaching English. Some students may get the concepts in one go while others may struggle over weeks. It can frustrating for the teacher and other students. You must have empathy for all of your students. By using your interpersonal skills, you can create a positive learning environment promoting teamwork. You can easily avoid and resolve conflicts with this skill. Ultimately, it will support you and your students in achieving the learning goals.

5. Knowledge of the Latest Technology

The latest developments in this field have provided us with so many online platforms and tools. Technology is a boon, especially for those who want to teach English online. Keep looking for the best tools that can enhance the learning experience. There are multiple apps and tools available online that help you with presentations, time management, arranging lesson materials, conducting assessments, etc.

6. Developing Course Material

Developing and arranging the course material are important aspects of English Teaching Skills. Students will have a hard time studying if the course material is not understandable & structured. It also helps in developing learning goals. It is advisable to create a learning timeframe before developing a course. This will help you manage lecture lengths and allocate optimum time to each concept.

7. Creativity

There are so many instructors available for English Teaching. Creativity is the skill that can set you apart. You can use techniques like “Gamification” and “Storytelling” to make your lessons relatable. You can also use humorous examples to make the classes more engaging. Creative teaching can also help your students retain concepts effectively. So, start thinking out of the box and add creative elements while teaching.

8. Continuous Learning

This is one of the English Teaching Skills that will take you ahead in this field. Always keep yourself updated latest developments in your profession. Search for new teaching methodologies, linguistic trends, and tools that are better than the existing ones. You can also seek feedback from your students to refine your teaching skills.

9. Cultural Awareness

Being a language teacher can be difficult due to cultural barriers. Avoid using words or examples while teaching that can hurt the feelings of others. It is difficult to determine what terms to use and what to avoid. Hence, you should ask your students for their introduction in the beginning. This will help you in understanding the cultural dynamics. Also, it will make you sensitive towards various cultures.

10. Adaptability

Adaptability is also one of the most important English Teaching Skills. Each student is different and each classroom will be different as well. You must learn to adapt as per the needs of your students. Patience is often required in some scenarios. You can ask your students directly for suggestions. This will create an environment of trust. It will also eliminate the hesitation which hinders many students from asking questions.

11. Classroom Management

It is good to be friendly, empathetic, and adaptable. However, you must also know to manage your class and maintain discipline. Keep your students engaged but never compromise on class productivity. Explain your expectations and what you want as an end result from your students. This will help your class to remain focused and attentive.

12. Motivational Skills

Being a good motivator is the skill that will enable you to push your students for the best. English is a foreign language for many. They may feel jittery sometimes and find it difficult to learn. You must motivate them time-to-time to keep them going. You can recognize their achievements and encourage their participation to boost their confidence.

Importance of TEFLCA

The TEFLCA Network, which stands for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Canada), accords accreditation to CEFL and CTEFL programs or institutions. In effect, it guarantees that TEFL/TESOL courses are maintained on high standards on international criteria by institutes. Their curriculum, hours, and training methods are also checked. TEFLCA is recognized internationally, offering opportunities to teach abroad, online, or in local language schools. In Canada, it is beneficial for teaching English to immigrants or international students, helping them integrate or prepare for academic success.

Henry Harvin TEFL Courses

The TEFL course offered by Henry Harvin has been systematically structured to embrace specific training for future English teachers, blending theory with practical engagement. Distinguished course characteristics include live sessions, recorded class sessions, internships, and job assistance facilities. Henry Harvin is known for its flexible online learning options and its commitment to providing high-quality education to students globally.

TEFL Courses offered by Henry Harvin

1. TEFL/TESOL Online Certification Course

This TEFL Course has 40-hours instructor-led sessions. Here you will learn teaching skills & methodologies. This will also help you in planning the lessons, managing the classroom, and designing the assessment process. At the end of the course, your English teaching skills will improve significantly.

2. Post Graduate Program in TEFL

This is a Job Guarantee TEFL Program with 120-hour instructor-led sessions. This course will help you develop the necessary English Teaching Skills. Apart from that you will also learn about the learning cycle and strategies.

3. Master’s in TEFL

In this advanced, 144-hour instructor-led sessions, you will learn the real-life case studies. Other than the required English Teaching Skills, you will learn the practical approaches.

Conclusion

Knowledge combined with experience produces an ideal English teacher. There are many ways to develop your English Teaching Skills toward becoming a more successful teacher. Getting a certification like TEFLCA will improve your credibility. All over the world, there is a huge demand for TEFL-certified instructors. That is the reason why many countries actually look for people who hold an array of TEFL certifications. Such types of training are geared towards enabling teachers to absorb needed skills such as lesson plans, classroom management techniques, teaching processes for grammar, pronunciation, and language skills (i.e. reading, writing, speaking, and listening).

FAQs

1. How can I improve my English teaching skills to teach better?

Ans: Improving English skills involves consistent practice. You can Read English literature, watch English media, and write regularly.

2. What are the job opportunities for TEFL-certified teachers?

Ans: TEFL certification opens doors to various global job opportunities. It includes teaching online, in schools, language centers, etc.

3. Can TEFL-certified individuals teach online?

Ans: Yes. Online teaching is a great option for those seeking work-from-home opportunities.

4. What other opportunities would exist for TEFL certification holders apart from being teachers?

Ans: TEFL certificate holders can work in curriculum development, and educational consulting, among other fields.

5. How do I find job opportunities after TEFL certification?

Ans: You can search on online job portals. Also, many institutes advertise their vacancies on their websites.