Blog for ESL teachers

Hello, colleagues! My name is York Fern, I’m an English teacher, and today I want to talk about a very important topic — teaching dialogic speech in English lessons. To be honest, this question puzzled me for a long time. It’s frustrating when you prepare thoroughly for a lesson and the students remain silent! I remember my very first lesson: I asked a simple question in English and was met with nothing but awkward silence.

Sound familiar? For me, it was a sobering experience: the students knew the rules and vocabulary, and their grammar level allowed them to form full sentences, but they didn’t know how to apply that knowledge in real speech. That made me question what I was doing wrong — why weren’t they switching into “speaking mode”? Gradually, I realized something obvious: students need to be taught to hold a dialogue, not just memorize rules. After all, in real life, language is for communication and live conversation. Dialogic speech isn’t just an exercise in a textbook; it’s a skill that makes lessons interesting and realistic. Let’s explore how I and many of my colleagues approach developing this skill in class, which dialogic teaching methods work best, and why learning to hold a dialogue is so valuable for our students.

Texts are essential tools in any English lesson. Whether you’re preparing students for exams or developing their general communication skills, the right reading material can improve vocabulary, grammar, critical thinking, and overall language confidence.

In this article, we explore how to effectively incorporate reading texts into your ESL classroom using structured methods and practical TEFL/TESOL strategies.

Imagine we’re sitting in a cozy coffee shop, chatting over a cup of coffee ☕ about teaching. My name is York Fern, and I’m an English tutor with many years of experience. I used to wonder: how do English tutors find students? It once felt like a confusing and even intimidating challenge. But over time, I developed my own approach, and now I’m happy to share personal tips and stories from my practice.

In this article, I’ll explain how to start your student search, explore both free and paid methods of attracting students, and show you how international certifications like TEFL/TESOL can support your journey. Let’s begin this tutoring adventure together — may it be productive and enjoyable 😊.

How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam on Your Own: A Step-by-Step Guide

IELTS is an international English language exam, and the idea of taking it often causes anxiety among candidates. Many wonder: is it possible to prepare for IELTS on your own, or is a teacher absolutely necessary? I once asked myself the same thing. 😊 The truth is, self-preparation for IELTS is not only possible but can also be highly effective — with the right strategy and discipline.

In this guide, I’ll share a step-by-step study plan, useful resources, and personal tips that will help you achieve a high IELTS score. You’ll learn how to structure your learning process, what to focus on in each section of the exam, and how to avoid common mistakes. Ready to start? Let’s go! 🚀

Let’s break down what TEFL is, why a TEFL certification matters, and how it can completely change your life.

Have you ever dreamed of working somewhere like the beaches of Thailand or the bustling, vibrant streets of South Korea? What if you could travel the world and do something meaningful—like teaching people English? A TEFL certification is your chance to combine your love for travel with a rewarding career.

This internationally recognised document confirms that you’re qualified to teach English to non-native speakers. You don’t need to be a linguist or a professional teacher to get started. All you need is a desire to learn and a passion for sharing knowledge.