High Affective Filter

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Motivation is one of the most influential aspects of learning a new language. For all language learners motivation varies, but it is surely an essential part in achieving fluency within any given language. Motivation can be dependent upon age, language fluency (both first language and second language), affective filter (i.e. an individual’s comfort level within a particular setting), and many other factors. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nicole H. In learning a new language, motivation is often dependent upon age. Age can affect an individual’s desires and reasons for learning a new language and thus influence the motivation to learn and become fluent within the language. As children, it is often thought to be naturally...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas How do we manage the class when teaching youngsters aged from 4 to 12? This is different from teaching adults since students in this age range have a shorter concentration span and higher affective filter. Here are the techniques we may use in the classroom. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yan L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Be patient towards all the students, not just the nice ones; Not comparing students with each other. Every child learns differently and comes from different backgrounds. Be willing to be wrong in front of the students. Not showing favoritism between the students. Be aware of how body language is presented to their students. Forgiving and...  [Read more]

Anna Domiczek Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Songs and music are such an important part of an ESL preschool curriculum. Not only are they fun, but they are also very powerful tools to help young students learn English in a fun and entertaining way. Learning a second language at the preschool level needs to be experienced through engaging activities - words and actions need to go in tandem. Songs allow the children to move along and learn in a pleasant, fun way, in accordance with the TPR technique. They also serve as a tool to lower students’ affective filter - according to the famous linguist Stephen Krashen’s theory (1983), students can develop a blockage/filter toward their study because of a negative emotional attitude. When that filter is low, thanks to triggering...  [Read more]

Shirin Sophy TEFL Information Teaching Ideas Second or foreign language learning, which appears to be an ever-present hurdle for many, has constantly been a topical issue with numerous Hypotheses centered around it, including language acquisition theory or monitor model with its sweeping effects on language learning in classrooms around the world. This well-known theory, first presented by Stephen Krashen in the 1970s, is initially based on six Hypotheses ( The Acquisition-Learning Hypothesis, the Natural Order Hypothesis, the Monitor Hypothesis, the Input Hypothesis, the Affective Filter Hypothesis, and the Reading Hypothesis) that will be discussed in this article. According to Krashen, in terms of foreign language performance, there are two fundamental approaches labeled as...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas I taught high school and college-level Spanish. I taught language for about 20 years. I learned many things throughout my tenure as a teacher. There are many traits and characteristics that I found useful in my career. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Keith B. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. As a language teacher especially, I had to find new fun ways to make use of everyday items for the benefit of my students. I would incorporate realia, real everyday objects, into the lessons that I taught. For example, teaching foods I would bring as many real fruits and vegetables into the class. I have learned that the more senses you can involve in the learning process the...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Every teacher’s goal is to be effective in the classroom and help students learn. Educators want their students to be eager and engaged. Humor is an important aspect of teaching and has the power to fuel that engagement. This paper will attempt to show the value of humor in the classroom and how humor enhances learning, regardless of the culture or country in which a person is teaching. This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Melynie T. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. My first introduction to teaching English in Taiwan was when I was called into the Principal’s office with complaints from the parents that their children were not learning in the classroom because they...  [Read more]