Innovations in EFL Teaching: Hiring for the Modern Classroom

The landscape of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teaching is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancements and innovative teaching methodologies.

As educators seek to create more engaging and effective learning experiences, the adoption of blended learning and gamification has become increasingly prevalent. These innovations are not only transforming the classroom but also influencing the recruitment strategies for EFL teachers.

Modern Teaching Methods in EFL

Blended learning, which combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning activities, offers numerous benefits for EFL teaching. It allows for greater flexibility, enabling students to learn at their own pace and access resources from anywhere. This method also supports personalized learning, catering to individual student needs and enhancing overall engagement. In an EFL context, blended learning can facilitate language practice through interactive online exercises, virtual discussions, and multimedia content, making the learning process more dynamic and effective.

Gamification

Gamification involves the integration of game elements into educational activities to boost student motivation and participation. In EFL teaching, gamification can transform mundane language exercises into exciting challenges, promoting a more interactive and enjoyable learning experience. By incorporating elements such as points, badges, and leaderboards, teachers can create a competitive yet collaborative environment that encourages students to actively participate and improve their language skills. Gamification not only makes learning fun but also helps in better retention of knowledge through repeated practice and instant feedback.

Influence of Modern Methods on Recruitment

The adoption of blended learning and gamification in EFL teaching necessitates a shift in the skill sets required for teachers. Modern EFL educators need to be technologically proficient, adaptable, and innovative in their teaching strategies. They must be capable of using digital tools effectively and integrating them seamlessly into their lesson plans. As a result, recruitment efforts must focus on identifying candidates who possess these skills and are enthusiastic about leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes.

Attracting Tech-Savvy Talent

The integration of modern teaching methods can attract younger, tech-savvy educators who are well-versed in using digital platforms and gamified learning tools. Job descriptions for EFL teachers now often highlight the need for expertise in blended learning and gamification, appealing to candidates who are eager to apply their technological skills in an educational setting. This shift not only broadens the pool of potential applicants but also ensures that the recruited teachers are well-equipped to meet the demands of contemporary EFL classrooms.

IT Recruitment Copenhagen

In the context of EFL teaching, IT recruitment plays a crucial role. Copenhagen is renowned for its innovative approach to education and its strong emphasis on integrating technology into teaching. The city’s recruitment landscape reflects this, with a growing demand for educators who can effectively utilize modern teaching tools. Schools and language institutions in Copenhagen are increasingly seeking candidates who are not only qualified in EFL teaching but also proficient in using digital platforms and gamified learning techniques. This trend highlights the importance of IT recruitment Copenhagen in shaping the future of EFL education in the region.

IT Recruitment Services

IT recruitment services are instrumental in supporting the hiring process for modern EFL teachers. These services specialize in identifying and attracting candidates with the necessary technological skills and teaching expertise. By leveraging their extensive networks and industry knowledge, IT recruitment agencies can connect educational institutions with highly qualified educators who are adept at using innovative teaching methods. This collaboration ensures that schools can find the right talent to implement blended learning and gamification effectively, thereby enhancing the quality of EFL education.

Moreover, IT recruitment services provide valuable support in streamlining the hiring process, from candidate sourcing to screening and interviewing. Their expertise in both education and technology sectors enables them to understand the specific needs of EFL institutions and match them with suitable candidates. This tailored approach not only saves time and resources but also improves the overall effectiveness of the recruitment process.

Case Studies and Examples

Several schools and institutions have successfully integrated modern teaching methods and adapted their recruitment strategies accordingly. For instance, a language school in Copenhagen implemented a blended learning program and recruited teachers with strong digital skills through a specialized IT recruitment agency. The result was a significant improvement in student engagement and learning outcomes, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. Testimonials from teachers and recruiters further underscore the positive impact of innovations on the hiring process, highlighting the importance of embracing these changes.

Conclusion

The incorporation of blended learning and gamification in EFL teaching is revolutionizing the classroom experience and shaping recruitment strategies. Educational institutions must adapt to these innovations by seeking teachers who are technologically proficient and innovative in their teaching methods. By leveraging IT recruitment Copenhagen and collaborating with IT recruitment services, schools can find the right talent to meet the demands of modern EFL education. Embracing these changes will ensure that students receive a high-quality, engaging, and effective language learning experience.

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10 Rules To Help You Become a Better Teacher

How can you be a better teacher?

When I say better teacher I don’t mean the horrible CPD workshops every teacher experienced. Did you shudder? I’m sure you did.

Rebecca Allen writes about the bad CPD here.

She asked teachers on Twitter about their worst CPD and got some interesting answers:

When I say better teacher I mean real-life based, simple, common sense rules, which seem so obvious , yet we often forget about them.

It’s simple – we can be better teachers, when we are better humans.

We often forget to be better humans because we’re too busy, we have plans to follow, homework to check, tests to prepare, not enough time, not enough energy.

In the rush of the day, we forget how to be better teachers.

Here are 10 rules that will help you realize what you already know.

To be a better teacher, you must grow as a person.


1. Lose the ego

This is not about you. Your role is to be as invisible as possible.

It’s not about being liked by your students, or their parents, or even your boss. Its about giving your students as much as you can, but you have to understand, you are giving what isn’t yours.

You are not the best teacher in the world, or even at your school, and you don’t have to be.

You have nothing to prove, only students to teach.


2. Don’t be afraid to apologize

Teachers often worry that they have to be correct all the time, that they have to know everything, answer every curious question and it can be extremely stressful.

Some teachers never realize that they are wrong and insist, and insist, discouraging students and losing their trust and respect.

There is nothing wrong with being wrong. Admit it and learn from it.

Students appreciate honest teachers.


3. Don’t take it personally

Children can be mean. And some of them are mean to teachers. Small kids or teenagers, they sometimes direct their anger or personal issues towards their teachers.

Whatever they do, whatever they say, however it might hurt, don’t take it personally, don’t hold a grudge, don’t write that kid off. You don’t know their home situation, their anxieties, life experience.

Teachers are in a position of power and should be careful about not misusing that. Be a role-model in the way you handle the situation, turn it into a teaching moment.


4. Earn respect, don’t demand it

Let me repeat myself. In the classroom, you are in the position of power.

If you force your authority on your students, if you look down on them, humiliate them, you are never going to earn their respect.

Fear is not respect.

True respect grows organically and for it to happen you need to:

1. Listen and act on the feedback you get

2. Show respect to your students

2. Show your vulnerability


5. Be patient

Patience is one of the most important qualities of a great teacher. You will be explaining the same concepts over and over again.

Students will be distracted, they’ll be asking the same questions again and again. It’ll get frustrating, monotonous and boring.

Every now and then, if you are patient enough, something magical will happen.

They will learn.


6. Listen more, speak less

Imagine the teacher talking for the whole duration of the lesson and students frantically writing down every word – sound silly, right?

That was my childhood. Even at the university, this is how most of the lectures were taught.

Tragically, this is how many teachers are still teaching these days.

Let the students speak. Let them discuss, share ideas, explore and make mistakes.

Don’t talk so much, guide them.


7. Don’t badmouth your students

Teachers complain about students, and that’s normal. It’s a stressful job and it’s a way to decompress.

Sometimes teachers discuss their students when they need help or advice and that’s also fine.

What you should never do, is to gossip about your students’ personal issues, mistakes or embarrassing situations with colleagues.

I’ve had a colleague who loved complaining about her students at lunch. She was a very negative person who found a perverse pleasure in belittling her students. She compared them to their older siblings she used to teach, criticized the way they dressed, talked and behaved.

They were never good enough for her.

Don’t be that teacher.


8. Don’t judge

People judge other people constantly. It’s our nature.

We judge others based on the way they look and talk, we judge them based on their jobs, skin color, religion, etc. It’s a primal instinct, they way our brain is wired.

In education, it’s very important to realize that our judgmental brain hinders us from seeing the potential in our students.

Every student has their own path to success.


9. Don’t be afraid to improvise

Planning your lessons is important. Following those plans not that much.

Even the most well-planned lesson will fail sometimes. You’ll need to adjust, change the pace, improvise.

Planing helps you to to prepare for the ideal lesson, experience helps you to prepare for the real one.

The only way to gain experience is by trial and error. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, learn from them.


10. Have fun

Teaching is a stressful job, even more so among Covid-19 pandemic. It’s the little things that can help us cope. A cup of coffee in the morning, a walk in the afternoon or a good book in the evening.

People perform better when they like what they do and students remember more when they are relaxed. If you have fun at work, you’ll like it more and when your students have fun while learning, they’ll enjoy it more.

Every time we’re interested and engaged in a subject, our brains get a shot of dopamine. The feelings of pleasure that follow make us want to keep learning, exploring and pushing ourselves to find out more.

One of the best things about teaching is the fun you can have with your students.

Have fun at work, it’s important.


Let your students speak:

Balderdash: ESL Speaking Game

Unfinished Sentences ESL Speaking Activity

ESL Speaking Activity: Conversation Cards

ESL Speaking Activity: Conditional Discussion Questions

ESL/EFL Speaking Activity: Role Play Debate

ESL Vocabulary Activity Based on Taboo: Food


5 Apps To Learn English Without Knowing It

There are 2.2 million apps in Android store and 2 million in Apple’s App store. I’m sure a huge number of those apps is useles, but you can also find there plenty of helpful, entertaining of educative apps.

Here’s a simple infographic of 5 apps I’ve been using with my  students of various ages and levels.

Other online resources:

Play and Learn! Kahoot: A Free Learning Platform.

10 Websites To Make Your Lessons More Engaging And Fun

 

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