Teach English in China blog
Welcome to the Teach English in China blog!
Here you’ll find real stories, practical advice and opinion pieces about teaching English in China – all written by past or present teachers.
Want to to contribute to the blog? Just contact us and we'll be in touch.
So, make yourself a cup of coffee, sit back and enjoy reading. You may even decide to teach in China!
Embodied pedagogy: the teaching method that will transform your classroom
Teaching strategies
January 11, 2017 by Nicholas McKay
Embodied pedagogy can work wonders in the ESL classroom. But what on earth is it? And what are the benefits? Embodied pedagogy explained When undertaking my Master of Teaching, my area of academic interest was embodied pedagogy. In short,...
Are you guilty of stereotyping your Chinese students?
Students
December 30, 2016 by Nicholas McKay
In teaching English to second-language learners, there are many stereotypes I have come across. Some teachers I’ve met are quick to label their students. Below are just some of the stereotypes I have heard in conjunction with Chinese learner...
7 annoying things that ESL teachers do in China
Opinion
November 29, 2016 by Mike Cairnduff
For the most part, ESL teachers in China are a good bunch of people. There are, however, some things that many of them do that are just plain annoying. Here are seven things that I find the most irksome. 1. They eat Western junk food When...
How to write a killer lesson plan - GANAG
Teaching strategies
October 31, 2016 by Nicholas McKay
Let me share my secrets on how to write a killer lesson plan that works every time - GANAG. Those of us, who are new teachers, don’t have the luxury of reams of previous lesson plans, worksheets and activities, which proved to be effective....
7 things you should not bring to China
Planning
September 24, 2016 by Mike Cairnduff
Travelers are often told what they should bring with them when they go to China. But what about the things that are best left behind? Here are seven things you should think twice about when packing your bags for China. 1. Banned foods China...
8 good reasons why you should teach English overseas
Planning
August 14, 2016 by Mike Cairnduff
Weighing up your career or gap year options? Here are eight reasons why you should pack your bags and teach English overseas. 1. Earn money while you travel Teaching abroad is one of the best ways to travel the world and earn money at t...
How to strike a balance between behavior management and student connections
Teaching strategies
July 31, 2016 by Nicholas McKay
Personally, I find behavioral management to be challenging. It’s a classroom practice I’m not particularly confident in. Though mentor teachers of mine have praised my techniques, they likewise felt concerned. Considering some of t...
Teaching abroad: Why China is better than South Korea
Opinion
July 24, 2016 by Mike Cairnduff
You’ve decided to teach overseas but can’t pick between China and South Korea. To help make the choice easy for you, here are six reasons why China is the better option. Let's jump straight in. 1. Your money goes further C...
The 7 deadly sins of China
Daily life
June 25, 2016 by Mike Cairnduff
China is one of the most fascinating countries in the world, whether you're traveling or teaching there. But like any country, it has its problems. Here’s an honest appraisal of some of the things foreigners find difficult deali...
Teaching English in Yichang – 21 questions with Brooke
Interview
June 11, 2016 by Mike Cairnduff
Want to know what it’s like teaching in China? Australian Brooke Wilmsen shares her experience about her stint in Yichang, Hubei province. 1. Why did you decide to teach English overseas? I decided to teach overseas so that I co...
