The TalkToCanada Learn English Online Blog

Camille Greer – Teacher of the Week
by Jillian ZavitzDEC8th2009

  Tell me a little bit about yourself: Camille Greer, Toronto, bachelor of journalism, running, movies and books What was the last book that you read? The last book I read was called Shooting Water by Devyani Saltzman, who is the daughter of acclaimed documentary filmmaker Deepa Mehta. Describe yourself in 3 words: outgoing, creative, [...]

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Posted in: Teaching Online

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Part IV: Cookie Cutter Language Learning – Putting a Name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com Uses
by Jillian ZavitzDEC1st2009

Cookie Cutter and Language Learning should never be in the same sentence – actually scrap that – Cookie Cutter and ANY type of learning should not be in the same sentence – unless it is to describe what NOT to do. The Cookie Cutter method – is basically that… putting people into a “program” that [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online, Teaching Online

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Part III – “To Structure or not to Structure… that is the question….” – Putting a name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com uses to teach ESL online
by Jillian ZavitzNOV27th2009

As I’ve briefly gone over in my previous posts – the Dogme Language Learning Approach is a methodology that encourages learning “as it happens” – which means that there is technically “no” set structure.  Now as a teacher myself… I do like some type of structure.  And I’m sure my students do as well.  I [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online

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Part II – Key Principles of the Dogme Language Learning Approach – Putting a name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com uses to teach ESL online
by Jillian ZavitzNOV24th2009

The Dogme Language Learning Approach has a few key principles that Scott Thornbury (somewhat of a founding father of the Dogme Language Learning Approach) outlines in his various books and articles about this newly labelled teaching movement. Conversation = Learning: this is obviously the fundamental concept that is really the backbone of the Dogme Language [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online

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Part I: The Basics of Dogme – Putting a name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com uses to teach ESL online
by Jillian ZavitzNOV24th2009

I was recently formally introduced to the Dogme language learning approach – although have unofficially been using it throughout my entire ESL teaching career.  As mentioned in the previous article, the main principle behind the Dogme language learning approach is learning through conversation, rather than learning with a textbook.  Most online learners (actually truthfully ALL [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online

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No more Pencils, No More books — Putting a name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com uses to teach ESL online
by Jillian ZavitzNOV24th2009

Since teaching online – I’ve obviously had to adapt my way of teaching to accommodate the different needs and wants of my students.  While the option is there – most students sign up to learn English online and prefer not to use textbooks or a formal type learning scheme.  I always think about that Alice [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online

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Four Important Factors to Consider When Choosing an Online English Speaking Course
by Marc AndersonNOV23rd2009

English language learners have benefited immensely from the online learning revolution. Nowadays, if you are an eager learner you can find immense amounts of English language tools and services on the internet to help you master English. One of the newest…and according to many learners, most valuable services being offered are online English speaking courses. [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online

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How TalktoCanada.com makes online English learning personal
by Jillian ZavitzNOV12th2009

Usually when you buy a product or service you have an idea in your head of what you want and aren’t 100% convinced or satisfied until you get exactly what you want.  This rings true not only for that new shirt that you bought, but as well as for online English learning. TalktoCanada.com is a [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online

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Working online from home… the HOT new trend
by Jillian ZavitzNOV12th2009

Working online from home is the hot new trend.  Everybody is doing it, and if you aren’t already doing it you want to do it.  There are many things that sound attractive about working from home.  No commute, no office politics or gossip, and being able for the most part to set your own hours.   [...]

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Posted in: Teaching Online

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Traditional VS Virtual Teaching – Which one is for me?
by Jillian ZavitzNOV5th2009

There are many differences between working in a traditional classroom and a virtual classroom.  Having ample experience in both — I believe the virtual classroom is by far the better option for English learners for many different reasons.   I’ve found that students in traditional classrooms are sometimes shy when speaking a new language.  They [...]

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Posted in: Learning English Online, Teaching Online

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