Job Discussion Forums

[simon44]

Does anyone here teach TOEFL exam preparation?

I have some good experience in teaching IELTS exam preparation, but have not yet taught TOEFL preparation.

If you are experienced in teaching TOEFL, are there any salient or important points (or problems) to mention, or important differences between the TOEFL and IELTS exams?

Can you recommend any specific websites or online resources?

[nomad soul]

Start by Googling difference between ielts and toefl; there are quite a few links that focus on the differences.

[kpjf]

I only have a bit of experience in TOEFL, but it can be rather dull and my friend who has taught TOEFL, IELTS and TOEIC said TOEFL was the worst of the 3. However, I can’t vouch for that, just that TOEFL for me was quite dull!

Problem is students have to read texts or listen to a university professor talking about stalactites, drainage systems, business, psychology or sociology related topics and things like that. As a student listening to a 3-4 minute mp3 of a lecturer talking about drainage systems or water lilies...would you like that? Then for some sections after listening to the mp3 on water lilies they have to then summarise it or discuss a particular aspect of the topic. So, I guess you need motivated students with about B2+ minimum probably given the language used (and they need to be good note takers! They can take notes whilst listening). This youtube user has some good mp3s which I've used for the listening/speaking exercise practice https://www.youtube.com/user/TOEFLNation

Something like this here(speaking summary for instance) would be good for the start for introducing each of the 4 skills (I modified this PPT to my own tastes). Though I started with a general summary of all of it, then when introducing each skill individually going into a bit more detail as it's really important, especially for certain elements such as the speaking to know the format inside out to get the best grades. Some could have excellent English and still not do well as seen in my class because they ignored my advice (that’s law students for you!). I guess for the general summary at the start instead of a PPT you could do something like each one teach one to make it a bit more interactive.

For the exam it's all done on computer, even the oral which might be a bit disconcerting for some people. Anyway, there are tonnes of videos and advice on Youtube, you could have a look to get some ideas.

[scot47]

There are loads of course books and other material that are available from commercial publishers.