Three Benefits of Blogging for English as a Foreign Language Teachers

Blogging for ELT
In a companion article post we discussed, “Five Reasons that Every EFL Teacher Should Blog”. In this article post, we’ll continue with the overall theme of blogging for English and foreign language teaching professionals with three initial benefits of blogging for ELT. Using Blogger or Word Press as free platforms for blogging, you do not need to have extensive knowledge and computer skills to set up, operate, post to and enjoy your own personal blog.


Photo: In Colombia, I have taught (and blogged about) English to university students, adults, English teachers and Embera Indians in the rain forests of the Choco

Benefit 1: Blogging Attracts Competent, Like-Minded Professionals
Just who are you writing for then? Well you, of course, first and foremost. However, when you write and post passionately on a topic a funny thing usually happens, you’ll soon attract others who share similar outlooks, goals, triumphs, problems, trials and tribulations as you do. They will in turn, share with you on how they cope with similar occurrences on their end, what they think, and what’s worked – or not – for them in their situations. You’ll know, in no uncertain terms, that you’re not alone.

Benefit 2: Blogging is an Excellent Way to Document Your Experiences
Do you now keep a diary, a teaching journal or an ELT scrapbook? How about your EFL learners? If you or they do, or you have thought about doing so, your blog can serve as your own personal space. There you can document “the good, the bad and the ugly” of your English language teaching situation on a daily or weekly basis. It can serve as an indicator of your growth as an ELT professional and a private person as well. It will document your changing thoughts, opinions and ideas for growing and improving in your profession, as well as your life.

Benefit 3: Blogging Forces You to Grow
Wherever you are now, whatever it is that you do, blogging will be a constant aid in your personal and professional development. You’ll need to learn new skills, update others and eliminate outdated thinking and practices. You’ll read more, research more and write more. You’ll also laugh more, learn more and hopefully, cry less due to having an outlet to share when you need it. Are you now living in a new, different or foreign country? Great! Then blog it. Remember, you can also add digital photographs, digital sound clips and even videos to your blog. Blogs are not just for writing in any more.

Finally, The Blog`s the Thing …
So there you have them. Three distinct benefits blogging can give to English or foreign language teaching professionals. Add to these the “Five Reasons that Every EFL Teacher Should Blog” and you’re out of excuses not to get started now. How about it? Now are you ready to start an ELT blog of your own? What are you waiting around for?


Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an EFL Teacher Trainer, Intellectual Development Specialist, prolific writer, expert author and public speaker. He has written ESP, foreign language learning, English language teaching texts and hundreds of articles used in more than 120 countries. Get your FREE E-book,"If you Want to Teach English Abroad, Here's What You Need to Know" by requesting the title at: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Need a blogger or copywriter to promote your school, institution, service or business or an experienced writer and vibrant SEO content for your website, blog or newsletter? Then E-mail me for further information.