How to Find the Best EFL Resources Online

For many teachers, finding good quality content and free online resources is not always easy. Yes, there is a lot out there, but finding it effectively without trawling the internet for hours is another thing. Randomly typing in a collection of words and phrases may sometimes produce the required results, but for those who want to optimise their time searching for resources, we have put together some tips for honing your search skills.

If you are after a quick starting point, then there are many well-known websites out there. These are valuable tools to refer to and use as a starting point for further research. You often find yourself clicking from link to link delving further into topics! The list I have compiled is not exhaustive but covers not only where to find free lesson plans, resources and activities, but also general information about Britain. This is particularly versatile as facts and statistics can be adapted for fun warm-up activities such as class quizzes or become the foundation for research topics for English language learners. It also adds the British Culture element.

On the most basic level, it’s worth thinking about the search terms you use because there are so many different terms and acronyms, you may be missing out on excellent teaching resources. For example, if you are looking for EAL resources or ideas for your EAL class, you may be missing out on great EFL teaching activities that could easily be adapted to the EAL or ESOL environment. ESOL reading activities could be used with both EFL and ESL classes, in the same way that ESL/EFL listening activities could be used with an ESOL class. It’s the same with lesson plans. ESL entry-level 1 lesson plans could be perfect as a starting point for EFL lesson plans for beginners. With so many variables it is worth taking your time to play around with what search terms you are using.

Put simply, search operators are commands that help you refine and filter your search engine results. Google does it all for you right so why is this necessary you may be thinking?! Well, as daunting as it may appear at first, taking the time to learn a few handy commands will give you the best quality information quickly and easily and is a great skill to have. There are many resources, tips, and tricks out there, so I have compiled and condensed some of these for you. Firstly, I have attached some links to the most useful search operators that appear to still be supported - they can be used for a variety of checks and information gathering. These pages also explain the advantages of using them in more depth. Secondly, a list of commands with examples. Now please do not be put off by the seemingly unnecessary and complicatedness of this. Take the time to have a read-through and use a few for yourself. The results may just surprise you!

• Kinsta 
• Ahrefs Blog
• SpyFu