TEACHING TIPS FOR ADULT ESL

• ​DO incorporate their native culture

  • Showing interest in their culture makes students feel welcomed in their new environment.

    • DON’T pressure them to talk about their home country or background if they are not ready. Immigrants and refugees move away from their home country for a number of reasons, such as job opportunities. However, some move away because of traumatic reasons, such as war or other trauma.

• DO teach in English

  • Some teachers know their students’ native language and teach in their native language. Students learn faster if they are taught in their target language. With this immersion technique, students also begin to 'think' in their target language.

    • DON’T simply translate. Rephrase the sentence or question if a student does not understand. You can use simplified words, hand gestures, drawings, etc. Try to use Google translate as your last resort.

ADULTS

• DO learn their goals

  • Adult ESL students have a specific reason for spending their free time in an ESL class. Learn what those reasons are and guide them towards their goal.

    • DON’T teach them like children. Avoid using children’s books and worksheets. Find appropriate material for your audience. 

• DO learn their general literacy background

  • Just because a student is at an adult age, does not mean that they are automatically literate. This includes being literate in their first language. Formal education is not always accessible in every country and the speaking proficiency is different from their reading and writing proficiency. First language literacy impacts their foreign language learning.

    • DON’T separate the class by age. Adult ESL students can be 18 years old or 70 years old. Age should not be associated with English proficiency. Allow the lower level students to work together. You can even partner advanced students to teach the lower level students. 

GENERAL TEACHING

• DO make them feel comfortable

  • In any classroom, students are more interactive when they feel like they are in a safe environment. Language learning is not a passive topic. Students need to be engaged and comfortable with their instructor.

    • DON’T punish their mistakes. Language learners may be hesitant to make mistakes in front of their peers. Use their mistakes as a learning point. For instance, Instead of simply saying that they were wrong, say: “That was a good sentence but… Can you think of a way of improving it?"

    • See video below

• DO practice communication between your students

  • Have clear expectations for your students and also learn what your students expect from you. If you are unsure of how to answer a question, don't make up an answer. It's okay to not know everything. You can respond with: "I'm not sure the answer to that. Let's look up the answer together."

    • DON’T only ask yes/no questions. It is very easy for ESL students to simply nod at their instructors. Instead of asking “Do you have any questions?”, change it to “What questions do you have?” or “What was the most important part of the lesson to you? Why?” Find ways to check for their understanding.

• DO teach reading, writing, and speaking skills​​​​

  • Sometimes it is easy to associate language fluency with how well someone speaks in that language. Students may also be more excited to practice speaking a new language rather than passive techniques like writing. Make sure students practice all forms as equally as you can. Also, include different language functions, such as asking a question, stating an opinion, listening for information, etc.

    • DON'T focus on formal English. Yes, this is important but it is also important for English learners to understand common slang. This is especially valuable for listening comprehension.​