That is a good question. To approach an adult learner in the same manner as a young learner would be wrong. Unlike young learners, an adult learner will always come to the class with some knowledge of English. I think the first order of business should be to identify exactly what knowledge they do have. Did they acquire some English through formal instruction or life knowledge? Was their formal instruction recent, or from childhood. Second, it is imperative for the teacher to understand why the adult student is in this class. What is their motivation? Then do a preliminary assessment as to what are their needs and weaknesses.

For me, in dealing with adult learners, the key is respect. Respect their age, life experience and previous knowledge. Do not talk down to them. It is a very different relationship when the student is an adult versus a child. Possibly because I am an older adult myself, I would prefer to have a relationship which is that of a sharing peer rather than a teacher versus student.

There are many affective filters that are put up by an adult learner that are not of the same nature as a child. A teacher must respect the awkward feelings of an educated adult entering a low or low intermediate class… respect the sometimes embarrassment of an adult learner who was street educated in English for many years and might have some fossilized issues… respect an adult who was educated in an English that is different from the version you are teaching and is confused by the differences (for example an adult educated in RP studying American English). It is imperative to be sensitive to these issues which are not always directly related to the learning of the language.

For these reasons, I love to use TED talks. I can find talks that speak to the adult interests and motivations. When you cater your lessons around the student’s interests and motivations, their attention is taken off of how inadequate their English knowledge is, which was what brought them to your class, and redirect their focus on a subject of interest. This usually effectively results in the student relaxing and enjoying their time in class. Thus making it possible for the student to absorb the lesson and move forward in their capabilities.

Just remember…Respect…Be Understanding…Encourage and most of all…

Be Flexible!!

-Judy