10 smart strategies for adult teaching success
Engaging adult English language learners in the classroom can present unique challenges particularly due to their diverse backgrounds, time constraints and varying levels of motivation and confidence.
Adult learners often have to juggle a number of competing responsibilities including work and family, which can make it difficult to dedicate enough time to their English language learning. Varying skill levels within the same classroom can also pose difficulties for teachers of adult learners. And some adult learners may have had negative experiences with past English language learning at school which may have diminished their confidence.
Adult learners also learn differently to children, requiring unique strategies and approaches tailored to their needs and experiences.
With this in mind, we have created 10 smart strategies below to help you succeed in teaching adults.
1. Real-world relevance
Adult learners need to validate the information they learn based on their beliefs and experience. It’s therefore essential for teachers to connect the learning to the adult learners' real-world experiences, both personal and professional, showing them how the knowledge or skills will directly benefit them. Courses such as Digital Language Hub enable adult learners to engage in meaningful conversations using real-world topics to keep motivation at its highest.
2. Connect with their experience
One benefit of teaching Adult learners is that come with a wealth of experience upon which to draw, and you can use this. However, they may also have fixed viewpoints. Your best approach will be to acknowledge and build upon their existing knowledge base and let them tell you what they need to know. Connecting new concepts to real-world examples and case studies that link to a learner’s previous experiences, either in the workplace or life, can help join the dots.
3. Encourage Collaboration
Foster a collaborative learning environment where learners can share their experiences and learn from each other. This is particularly important for adult learners as they learn experientially, meaning they learn from first-hand observations and interactions. Divide the classroom into smaller groups and assign roles to members of each group to undertake a variety of tasks and activities to ensure that everyone participates.
4. Provide Flexibility
Digital language learning is vital for adult learners as it offers the flexibility needed to accommodate their busy lives. Digital language learning courses such as Digital Language Hub, Pivot English and MEC 25 provide flexible learning customised to suit the diverse needs and levels of their young adult and adult students.
5. Active and Engaged Learning
Engage adult learners actively through discussions, group activities, problem-solving exercises, and real-world simulations. This ‘learning by doing’ will help busy adult learners retain knowledge and gives them the opportunity to self-reflect on areas for improvement.
6. Clear Goal-Setting
Adult learners respond well to clear goals, structured lessons, and opportunities for feedback and reflection. Establishing clear learning objectives from the get-go and communicating them effectively will keep your adult learners both focused and motivated.
7. Create a Supportive Environment
Establish a supportive learning environment where adult learners feel comfortable asking questions and the outside world is left outside. This is particularly important for adult learners who may bring stress into the classroom from their busy lives. A supportive environment will lead to more engagement and faster progress.
8. Feedback and be constructive
Provide regular feedback, both positive reinforcement and constructive criticism, to guide adult learners and help them improve. Digital language courses can help save you valuable time. MEC 25 provides automated feedback and scoring enabling adult learners to receive immediate feedback and track their own progress.
9. Promote Self-Directed Learning
Encourage learners to take ownership of their learning by finding resources and setting their own objectives aligned with the overall goals you have established. This approach gives adult learners some autonomy over their learning process which in turn leads to increased motivation, better problem-solving skills, and a more engaged classroom.
10. Use Digital Technology
Integrate digital technology to enhance adult language learning in your classroom and provide a variety of digital learning experiences. Many adult learners prefer digital tools for their flexibility and convenience. English language learning courses such as Digital Language Hub, Pivot English and MEC 25, provide innovative AI tools, gamified language practice, embedded audio and video, interactive simulations and virtual collaboration platforms.