Learn to TEACH English with TECHNOLOGY. Free course for American TESOL students.


TESOL certification course online recognized by TESL Canada & ACTDEC UK.

Visit Driven Coffee Fundraising for unique school fundraising ideas.





Texas ISD School Guide
Texas ISD School Guide







ESL Teaching and Learning Tips

Via Lingua: International TEFL Courses

* Tip: Click on the link View Thread above to see the full thread of this post. *
Re: Teaching People older than you
In Response To: Teaching People older than you (Tiff)

hello tiffany.

Your question is quite interesting. I am also an educator who deals with adult students. My students are twice older than I.

Teaching adult students is very challenging because of so many factors to consider; age, level of maturity, ability to learn, skills, aptitude, interest, educational background and experiences.

Motivating adult students to participate in the class is never a piece of cake. The enthusiasm of adult learners in a lesson usually last for a few minutes only compared to younger students. Thus, maintaining the level of enthusiasm is indeed a challenge. Games are not only for children , adult learners would also benefit from them. Just make it sure that those are carefully chosen and planned to suit their age and interest. Don't get them bored.

Age is a big factor in a class.Always expect a heterogeneous class which means that your students have differences. Others have superiority complex and vice versa. Others would act like "jack of all trade master none..." Neither understimate nor overestimate your students ability to learn. Go with their level and capacity to learn. For beginners, make it sure that your pace of speaking is fully comprehensible, your words must be simple but don't be scared to introduce complex ones when you think they are ready to grasp. Teach them things that they ought to learn not what you know. Deal on things that are related to their purpose of study so their interest will be maintained.

The concern of making them feel childish is critical issue. Of course, never gie them activities that would make them feel stupid ot would make them feel you spoonfeed them. Let them explore more.Most adult learners would even love to listen than to practice. How are you going to engage them in your activities? Give them clear instructions, explain the objectives of the activities that you are going to do, and make it sure that the activities as what I said earlier are suited their age and interest. Don't forget, you are the authority in the class. Make them follow you but enver close your ears for their suggestions. Engage them in planning your activities. I would suggest that you read more books on teaching adults, and it is very important that you have a clear and thorough understanding of the characteristics of adult learners.

I want to share more things but my time is not good enough to discuss more. I will get in touch with you and I would be very glad to share my personal expereinces in teaching adult students.

Until then

Ariem Cinco
ariem_cinco@yahoo.com






Messages In This Thread

Teaching People older than you -- Tiff
Re: Teaching People older than you -- ariem
Re: Teaching People older than you -- Ariem
Re: Teaching People older than you -- Choatle
Re: Teaching People older than you -- Yanni Zack, Ph.D


Go to another board -