How to teach English to adults?

Adult education has its own characteristics associated with a person's professional activities, plans, career goals and lack of free time.

Often a situation arises when, having got a job, a person realizes that for career growth, foreign business trips, publication of articles in listed scientific publications, communication with potential business partners or clients, English is needed.

Adult education has its own characteristics associated with a person's professional activities, plans, career goals and lack of free time.

An adult teacher must speak a foreign language at least at the B1 Intermediate and above, depending on the intended result and the knowledge of the student.

If a person wants to learn a language from scratch in order to be able to speak fluently, at the initial stage, the average level of a teacher will suit him. However, if a person plans to pass an international exam, move to live and work in another country, cooperate and negotiate with foreign partners, then the minimum level of English proficiency for a teacher is Advanced.

So, how to teach English to adults? This can be somewhat more difficult than teaching children. However, many tutors and university professors find that with the right approach, it's easier than it looks. Let's break down the main points.

Adult education format

The pace of life, busyness, work and household chores can interfere with regular classes, so for each student it is worth choosing an individual schedule and teaching format.

You can learn English via Skype for, which saves time on the road. You can meet once in neutral territory, such as a co-working space, to check and explain homework or discuss grammar.

A good option would be business correspondence in a messenger or by e-mail - it is so convenient to check grammatical constructions and pronunciation if you send data in the voice message format.

Many adults choose the mentoring when they learn the language on their own and use it in their work, for example, write letters, articles, reviews in English and give it to their mentor or coach for verification before publication. In the same way, the training scheme works when a person watches or attends lectures at a correspondence or postgraduate education faculty, and discusses completed projects or term papers with a tutor several times a month.

Often a working person does not have enough time for full-fledged training, then he tries to learn English on his own, and with a tutor he works out only the most difficult topics.

Modular training built on the same principle tutor issues modules for self-study, which are then fixed at meetings no more than 3 times a month.

There is no right or wrong format - the student and the teacher choose the format that is convenient for them and study according to it.

Topics of classes

The direction of the language being studied must be discussed even before the first lesson in English . Each teacher knows their area of ​​expertise well, so we do not recommend taking students whose goal is to learn legal English if you are preparing people for IELTS.

Specific vocabulary, the need to find and work out a new textbook and study materials for you, difficulties with the practical application of the learned rules will complicate life and will not give the expected result.

There are several areas of language learning:

• English for general purposes (for communication, conversational) is needed for those who plan to travel, make friends with foreigners, watch TV shows and read English literature at an elementary and intermediate level.
• English for lawyers is important for those who work in international law firms as a legal adviser, practice as a lawyer in foreign cases, represent the interests of foreign citizens in court, and engage in scientific activities in the field of jurisprudence.
• Business English is needed if a person wants to move and get a job, as well as for university teachers who teach economic disciplines for English-speaking students. It may be of interest to business owners who plan to expand in other regions, as well as top managers who sign contracts and communicate with partners. Bank employees who issue loans and cards to foreigners also need to speak the language at a sufficient level.
• English for professionals: sailors, stewardesses, pilots, employees of cruise ships, workers in the technical and IT industries - is necessary for career development, unhindered communication on professional topics in other countries. IT specialists study technical English in order to be able to move to the United States for permanent residence or take on projects from foreign employers.
• Academic English is important for those who plan to study or receive a scientific degree in English-speaking countries, as well as for specialists who need to constantly improve their skills at correspondence courses at Harvard, Oxford or publish in Scopus journals (doctors, teachers of prestigious universities, pharmacists, etc.).)
• Passing exams is a separate area that involves the successful passing TOEFL, BEC, IELTS, etc. For students in this area, a positive teacher experience is important, because obtaining a visa in the USA, Canada, England and Australia depends on passing these exams.
• English for teachers - in order to move and get a formal job in the field of education, it is necessary to undergo training, which includes various methods, technologies and teaching methods, as well as to speak the language at an above-average level.

Adult Teaching Methods

The main principle of building adult education is the creation of an individual methodology for each student. An adult language learner can take part in planning the learning process, setting goals, setting time limits, and even defining assessment criteria.

The process of transferring knowledge to an adult is to change the role of the teacher as a mentor. There are many resources that make it possible to train skills, check the level of the language and study at home, so the main function of the teacher is to direct efforts, correct the chosen direction, and help with the assimilation of the material. The teacher becomes a coach, a learning partner who is listened to but also willing to make their own decisions.

When cooperating with adults, it is important to take into account past experience: which techniques have been effective and which have not, what a person has learned and what is still not clear. In addition, a student may have different levels of knowledge in different areas. For example, he knows grammar on a solid B1, and speaking like a beginner.

The methodology should be built based on the goals and motivation of an adult. He may never need the ability to write correctly, while speaking will help him get a higher position.

Adult education is very often complementary. For example, a student selects content for a lesson that is close and useful to him, thereby saving the teacher's time.

The main idea in the formation of the methodology is that training should be useful, modern and applicable in practice. Based on this, the teacher can compose techniques and methods for stable and quick results.

There are several methods that have been successfully practiced by teachers for working with adults for a long time. Let's look at the features of their application.

Classical technique

It is based on teaching theory - this is how they teach in most schools and universities. The main activities are focused on reading, translating, listening to video and audio. Oral speech is allocated a minimum amount of time, often it is just a retelling of what has been read, and not a self-thought-out monologue.

The difficulty lies in the fact that after such training a person understands the rules, can translate and read, even compose written and oral stories, however, it is difficult to maintain a lively dialogue, improvisation in English.

People who study for several years (on average from 1.5 to 2.5) according to this method speak English at an average level of B1. Further improvement should consist of the practice of speaking, expanding vocabulary and studying the complex style of the language.

Computer technique

The teacher uses the maximum of computer technologies with all their advantages: a lesson can consist of a variety of activities. You can watch educational videos, listen to songs, fill in crossword puzzles, take tests, write online dictations, listen to fairy tales.

There is a lot of material available on the Internet that will help you learn to understand English speech. Problems can be related to gaps in grammar and communication.

This can be solved if among the computer resources there are sites for communicating with foreigners in English. But it is worth noting that not all English-speaking people have 100% literacy, so you can work with a language barrier on special resources, and practice grammar with a tutor or with the help of programs.

This technique is suitable for self-study and can serve as a good interactive addition to the didactic material that the teacher uses to teach the lesson.

Immersion in the language environment

A teacher who teaches adults using this method conducts a lesson entirely in English. It is an effective way to learn to think, understand and speak another language.

Voicing even simple everyday actions in English will help a person learn the language faster. It is worth noting that this format is suitable for those who know me at a basic level and have a minimum vocabulary to explain their question or point of view in an accessible way. The level of the student must be at least A2, otherwise he will not understand anything, and the lessons will be a test.

To consolidate the effect, it is possible to recommend a person to use English as much as possible in everyday life: to correspond with friends and a tutor in English, use English interfaces in programs, watch movies and TV shows without translation into Russian, read unadapted literature and news.

The most effective option for immersion in the language environment is moving to an English-speaking country for a period of six months or more.

Communicative technique

A common teaching method in Western educational institutions, which involves the Pareto 80/20 principle, where 20% of the time is devoted to explaining the theory and rules, and 80% to communication. As a rule, a teacher and several students participate in a live dialogue. They discuss real life situations, various projects, case studies. The purpose of this format is for students to delve into grammar, rules and immediately reinforce them in practice. The person applies the whole theory and remembers what it looks like in a real conversation.

The result is memorized clichés, learned rules and the ability to conduct a dialogue, to express one's point of view. At the moment, this technique is one of the most popular and promising, because the student demonstrates stable results after six months.

Teachers who plan to submit resumes to foreign universities, colleges, schools must master this technique at a high level.

Linguocultural methodology

This technique is aimed at learning the language in conjunction with the culture, history, social characteristics of the nation. The language is studied fundamentally, taking into account all the characteristics of the country, manners and ethical standards.

If a communicative technique is needed to be understood and convey one's idea, then a linguocultural method is needed to use the language correctly, in accordance with the situation and with the correct content. In the process of studying, a person develops linguo-socio-cultural competence, which makes him a specialist in the culture under study.

This type of teaching is needed if the student plans to study the language from a scientific point of view, write books or articles in English magazines, lecture to English-speaking students, or move.

Within the framework of this methodology, not only grammar and vocabulary are taught, but also geographical features, the history of the country and nation, literature, traditions and customs, economics and creativity.

Intensive technique

This approach will work only if it is not the quality of the result that matters, but the speed. Then memorizing the necessary set of words and phrases, based on the goal, is what will allow you to speak and understand the interlocutor in 3 months.

The technologies used can be different: from communication via instant messengers to classical texts - it depends on what the student perceives better. The main goal is to form the minimum vocabulary for understanding a foreigner.

Emotional-semantic technique

A technique based on the study of psychologists and psychiatrists, involving the creation of a legend about oneself as an English-speaking person. The student chooses an appropriate name, origin, profession. Grammar bases consist of three modules aimed at basic understanding of speech, building a monologue and participating in discussions.

Methods with unproven effectiveness

These include the 25 frame method, learning English in a dream and under hypnosis. The difference from previous methods is the ease and passivity on the part of the student. In our opinion, in order to accurately achieve the goal, it is necessary to refer to those formats that are used in prestigious international universities. However, if a person has free time and a desire to experiment, then he can try, but no one guarantees the result within the desired time frame.

How to start teaching English to adults?

Before starting classes, we recommend that you go through a checklist that will make learning more productive.

Define a goal

The purpose of learning is different for everyone. Someone is planning to marry a British man and is preparing to pass a general English test, someone dreams of becoming an English tutor, someone is going to send a resume to an Australian company. Without a set goal, there will be no adequately selected didactic material and deadlines. For some, speaking is important, while others want to write a dissertation in English.

Find out the student's level

Many know the base well enough, so they can start with a repetition of the previously studied material, while others know only the alphabet. You need to find out the degree of proficiency in each skill, because there are times when a student speaks confidently, but writes with errors.

Define topics for learning

It is important to choose only relevant and interesting topics or those that are directly related to a person’s professional activities.

Make a plan and define areas of responsibility

The plan should be detailed and include all topics to be reviewed or learned. Designate the time frame, as well as what the student will need to do to consolidate knowledge.

A person must understand that without efforts and additional independent study, he will not be able to learn English.

Discuss the textbook and methodology

The right choice of a textbook, disks for it and a working methodology in general is half the success. The remaining 50% depends on the efforts and systematic training. Buying a textbook is often an expensive pleasure, but you need to explain to the person that the book will remain with him, and he will be able to re-read what he did not understand or sometimes study on his own. Some books are available for download online.

Explain the features of the methodology you will be studying: what it is aimed at, what is required from the student, what resources are available to work additionally.

Specify the format

The main point: study can be remote, combined, in a tete-a-tete version, but the main thing is that it be regular. Choose the most convenient schedule when both you and the student are not busy with work issues and can fully devote time to studying.

Learning from scratch

Of course, in training it is worth considering the personality of the student, because adults are much more prone to self-doubt and self-criticism than children.

An experienced teacher helps a person to open up, supports him and inspires self-confidence. That is why in the first period - introductory - the material is selected a little easier. So the student will understand what he is doing, he can cope and understand English at least at a primitive level.

Even if you have a tight time frame, you should not rush - in this case, you need to give additional tasks for independent home improvement.

If you have a blank slate in front of you, then your responsibility is to:

• Laying the correct pronunciation.
• Explaining basic grammar rules up to 100% understanding.
• Selection of individual techniques for training all skills.
• The right choice of textbook.

At the very beginning, you need to prepare a person for the fact that it is necessary to allocate at least 4 hours a week for full-fledged studies and one can be devoted to just talking on any interesting topic.

Match the person’s interests with educational information: video lessons, YouTube channels, podcasts that he can listen to on days when you have no classes.

Fix all the passed rules in practice with understandable examples that will be remembered. Theory must go hand in hand with practice and training, otherwise a busy and working person will simply not learn theoretical information that is not applicable in real life.

Do not try to master everything at once - go at a comfortable pace according to the plan and regularly review your knowledge in order to repeat the incomprehensible “on the spot”.

The activity of the teacher consists of stages, each of which includes areas of responsibility.

How to help an adult learn better?

Ask what motivated you to practice. If the student has decided to change the field of activity or position, then be sure to find out which vacancy, in his opinion, is ideal. The requirements specified for this vacancy can become the very cherished desire that will move him forward.

At the beginning of your cooperation, set the rule “no stupid questions”, which will help you not to be shy and clarify even banal things.

Try to speak more in English during the lesson - remember that it is better to choose a synonym that the student understands than to translate the word into Russian.

Be careful, perhaps some activity will have a better response, then you should focus on it. For example, if a person is a fan of The Lord of the Rings, then it is sometimes worth reading excerpts from the book or watching original episodes from the film.

Don't be afraid to use "school" methods, like writing an essay on a certain topic or writing to a friend in England. You can even tell English jokes and read comics - all of which will definitely benefit.

Learning from scratch involves laying the foundation. On the one hand, this is better than correcting the shortcomings of the past tutor, but on the other hand, it is more difficult. It is more difficult to find the right approach, to establish contact, to earn the respect of an adult than with a child.

Some students may be picky and require you to provide documents on higher pedagogical education. But you can successfully teach English teach English without specialized education . If you have a special TEFL/TESOL certificate, which confirms your knowledge of the language and confident command of the methodological base, then you should not worry.

Certificates for teachers are a real way out and a modern opportunity to do what you love legally.

In the first lesson, it is important to discuss the student's requirements for you. It often happens that expectations are too high, and the person assumes that you will devote all your time to him. It is necessary to establish business boundaries, namely:

• What time can you write and call?
• What messenger do you use for business correspondence?
• What to do with overdue homework assignments?
• How many hours or days before a lesson can it be cancelled?
• What to do with missed but paid lessons?
• Is it possible to distract you on work issues on weekends?
• How will the payment be made: by the lesson or by the month?
• What technologies will be used in the process?
• What you will learn in class: Additional help with sessional assignments must be paid separately.

It is better to immediately stipulate all the points that concern you, so that later you do not get nervous and do not waste your time. Sometimes it happens that it is not possible to establish contact - in this case it is better not to take up training. If you are not satisfied with the price, the stated conditions or other factors, we recommend that you set your own conditions and refuse if it was not possible to agree. Calm nerves and the absence of negative reviews about you are much more important than profit.

How to teach English to adults from scratch?

Teaching to adults must above all be honest. What does honesty mean?

• Immediately explain that there are several types of English - Grammatically Correct English, which should be used in writing and at work, and ordinary everyday spoken language, in which even native speakers make mistakes and which is needed for free communication. This means that you need to determine what language the student needs and focus on it.
• Share experience and knowledge. Even if some of your materials are rare or bought with money, we recommend using them with students, because their success is your reputation.
• Constantly study yourself. The teacher should be aware of the latest developments in education that can help adult students achieve their goals.
• Pay attention to Western resources, which are regularly updated with the latest useful materials ( onestopenglish.com, teachthis.com, eslprintables.com, en.islcollective.com )
• Learn the language along with the culture, national characteristics - this can cause more interest in the language.

As in any other business, planning is important in teaching. Make personal plans for each student using online planners. Any student will be interested in a savvy, comprehensively developed teacher, so take the time to familiarize yourself with interesting resources for educators. You will find more useful materials in this article.

Be sure to master the online platform that will help you:

• Google Disk will allow you to post information resources, links, exercises, as well as leave comments under completed tasks and track learning progress.
• Appear.in, Wiziq.com - services for creating chat rooms where you can talk and learn online.
• Skype or Zoom will help you practice spoken English when you can't practice live.
• Introduce the beginner to the culture of communication with native speakers using communication sites.
• Tell us about all the possibilities of modern technologies: podcasts, fairy tales, crossword puzzles, tests and dictations, online essays, bilingual books.

How to teach spoken English?

Conversational speech should make up 90% of the total lesson time if the students have the goal of speaking. It will be possible to communicate confidently and freely when memorizing about 300 words per month, which over time must be assembled into oral stories.

Learn with an adult student the latest techniques for speaking, such as AJ Hoge's "effortless english", which involves listening to stories daily until the moment of absolutely complete understanding and ability to retell.

The same learned stories must be spoken at different times - this way you will lay the grammatical base and at the same time practice speech.

The learned word should be noted in the dictionary: notebooks or online, enhancing the effect with vocabulary simulators

Pick up exciting channels with a lecturer or blogger you like that the student will listen to in their free time.

Reading subtitles for TV shows and films in parallel with the characters will also help you remember a lot of phrases and words.

Differences in teaching teenagers and adults

Teaching English to teenagers and adults is different in that the former often do not have the proper motivation and call into question the qualifications of the teacher. How to be in this case? An honest conversation about a teenager's hobbies will help you choose the right approach. You should not insist on exercises if they seem boring, and he does not do them regularly.

Pay attention to modern culture: music, teen idols, trending series, books and comics. All this can be used for language learning.

Offer to look for a pen pal from England or America on any social network, maintain your profile in English, or record funny videos.

You can also use a project method where you have an exciting goal, such as Teen Fashion in Australia, Teen Fun in London, American Teen Household. The topic can be anything, the main thing is that it arouses genuine interest.

Ask who the child is following, find out what qualities he appreciates in people, who he wants to be. It may happen that a teenager is interested in psychology or fashion, IT, or is wondering about his own business or brand - use this to your advantage by selecting materials and articles on this topic.

Agree that you will directly discuss your lessons, likes and dislikes - so you can build a trusting relationship that contributes to successful learning.

With adults, such problems occur less often, but do not neglect the rule of regular and honest feedback, taking into account interests and hobbies.

If you feel that you lack knowledge in the field of teaching English to adults, teenagers or children, you can take special teacher certification courses, which carefully study all the features, techniques, techniques and methods of teaching all age groups.

We wish you more good students!