Top 7 Ways To Start Teaching English To Adults

As an ESL teacher using TEFL methodology, rely on a set of tried-and-true teaching methods. These are essentially broad strategies for teaching English to adults. As the world evolves with new lifestyles and technologies, these approaches naturally shift and change over time.

At this time, the best ways are:

- Learner-centered

- Content-focused

- Interactive

- Discussion-based

- Online teaching

- Demonstration

- PPP

When choosing a method for your classroom, consider a few key factors: the students' ages, the class size, and their level of English proficiency. But one crucial aspect that's often overlooked is your teaching style.

Align your method with your teaching style to make the class more enjoyable for you, and in turn, more engaging for your students. In today's classrooms, there are five main teaching styles for ESL teachers: The Authority Style, The Delegator Style, The Facilitator Style, The Demonstrator Style, and The Hybrid.

Once you have nailed down your teaching style and planned your strategies, confidently choose the teaching method that will work best for you when crafting your lesson plans.

Want to know more about the top 7 ways to start teaching adults? Keep reading. 😉

Top 7 Ways To Start Teaching English To Adults

1. Learner-centered

Explore innovative teaching methods and navigate a constantly evolving landscape of instructional strategies. Engage in a continuous process of learning and adaptation. Don't just impart knowledge; actively engage in acquiring new insights and skills.

Incorporate techniques such as guided discussions and inquiry-based learning to facilitate a rich educational experience that empowers your students to actively participate in their learning journey.

2. Content-focused

When dealing with a topic, set of knowledge, or skill that is unchangeable or can't be updated, use the content-focused technique among the various teaching methodologies.

This approach is particularly useful in situations where the material is foundational, universally accepted, or critical to the understanding of further concepts. Convey the information accurately and effectively.

Use lectures, detailed explanations, and illustrative examples to ensure that every aspect of the topic is covered comprehensively. Reinforce this unalterable knowledge with repetition, drilling exercises, and assessments to instill a deep, unquestionable understanding of the subject matter.

3. Interactive

Benefit from a dynamic and engaging learning environment. Emphasize the key points and underscore the importance of using an interactive or participatory approach during classes.

Ensure that all students are actively involved and invested in the learning process.

Employ a variety of tactics tailored to adult learners. Use writing assignments, pair work, and activities that allow them to apply concepts in a context that simulates real-life challenges, fostering a deeper understanding and better retention of the material.

4. Discussion-based

Prepare your students to listen to their peers' perspectives and exchange ideas effectively. Introduce disciplined group discussion tactics and clarify the core concepts of the topic at hand.

Guide the conversation, ensuring it stays on track and is productive. After the discussion, address any errors and clarify any misconceptions, ensuring that everyone leaves with a solid understanding of the topic.

Encourage students to think critically and engage more deeply with the material.

5. Online teaching

"In today's fast-paced world, online teaching must be both structured and adaptable. Just like I advocate, educators should develop a unique approach that fits into their students' busy schedules. By tailoring teaching methods to individual needs and creating concise, targeted lessons, we can maximize both efficiency and comprehension. Utilizing a variety of online tools such as Zoom, Google Classroom, interactive whiteboards like Miro, and collaboration tools like Slack enhances the learning experience. Additionally, offering flexible scheduling allows students to pursue their education without the stress of traditional classroom timetables." – Omid Naeimi, English Teacher and the founder of Phoenix English Language. 

 

Just like Omid Naeimi, develop a unique approach to teaching concepts within a specific timeframe. Tailor your teaching methods to fit into your students' busy schedules.

Create a structured yet adaptable learning plan that aligns with each student's individual needs and time constraints. Focus on delivering concise, targeted lessons that maximize efficiency and comprehension.

Utilize a variety of online tools and resources to enhance the learning experience. Offer flexible scheduling to accommodate students' needs, allowing them to continue their education without the stress of a traditional classroom timetable.

6. Demonstration

Use the demonstration technique to ensure that your students deeply and thoroughly understand a concept or operation. Actively show how something is done, whether it's operating a tool, navigating equipment, troubleshooting an issue, or completing a specific task.

Carefully plan the lesson to make sure every step is clear and logically follows the previous one.

Encourage students to ask questions during the demonstration and practice the task themselves while you provide support and feedback.

7. Presentation, Practice, and Production (PPP)

Introduce new vocabulary and concepts effectively using the structured, three-step PPP method. Start with the Presentation, introducing the target language using engaging tools and clear explanations.

Move on to Practice, designing activities that allow students to use the new language in a controlled environment. Finally, transition to Production, where students use the language more freely and creatively. This structured approach helps build their confidence and fluency.

In conclusion, as an ESL teacher utilizing TEFL methodology, employ a variety of teaching methods to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience for your adult students. Consider key factors such as student age, class size, and English proficiency level. Align your teaching method with your style to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

Understand and implement these top seven methods to create a versatile and effective teaching strategy that caters to the unique needs of your adult students, ensuring their success in mastering English.

For a deeper dive into each of these methods and how to effectively implement them in your teaching practice, keep exploring and adapting these approaches to suit your classroom dynamics.