Teaching ESL to Adults – Module 1

We are excited to release Module 1 of our Teaching ESL to Adults training program. This is an asynchronous program that explores key principles of adult learning and aims to give you the tools you need to teach adult ESL confidently.

After completing the program, teachers will be familiar with the six main adult learning principles, basic teaching strategies appropriate for adults, and how to utilize Off2Class resources to support language development for adults.

Scroll down to access Module 1 of the training program, or view the video version here:

What are the 6 principles of teaching ESL to adults?

1. Autonomy: Adults value autonomy and tend to take responsibility for their own learning. They want to be seen and treated as capable and self-directed.
2. Experience: Adults bring a wealth of lived experience to the learning environment. This experience should therefore be acknowledged and leveraged in the learning process.
3. Relevance: Adults want to learn things that are relevant to their real-life situations. Less theory, more practice.
4. Practicality: Adults are practical and problem-centered in their orientation to learning. As a result, they want to apply what they’re learning to immediate, practical situations.
5. Motivation: While adults respond to external motivators, they are more motivated by internal factors like self-esteem and quality of life.
6. Purpose: Adults need learning to have a purpose. They need to know why they are learning something and how the material relates to their lives or goals.

Implications for ESL instruction

1. Give adult learners autonomy in the learning process

• Ask questions
• Give choice
• Encourage reflection

Before the start of a course, have students complete a “Language Learning Goals” worksheet and skills inventory. Include questions like “What do you want to be able to do in English by the end of this course?” “In what situations do you most need to use English?”  Throughout your instruction, be intentional about reminding students to reflect on their progress.

You can download the “Language Learning Goals” worksheet here to save you time!

2. Introduce activities that draw on their experiences

• Create opportunities for students to share their expertise
• Use real-life scenarios that relate to students’ backgrounds
• Encourage students to make connections between new concepts and their prior knowledge

For example, in a lesson about giving instructions, ask students to teach the class how to do something they’re skilled at, like a recipe from their home country or a job-related task.

3. Focus on immediately relevant topics and real-life applications

• Choose themes and vocabulary that align with students’ daily lives
• Incorporate authentic materials that coincide with lesson themes, like job applications, news articles, or utility bills
• Practice language in context through role-plays of real-life situations

For example, for a unit on health, bring in actual medical forms or prescription labels. Have students practice filling out the forms and interpreting the labels.

4. Explain the purpose behind activities and lessons

• Clearly state learning objectives at the beginning of each lesson (teacher’s notes)
• Discuss how each activity contributes to language acquisition
• Help students see the connection between classroom learning and real-world application

For example, before a grammar lesson on past tense, explain: “Today we’re learning about past tense verbs. This will help you talk about your previous work experience in job interviews.”

5. Foster a collaborative, respectful learning environment

• Establish ground rules for respectful communication
• Keep cultural differences in mind (gender roles, authority structures, etc)
• Create opportunities for peer teaching and group work
• Validate and incorporate diverse perspectives and experiences
• Acknowledge the wealth of life experience adult learners bring to the classroom

Off2Class resources for teaching ESL to adults

Step by Step Curriculum

A structured, level-based program designed to help English learners progress systematically from beginner to advanced levels. Since our curriculum covers all proficiency stages, you just select a level, and start teaching.

The curriculum is great for building foundational skills, since it covers all language domains (speaking, listening, reading, and writing, along with some explicit grammar.)

Additionally, the curriculum includes application to real-life scenarios at each level: daily routines, work, relationships, travel.

Business English Curriculum

A full business English curriculum covering language and skills for success in professional settings. This is ideal for work-focused learners, since it encompasses vocabulary, phrases, and writing styles needed for business interactions such as meetings, presentations, negotiations, emails, and reports.

Overall, the curriculum aims to helps adults achieve career-related language goals

Don’t forget about our free lessons!

If you enjoyed Module 1 of the teaching ESL to adults training program, you may also find our 150+ ESL lesson plans, available with a free account, helpful. The lesson plans are designed to save you time. We also offer a wide selection of other resources, training, and content to help you succeed. Happy Teaching!