TEACHING ENGLISH TO ADULTS: ADDRESSING THE UNIQUE NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF ADULT LEARNERS
Keywords:
Adult education; English language teaching (ELT); adult learners; andragogy; learner autonomy; authentic materials; motivation; language acquisition; learner-centered approach; ESL teaching strategies.Abstract
This article explores the specific needs, motivations, and challenges associated with teaching English to adult learners. Unlike children or adolescents, adults bring a wealth of life experience, established learning preferences, and diverse professional and personal goals to the classroom. These factors require tailored pedagogical strategies to ensure effective language acquisition. The paper discusses key principles of adult learning (andragogy), such as self-directedness, relevance, and practical application, and examines how these can be integrated into English language instruction. It also analyzes common barriers faced by adult learners—including time constraints, lack of confidence, and cognitive limitations—and offers practical solutions, including flexible scheduling, learner-centered methods, and the use of authentic materials. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive, respectful, and motivating environment that fosters learner autonomy and sustained engagement in the adult ESL classroom.
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