Teaching Adult English Language Learners

This resource brings together information about policy, second language acquisition theory and research, methods and materials for teaching adult English language learners, program design, and cross-cultural issues that effect learning in adult ESL classrooms. It also discusses the context within which adult ESOL instructors work and in which adult ESOL programs function. The framework for this discussion of context draws from the developing framework of standards for teachers of adult learners under consideration by TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc.). This book is designed for faculty and students in adult education graduate programs and other TESOL preparation programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels that target adult learners. Other audiences are adult ESL program directors and policy makers as well as educators working in elementary and high school, many of whom are connected to populations of adult learners through the parents of the children they serve.

This book centralizes the narratives of adult English language learners, teachers, and trainee teachers in the development of a humanistic language pedagogy; their strengths, concerns, and stories inform this practical guide to adult literacy development and English language-culture learning and teaching. The author sets the need to educate the whole person, and to focus on the adult learner’s strengths and assets, against a background of rigorous research and practical experience. This book combines evidence-based pedagogy with a passionate belief in the centrality of the learner and the importance of education and will be invaluable to all those involved in teaching and training related to adult English language learners.

Teaching Adult ESL is the first comprehensive yet practical overview of adult ESL teaching methodology for teachers and teachers in preparation.

Adult English language learners who lack print literacy or experience with formal education encounter a unique set of challenges in their lives and their efforts to learn English. Educators and policymakers are similarly challenged by how best to help these adults acquire English literacy. This booklet reviews a variety of research, including that on language acquisition, literacy development in adults and children, cognition and brain functioning, adult education, and professional development. Though research on this specific group of adult learners is sparse, available findings suggest that they need programs and classes separate from those for other beginning-level English language learners, with particular attention paid to cultural influences and their experiences (or lack thereof) with formal education. Those who teach these adults can benefit from professional development opportunities that focus closely on the specific backgrounds, strengths and needs of these learners.

This edition shows educators how to bridge the digital divide that disproportionally affects culturally and linguistically diverse learners with research-informed technology models. Designed to support equitable access to engaging and enriching digital-age education opportunities for English learners, it includes technology integration models and instructional strategies, sample lessons, collaboration tips, educator vignettes with creative solutions, and discussion questions.

This book describes the policy initiatives and economic realities that influence the design of programs for adult English language learners, demonstrating how the agendas of each stakeholder can be reconciled in a way that renders them mutually supportive. It focuses on the commonalities among stakeholder goals. It equips instructors to provide quality learner-centered instruction while responding to the full range of current programmatic demands. Section 1 describes the forces shaping program design and administration. Section 2 provides practical suggestions on how to assess the needs of various stakeholders. Section three gives strategies for reconciling the agendas of the stakeholders. Section 4 presents ways to convey workplace and civics competencies through the instructional process. Section 5 discusses how to convey behavioral expectations through classroom management techniques. Section 6 offers suggestions for helping learners develop lifelong learning skills. Worksheets are included. (Contains 31 references.) (Adjunct ERIC Clearinghouse for ESL Literacy Education) (SM).