Teaching Adults ESL Online
Truth to be told, there are a lot more opportunities for teaching children compare to teaching adult English due to the nature of language learning demand. However, there are still plenty of opportunities out there to be found. Here is a list of Online Teaching Companies or the guide to run your online independent English teaching business.
Motivation
The greatest difference between children and adults learning English or any foreign language is the motivation, adults who signed up for English lessons are likely having specific reasons, typically for work or preparation for studying abroad. Address their motivation will better engage your students and improve the desirable area.
Pronunciation
Due to the decreasing plasticity in learning a new language compared to children, adults already fixated in intonation, stress, and rhythm of their native language and require more effort and emphasis in pronunciation. Adults often shy away from speaking to avoid making pronunciation and spelling mistakes, as a result, would require encouragement from you as a teacher.
Teaching Methods
Teaching adults is slightly different from teaching children in terms of methods and approaches because adults typically already have some language foundation in both their mother tongue and basic understanding in the English language. Adults also tend to have a more specific area they are interested in improving.
Time is Money
For adults, time is money. The allocation of their precious time away from work, hanging out with friends, family commitment, or simply resting indicates the importance of English language skills to them. Adults are also less likely to do the homework due to the busy nature of adult life and laziness of lacking parents watching over their shoulders. It’s crucial to understand their learning goals and address the most immediate need in order to make the most out of the limited time.
Which Online Companies to Teach Adult English?
The number of companies offers English lessons to adults is significantly less than for children. Online ESL companies like Hujiang, iTutorGroup, Palfish, Preply offer you opportunities to teach English lessons to adults. The lesson is usually not topic-specific but focuses on conversational practicing.
English Teaching Materials
The tools can let you focus online lessons on speaking and pronunciation and offload grammar and other skills by using the tools and platforms listed below.
Pronunciation
For pronunciation have your students subscribe and use Rachel’s English. Direct them to the playlists. They are highly useful since they group together the lessons. Work through the lessons with them in your regular lessons.
Perform searches on YouTube.com using the terms ESL pronunciation + what you need help with, including ESL pronunciation, ESL pronunciation vowel sounds, etc. When you practice your pronunciation record and listen to yourself. Follow up with these in your next live lessons.
Vocabulary
Have your students create an account at Memrise. It is one of the most useful applications for learning new vocabulary. One of the best lists for them to learn is for phrasal verbs. Another useful resource for English teachers is the lesson plans by UsingEnglish.
Filler Words
When students are learning English they tend to be nervous when speaking. Due to this, they end up using filler words. This can become a rather bad habit. Teach your students about this lesson.
Additional Resources for Teaching Adults
- Resources from the British Council
Book Recommendation
General ESL Guides
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Grammar Books
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- Here are more ESL learning and teaching book recommendations.
- The English Language learning book list by Loyola University Chicago
Writing Tools
Have your students install Grammarly. One of the best sources for teaching writing is the OWL Lab from the University of Purdue.
Accent Reduction
Have your students record themselves during your lessons. Have them go back to listen to how they sound. This is an effective way for them to understand the issues with their accents. Windows and Mac computers have built-in sound recording devices for free or they can simply use their phone.
Last update on 2023-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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