How To Motivate Adult Learners

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences As we all know, motivation is a core aspect of teaching and learning a language. Lack of motivation is perhaps the biggest obstacle that we face as students and teachers. If a student lacks motivation, he/she will not pay attention in the class or will simply find it boring. At the same time if a teacher lacks motivation to teach he/she will be unable to attract students' attention and give them all they need. Let us be honest and say that intelligent students are those, who always eagerly attend class and enjoy the process. Here we need a highly motivated teacher who is willing help them. In this article I divide students into several categories because different situations require different approaches. How to motivate young learners Helping teenagers to get...  [Read more]

1. Benefits of Teaching English Online to Adults 2. Strategies for Teaching English Online to Adults 3. Tools and Resources for Teaching English Online to Adults 4. Overcoming Challenges in Teaching English Online to Adults Teaching English online to adults offers various benefits for both educators and learners. Adults are often motivated to learn English for specific purposes such as career advancement, travel, or personal enrichment. As a teacher, you have the opportunity to work with motivated learners who are committed to their language learning goals. Additionally, teaching online provides flexibility in terms of scheduling, allowing you to reach a global audience from the comfort of your own home. This flexibility also extends to the variety of teaching platforms available, giving...  [Read more]

Jon ITTT Alumni Experiences Learning is something essential in anyone's life, not only as a human being but as a species. As humans we start learning about everything in our environment the moment we come into this world and this experience of learning proceeds with us throughout our lives till the moment we leave this world. The more we learn the more knowledge we accumulate, which will help us, as individuals or societies, to improve our lives in every way possible as long as we use this knowledge that we have learned and apply it correctly in our daily lives. It is evident that learning happens through communication and interaction between an individual and his/her environment and the main tool for interaction and communication for humans is language. Thus, language learning is...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Discipline is an important aspect of classroom life when teaching EFL to adults. It affects the teachers and students and can hold a classroom together. Lack of discipline creates chaos and diminishes the ability of students to learn. In this essay, I will seek to explore what kind of discipline problems there are among adults, why a lack of discipline exists, and some strategies to solving a lack of discipline. To begin with, I'd like to review some literature about common problems which exist among students. With all these reasons for lack of discipline in mind, what solutions can be implemented? Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas One of the biggest jobs for a teacher is to motivate his or her students. Motivation is important because it keeps the students invested in the class and learning the class material. To build motivation, the teacher can do several things in the classroom and with the students. It is important to remember that a motivated student has a greater chance of success than a student without motivation. Building Motivation Points to Pay Close Attention to Choices Ideas Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Angela H. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. One way to build motivation is to deliver lesson...  [Read more]

When teaching English to young learners, it is essential to incorporate a lot of visual aids, games, songs, and activities to keep their attention and make learning fun. Young learners have shorter attention spans, so it is crucial to vary activities frequently and keep instructions simple and clear. Additionally, using a lot of repetition and incorporating storytelling can help young learners absorb new vocabulary and grammar structures more effectively. On the other hand, teaching English to adult learners requires a more structured and goal-oriented approach. Adult learners are usually more motivated and have specific reasons for learning English, such as career advancement or travel. Therefore, it is important to tailor lessons to their individual needs and interests. Adult learners...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Brown (2001, p. 72) claims that "One of the more complicated problems of second language learning and teaching has been to define and apply the construct of motivation in the classroom". Motivation is a significant determinant of success in learning a second or foreign language. "It can be defined as a driving force that pushes someone to do something" (Astuti, 2013, p. 14). Without motivation, it seems to be impossible to achieve success in foreign language learning. "Motivation could be considered as the emotion that a person could have towards learning a foreign language, and it is determined by his/her predisposition and personality characteristics." (Karahan, 2007, p. 2). Reasons Why Motivation is Important The following are some of the strategies...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas The fastest-spreading language in human history is English! It is spoken at a useful level by some 1.75 billion people worldwide says an online article from the Harvard Business Review in 2015. In almost every country companies need to act international or do have contact with clients and employees with different backgrounds. The pressure of a company to deal with in its business, with the support of its employees, on a common language is extremely high to resist this global market next to its competitors. The Essence of the Question Why is motivation so important? Why is it different to motivate these students than in another group? What kind of learning style and learning ability each of us has should we know as soon as possible? How do I reach the...  [Read more]

Teaching English to adults can be a rewarding experience as they are often motivated to learn and improve their language skills for various reasons such as career advancement, travel, or personal growth. Adults typically have a strong foundation in their native language, which can be both an advantage and a challenge when learning a new language. As a TEFL teacher, it is important to tailor your lessons to meet the specific needs and interests of adult learners. This may involve focusing on practical language skills for everyday communication, professional vocabulary for the workplace, or cultural nuances that can help them navigate social interactions in an English-speaking environment. Teaching English to seniors can also be a fulfilling experience, as many older adults are eager to...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas Motivation in the classroom is the biggest reason why I teach students in a high school setting. I am a public-school teacher and I get English as a Second Language students all the time in my classroom. I am a 10th-grade teacher but my students' ages range from 14 years old to 19 years old. The number one factor that I teach is for motivation. My students are already matured and have seen things they probably should not have at their ages. Once they get to my classroom, they are mine to teach. I do my utmost best to teach my students. I have students from all over the world, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Egyptian, Asian, Africa, to name a few countries. I now have wonderful scores. I also have a high likability rating from my students; the...  [Read more]

Federico Riva TEFL Information Teaching Ideas When it comes to teaching English as a foreign or second language (TEFL/TESL, Introductory Unit), it is no secret that there are important differences between children and adult learners. These differences determine how teachers approach each group and the techniques employed in the classroom. As a teacher, it is necessary to tailor your teaching approach and methodology depending on whether you are teaching young learners or adults. The paragraphs below will outline some of the main differences between these groups and how lessons might be planned around the age of the students. Defining Young Learners and Adult Learners Motivation Matters Managing Attention and Engagement Classroom Management and Language Use Tailoring Teaching Approaches...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Teaching English online is an excellent opportunity for English speakers since it requires no formal teaching experience. A persons' understanding of the natural turns of English and idioms is what many adult learners need to improve their English use. It gives the teacher the ability to create his teaching path and teach in a way that is believed best for the students (Salmon, 2011). The Level of Contact Teaching Schedule Teaching Professionalism Implementing Additional Materials Do you want to teach English abroad or online? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Yuanchun L. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily...  [Read more]

When it comes to teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) to adults, there are several countries that offer great opportunities for teachers. In this guide, we will explore some of the best countries for TEFL teachers who enjoy working with adult learners. Teaching English to adults requires a certain set of qualifications and skills. In this section, we will discuss the qualifications and requirements needed to teach English to adult learners, including certifications, experience, and language proficiency. Teaching English to adults can be a rewarding experience for both teachers and students. In this section, we will highlight some of the benefits of teaching English to adult learners, including the opportunity to make a positive impact, cultural exchange, and personal growth. In...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Although the Classroom Learning Modes are affected by many variables, a large factor that instructors should be aware of are the differences and similarities between Youth and Adult Learners. Youth versus adult learners may vary in their classroom experience, energy, and sources of motivation, however, all students (regardless of age) can learn successfully if the teacher is cognizant of these dimensions as they design and deliver their course. Benefits of Younger Students Pros to Teach Older Students Other Factors Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Julia J. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs...  [Read more]

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on ESL classes for adults in Madison, Wisconsin. Whether you are a non-native English speaker looking to improve your language skills or a professional seeking to enhance your career prospects, our courses are designed to meet your needs. At ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training), we offer a range of programs tailored to adults in Madison, Wisconsin, who are eager to advance their English proficiency. In this guide, we will explore the various ESL classes available for adults in Madison, Wisconsin, highlighting the benefits of each program and detailing how they can help you achieve your language learning goals. From conversational English courses to business English workshops, our experienced instructors are committed to providing you with the...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker TEFL Information Teaching Ideas For many EFL teachers online teaching provides a convenient opportunity to earn a good income without having to leave your own home. For many others it is an unexpected reality due to recent global events. Whatever your reasons for teaching English online, you will probably find that your students are often tired and lacking in motivation due to too many hours in front of the computer screen and not enough variety in their learning. Unfortunately, the same also applies to many teachers. If you feel you are struggling to keep motivated when teaching online, don't worry as you are not alone. Take a look at our simple tips for maintaining motivation when teaching English online and you should see some light at the end of the tunnel. Keep a...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences How to maintain motivation and communicate instructions with beginner students, whilst avoiding their native language is definitely a difficult thing for teachers. First, we'll discuss how to motivate beginner students of the English language. Second, we'll see how to communicate instructions in a new or foreign language and the benefits of using the language you are teaching over the students' native language(s). How to motivate beginner students of the English language How to communicate instructions in a new or foreign language Benefits of using the language you are teaching over the students' native language(s) Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post This post was written by our TEFL certification...  [Read more]

Linda Dunsmore Alumni Experiences This post will focus on the differences English teacher face when they are working with a class of young learners compared to a class of adult learners. Listen to this blog post: What are adults - what are young learners? Typical Qualities of Adult Learners Typical Qualities of Young Learners Behavioral Problems with Young Learners Which type of students do you prefer to teach? Related Articles: Check out what our course grads say in our many video testimonials! This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Rebecca M. First, it is necessary to define what we mean by adult learners and young learners in the TEFL environment. An adult learner is defined as any student over the age of eighteen who engages in English language tuition. A younger...  [Read more]

Mark Crocker Alumni Experiences Teaching Ideas A good TEFL teacher must understand that there are a lot of differences between young learners and adult learners, but also they have some similarities. The following differences and similarities between these two types of students are the most common ones any teacher will notice having worked in both situations. Discipline and Behavior Motivation Methods of Study Difficulties for Adult Learners Similarities Between Young Learners and Adult Learners Do you want to teach English to young learners or adults? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Daria K. One of the main differences between young learners and adult learners is their discipline and behavior during class. Adult...  [Read more]

  Introduction to TEFL Student Engagement Importance of Student Engagement in TEFL Creating Interactive and Fun Lessons Techniques for Motivating TEFL Students Incorporating Technology for Engagement Differentiating Instruction to Engage All Learners Building Strong Teacher-Student Relationships Using Authentic Materials to Enhance Engagement Assessing and Improving Student Engagement Enhancing Student Engagement with ITTT Student engagement is a key factor in successful language learning, particularly in the TEFL classroom where maintaining motivation and interest can be challenging. Engaged students are more likely to participate actively, retain information, and achieve their language learning goals. ITTT (International TEFL and TESOL Training) offers strategies and resources to...  [Read more]

Teaching English to adults requires a different approach compared to teaching children. Adults have specific learning needs and preferences that should be taken into account when choosing a TEFL course. Adult learners are often motivated by practical outcomes, such as improving their job prospects or traveling to English-speaking countries. They also bring a wealth of life experience to the classroom, which can be utilized to create engaging and relevant lessons. Understanding the characteristics and motivations of adult learners is essential for effective English language instruction. When selecting a TEFL course for teaching adults, it is important to look for programs that focus on methodologies and strategies tailored to adult learners. Courses that cover topics such as teaching...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Learning the English language during adult years is a specific process when a student has reached a certain age, got some kind of profession (occupation), and decided for some specific reasons to learn (improve) English language. Specific purposes Misconception Lack of Confidence Belief in Cultural Difference Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Dinara Y. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. For example, the first category of students I came across decided to learn the English language and attend lessons because they needed to pass a governmental exam (YDS English), which could provide public...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences For people who are learning a foreign language, their lives might change a lot. They have the chance to talk to more people, get more information, and their brains get trained. As we all know, it's much easier for a child to learn a new language than an adult. Why? What are the essential differences between adults and young learners? Understanding their goals Experience teaching older groups of students Possible Challenges Young students Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate LU C. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT. Usually, there is a goal that motivates an adult to learn something new, whereas...  [Read more]

Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) offers numerous opportunities for teachers to work with young learners. Teaching young learners can be a rewarding experience as you have the chance to shape their language learning journey from a young age. Young learners are typically defined as children between the ages of 3 to 12 years old, and teaching them requires a different approach compared to teaching adults. In TEFL, teaching young learners often involves using interactive and engaging teaching methods to keep them motivated and interested in learning English. To teach young learners in TEFL, it is essential to have the right qualifications and skills. While requirements may vary depending on the country and institution, most schools prefer teachers to have a TEFL certification,...  [Read more]

One of the best ways to motivate English language learners in a TEFL classroom is by creating a positive and supportive learning environment. This can be achieved by fostering a sense of community and belonging among the students. Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect in the classroom. Celebrate diversity and create a safe space where students feel comfortable taking risks with their language skills. Positive reinforcement, praise, and encouragement go a long way in boosting students' confidence and motivation. Engaging and interactive activities are essential for keeping English language learners motivated in the classroom. Incorporate a variety of teaching methods such as games, role-plays, group discussions, and multimedia resources to cater to different learning styles....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Motivating students is always a challenge and can, in fact, be one of the most difficult parts of education. There are countless ways to either encourage or intimidate a student into completing their work or participating in class but these external motivators have a limited effect. Encouragement and praise may only motivate a student while they are seated in the classroom. A teacher expressing disappointment on an uncompleted assignment may only encourage the student to avoid the subject or course work altogether. One of the best ways I have found for motivating students is to find a student's internal motivation. Finding Students' Future Goals Setting Up The Responsibilities Individual Learning Plan My Own Experience Are You Ready to Teach ESL...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Alumni Experiences Keeping students motivated to learn can be one of the biggest challenges a teacher may face. Without motivation, the students can become bored and complacent; they may even start to act out and disrupt the class. A few ways a teacher can keep their students motivated are by participating in games and physical activity, reward, and praise, and having a good attitude as a teacher. 1. Use Games and Activities 2. Praise and Reward 3. Have a Positive Attitude Are you ready to teach English abroad? Related Articles: Listen to this blog post: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Victoria O. Also read: Top Online Lesson Plan Resources for New and Advanced Teachers Games and activities are a good source of motivation because they are fun....  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas Motivation has proven to be one of the major challenges teachers face in the classroom, where he/she must, however, engage the students. No matter how you see it, a teacher's personality matters so much in the classroom. Now the question is, how will a teacher improve his student's motivation in the classroom. Get to know your students well The use of the game The use of feedback and the good attributive cause: The control of oneself and one's environment: Self-confidence: Self-determination: The competition: The reward: Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course! Related Articles: This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Nwanekezie Adaeze E. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or...  [Read more]

Elizaveta Pachina Teaching Ideas As with any subject, a student's motivation can affect their interest in the subject matter. English is no different, in fact, I believe that motivation is the key difference in students who continue to progress and improve in English and those who don't and discontinue English in their future. Now, this is not to say that all students with low motivation do not pick up any English through their learning, nor does it mean that a student with motivation will find English learning to be easy. However, I believe that motivation plays a key role in ensuring that a student remains engaged with the English language and eventually progresses into fluency. I wouldd like to present ideas that can add to student's motivation and improve their English learning...  [Read more]

Incorporating technology into TEFL lessons for adult learners can greatly enhance the learning experience and provide numerous benefits. Technology can make lessons more engaging, interactive, and tailored to individual learning styles. As an expert in TEFL, you can effectively integrate technology to create a dynamic and modern learning environment for your adult students. There are several advantages to using technology in TEFL lessons for adult learners. Firstly, technology can make learning more engaging and interactive, as it allows for multimedia presentations, interactive exercises, and real-time feedback. Additionally, technology provides access to a wealth of online resources, such as language learning apps, interactive websites, and online language courses. This can help adult...  [Read more]