For some adult students, the English language is easy to understand, both in grammar and in pronunciation. For other adults learning the language it can be a painful and difficult process to communicate in a foreign tongue. You can increase an adult's interest in learning basic English by incorporating interactive lessons with print, audio and video content and by using teaching methods that combine both group communication and one-on-one speaking time. Breaking down the language into manageable portions will let adults absorb information easily.

1

Break the language into small, manageable lessons. Create lessons focusing on grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary and dialogue. Set up lesson plans that work on specific groups of words to help students grasp the full meaning of how to use words in the English vocabulary.

2

Display pictures and use visual imagery to help adults learn English. Give each student a sheet of poster board, old magazines, glue and scissors. List specific vocabulary words on a chalkboard and have students find pictures that best represent the word in magazines. Let the students cut out the pictures and paste them on the poster boards. Instruct the students to write the word below each picture.

3

Show students how to speak English by communicating with dialogue. Use sample sentences or phrases such as greetings and introductions, topics about the weather or directions to get to a specific location. Use flash cards, listing a sentence or phrase on each card. Quiz each student using the flashcards to help him get comfortable with speaking words in full sentences.

4

Incorporate crossword puzzles. Make simple crossword puzzles out of vocabulary words to help students enhance spelling and identification. Grade each crossword puzzle and list the words that are spelled incorrectly to help a student review each word.

5

Use multimedia to help students master the English language. Focus lessons on a particular movie, television show, newspaper or story. Have students read aloud a particular story or journal article. Help students improve their dialogue by discussing with the class the meaning of the story presented.

6

Ask questions. Encourage students to ask questions about concepts they do not understand. Quiz your students to review concepts about grammar structure, vocabulary and pronunciation. Incorporate both written and oral assessments to get an idea of where your students' knowledge level is. Review concepts they are not understanding.

Tips

Target trouble areas for ESL learners by offering one-on-one tutoring sessions.

Take frequent breaks throughout lessons to avoid student frustration and burnout.