I have spent almost thirty years as a teacher and private tutor to adult ESL/EFL students. One thing that becomes clear early on is that adult ESL/EFL students have different needs: Some want to practice natural conversation skills. These students don’t want to use a book but prefer to just chat as if they’re having coffee with their English-speaking friend. Some students want to improve their vocabulary and grammar usage and would therefore like some exercises together with actual conversation practice.
Here is a list of seven types of adult ESL students, their specific needs, and the approaches we take to help them achieve their goals:
1. The Casual Conversationalist
Needs:
- Wants to practice natural, everyday conversation.
- Aims to sound more fluent and confident in casual settings.
- Prefers a relaxed, unstructured approach.
Approach:
- Focus on free-flowing conversations about their interests, daily life, or current events.
- Use role-playing scenarios (e.g., ordering food, making small talk, or discussing hobbies).
- Correct errors gently and provide natural phrasing alternatives.
- Avoid overloading with grammar rules unless they ask.
2. The Grammar Perfectionist
Needs:
- Wants to improve accuracy in grammar and sentence structure.
- May feel frustrated by frequent mistakes.
- Seeks clear explanations and structured practice.
Approach:
- Dedicate part of the lesson to grammar exercises (e.g., verb tenses, prepositions, or articles).
- Use real-life examples to show how grammar applies in conversation.
- Provide corrective feedback during conversations.
- Assign homework like grammar worksheets or online quizzes.
3. The Vocabulary Builder
Needs:
- Wants to expand their vocabulary for specific contexts (e.g., work, travel, or social situations).
- Struggles with finding the right words or phrases.
Approach:
- Introduce thematic vocabulary lists (e.g., business terms, travel phrases, or idioms).
- Use flashcards, word games, or apps.
- Encourage them to use new words in sentences or conversations.
- Discuss synonyms, antonyms, and collocations to deepen understanding.
4. The Professional Communicator
Needs:
- Wants to improve English for work-related purposes (e.g., emails, presentations, or meetings).
- Needs to sound professional and polished.
Approach:
- Practice formal writing (e.g., emails, reports) and speaking (e.g., presentations, negotiations).
- Role-play workplace scenarios (e.g., job interviews, team discussions).
- Focus on business vocabulary and phrases.
- Provide feedback on tone, clarity, and professionalism.
5. The Exam Taker
Needs:
- Preparing for an English proficiency test (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, or TOEIC).
- Needs to improve specific skills like reading, writing, listening, or speaking.
Approach:
- Use test preparation materials and practice exams.
- Focus on time management and test-taking strategies.
- Provide targeted exercises for weak areas (e.g., essay writing, listening comprehension).
- Simulate test conditions to build confidence.
6. The Culture Enthusiast
Needs:
- Wants to learn English to better understand Western culture, media, or travel.
- Enjoys discussing movies, music, books, or traditions.
Approach:
- Use authentic materials like movies, TV shows, podcasts, or news articles.
- Discuss cultural differences and nuances in language use.
- Encourage them to share their own culture in English.
- Focus on idiomatic expressions and slang.
7. The Shy Learner
Needs:
- Lacks confidence and fears making mistakes.
- Struggles to speak up or participate actively.
Approach:
- Create a supportive, non-judgmental environment.
- Start with simple, low-pressure conversations.
- Use pair work or small group activities if possible.
- Gradually increase the complexity of tasks as their confidence grows.
- Celebrate small victories to build motivation.
By tailoring our approach to each student’s needs, we aim to create a more engaging and effective learning experience. We also combine strategies depending on the student’s progress and changing goals.
Now, the question is which type of student are you?