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This unit dealt with teaching special groups, such as beginning young and adult learners, individual students, and Business English. Beginning learners, in particular, require a unique approach, particularly if there have acquired little to no language already. Children, while not always highly motivated, can be kept engaged through fun lessons. It's important to keep the lesson moving along, and use clear and understandable English (sometimes even over-emphasising the language). Gestures are also helpful, particularly with absolute beginner groups. Individual learners usually are highly motivated and have particular skills that they want to work on. While group activities are clearly not possible in this setting, there are many other kinds of activities that can be used, such as pronunciation and intonation work, conversation, and listening to different accents and discussing these differences. For learners that will be studying or living/working in any country where English is the native language, this can be particularly helpful. For example, there are many different accents in the United States, some of which can be very difficult for even an advanced learner to understand (I even have difficulty with some!). The same is true for England, with some regional accents being quite challenging to understand. The most important aspect of one on one lessons is that it allows the student to target certain areas of study, something not possible in a classroom setting. Business English can be taught one on one or in a group setting. It's essential to complete a needs analysis with the class prior to the first lesson in order to gauge the needs, interests, and goals of the group. Abilities can be varied and attendance can also be spotty at times, so lesson planning requires lots of contingencies.
