Teach English in ShangcAng Zhen - Tianjin

Learning Modes young learners vs AdultsWhen it comes time to for a TEFL teacher to start teaching, he or she may have the option of choosing to teach young learners (generally, anyone under the age of 18) or adults. There are advantages and disadvantages to both young learners and adults, which a teacher must consider before making a final decision. Young learners represent a wide range of abilities and levels, as they can be a student as young as seven or eight or as old as 15 or 16. Most young learners attend english classes because it is required by their school or because it is their parents' wish. Consequently, many young learners may lack the internal drive to learn english for themselves. That does not mean, however, that they will always be unwilling to learn. It may simply mean that the teacher needs to find creative ways of engaging his or her students. Children are innately curious and interested about the world around them and are therefore wonderfully enthusiastic students who can often pick up the english language quite quickly. Most young learners respond well to a bright, colorful classroom and lessons that makes use of pictures, audio, props, mimes and gestures - anything that stimulates the senses and provides hands-on opportunities for learning. Conversely, they usually have shorter attention spans and can become fidgety if left to sit in their chairs for long periods of time. Teachers of young learners should be prepared to keep activities short and move from one task to the next briskly, so as not to lose their focus. When focus is lost, however, it can lead to discipline problems (though teachers of young learners should know that such problems may also stem from issues at home or outside the classroom). To help prevent or anticipate any potential problems, teachers of young learners should keep to a fair, consistent routine while maintaining flexibility to adjust the lesson as needed. Adult learners, meanwhile, present different challenges and opportunities for teachers. Adult learners, in general, tend to be more motivated and committed to learning english because they've chosen to do so voluntarily. As a result, they are more disciplined and have firm goals. Adults often want to make sure that their english lessons are relevant to their needs, so they may balk at lessons that they perceive are "busy work." Teachers, therefore, should be diligent in helping adult learners understand why certain lessons are important. Adult learners also bring a wealth of life experience with them into the classroom, which gives them a larger frame of reference and adds a depth and richness to class lessons. It may also, however, mean that they have preconceived notions about learning and english and may find it difficult to embrace new ideas. Adult learners, unlike their younger counterparts, usually have better attention spans. This gives teachers the chance to explore more complex topics and rely on a lecture format from time to time - but teachers should make sure they don't do away with games and activities completely. Adults will enjoy those as well. Though they usually retain more information readily, adults tend to learn at a slower pace, which may be frustrating for some teachers who like to move quickly. But this slowed-down pace may also provide a unique opportunity for teachers to thoroughly investigate a particular subject or language point in much more detail. A slightly slower approach to lessons may also help adults gain confidence in their english-speaking ability. Many adults come to english classes after years away from a classroom. They may initially lack confidence or have anxiety about their language abilities and may worry about "losing face" with other students. An adult-learner teacher should strive to create a welcoming, safe classroom environment that puts students at ease, allowing them to participate freely. There are, of course, some things that are universal across the young learner - adult learner divide: the need for enjoyable, dynamic activities and lessons; a balance between teacher-centered lessons and student-centered lessons; positive feedback and encouragement; and a respectful, professional and enthusiastic teacher. Whether a teacher chooses a young learner class or an adult class, he or she will no doubt have a rewarding teaching experience.