ADULT EDUCATION – WHO, WHY, WHERE, WHAT

By Arthur Rubin

Adults and those approaching adulthood can have a wide variety of  reasons for studying ESL. Both native and non-native speakers may want to complete their GED (the high school equivalency exam); to get a job or advance in their careers; to tutor or help their children at home; or simply to improve their minds and/or day-to-day lives. 

These people can undertake their studies in a variety of different settings: college extensions, career training or lifelong learning centers, public libraries, or other nonprofit venues. They can participate in “distance learning” (e.g. online courses), or pick up what they need independently from multiple sources.  They can study on their own, with a tutor or family member, in a "learning group," or in a structured classroom with a set curriculum.

Regarding the specific content of such instruction, native and non-native speakers may need or desire additional training in the four primary language skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.  Some focus on the clarity/and or accuracy of their accents. Almost everyone can benefit from – and enjoy - an update in grammar and vocabulary, and in their communication skills in general.

The conventional wisdom is that when it comes to language learning, children have a significant advantage over their elders. The latter, however, do have a number of things going for them. These include: vastly greater experience, a practical and goal-oriented mindset, and gratitude for the opportunity to learn.