For a second 12-week session, I’m spending one night each week teaching English to adult learners. It’s a voluntary position that I sort of stumbled into, and I’m very glad to have found this opportunity. It lets me help others while also delving into my native language.
Last year, I found out about a local organization, Loudoun Literacy Council, when they invited me to speak at a donor event. As I learned more about their programs, I wanted to find a way to help. Teaching adult learners seemed like a good way to get involved, and I was fortunate to be paired with a co-teacher who has many years of experience.
English is a Tricky Language
I teach advanced English for adult learners, which means the students are already fluent, or nearly fluent. English may be a language they are learning second, third, fourth, etc. I’m impressed with how many languages some of our students know! At this point, they need help with fine-tuning their grammar and gaining confidence in expressing themselves. We try to balance our lesson plans so each class includes some grammar, reading, writing, and conversation.
While I have a fairly good grasp on grammar, teaching English keeps me on my toes! I’ve often had to brush up before class, and I still stumble when trying to explain some of the rules. And their exceptions! English’s complex grammar rules and irregular verbs often leave us saying, “Sorry, there’s no easy answer. That’s just how it works.”
There have been many instances where teaching has brought up confusing parts of English that I had never considered before. Recently, we were teaching how the phrase “used to” can have two meanings. It can mean something you did in the past. As in, “I used to smoke, but now I don’t.” It can also mean that you are comfortable or uncomfortable with something. “I am used to having a snack before bed.” Or “I am not used to speaking English at home.”
For English learners, the fine difference between “I used to…” and “I am used to…” can be very confusing. Yet as someone who grew up speaking English, I had never given it a second thought.
Having Fun with English
Teaching adult learners is an interesting situation. We are primarily teaching correct grammar, but we also touch on idioms, slang, and other commonly used phrases, even if they aren’t “correct.” Students often want to know the formal and polite ways to say things, as well as more casual phrases they can use to sound more like a native English speaker (in the United States.)
Some of my favorite lessons are when we teach phrasal verbs and idioms. Phrasal verbs, also known as two-part verbs, include a verb followed by an adverb or preposition to create a phrase with a new meaning. Some examples: call off, carry out, turn down, wind up, look down on, blow over, and settle up.
The same phrasal verb can have multiple meanings. Bring up can mean to raise a child or introduce a topic of discussion. To work out the details means to find a solution, but to work out can also mean to exercise.
Try explaining phrasal verbs to an adult learner. You’re sure to be met with some inquisitive stares and incredulous laugher! And that’s before you get into whether a phrasal verb is separable or inseparable, transitive or intransitive. (Learn more about phrasal verbs on Perdue OWL.)
If you think phrasal verbs are wacky, try bringing in other idioms. Consider hit the books, cut to the chase, or beat around the bush. Like irregular verbs, idioms just need to be memorized without knowing why they are the way they are.
Breaking Down English to Improve Writing
Fiction writers sometimes scoff at grammar rules. We can blur the lines and call it a “style choice.” Yet, I’m a fiction author who believes it’s better to know the rules before you choose to break them. Understanding grammar and usage allows for clear communication.
By breaking down English for adult learners, I’m becoming more aware of how and why I use particular elements in my own writing. Language evolves. Read a book from 50 or 100 years ago and you will notice differences in both the style and vocabulary. Yet certain elements continue to help with clarity.
I often create writing lessons to supplement our teaching manuals. One I particularly like is an introduction to “time order words.” These are words that we use to show the order in which events happen or clarify how often they happen. Knowing several time order words and phrases can make it easier to add structure and clarity to your writing. Some examples: first, earlier, yesterday, in the beginning, last month, next, after a while, soon after, occasionally, from time to time, rarely, finally, in the long run, ultimately, and in conclusion.
Exploring English with adult learners helps you see our language–and the way we write–through fresh eyes. Their questions make you slow down and really think about how you use words, which helps you become a better writer.
Studying and Teaching English
If you’d like to take a deeper dive into English, there are many fabulous online resources. I love the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) for studying grammar and general writing style. Grammar Girl offers a fun take on grammar through both a podcast and online resources. Also, for etymology, I love the Something Rhymes with Purple podcast.
If you’d like to teach English to adult learners as a volunteer, check for opportunities in your community. It may seem intimidating, but it is well worth stepping out of your comfort zone. Generally, adult learners are happy to have your help. They are in the class because they want to learn.
Outside of teaching a class, you may also be able to volunteer as a conversation buddy for adults learning English. This could be online or in person. You simply sign up to have conversations with students so they can practice speaking English.
While I haven’t been teaching English to adult learners for long, it has been a positive, rewarding experience.