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Niko · Thu 26-Oct-06, 11:06 AM

Teaching Adults - why some teachers love it!

There are some teachers who only teach adults - not because of a lack of skills on how to teach children, but simply because they do not enjoy teaching children.

What are the reasons why so many teachers prefer teaching adults? Why do even new teachers to the circuit not consider teaching children?

Let's see what are some of the main reasons why teaching adults is preferred by many teachers.

Deep and meaningful conversations. Of course this will depend on the student's English level. However, don't be surprised if you're having a debate on euthanasia, discussing life after death or analysing the changing world environment. For many teachers, such stimulating conversation is a big plus when teaching adults.
Opportunities for friendship and romance. Participate in out-of-class activities and receive invitations to go drinking, eating or even visiting your students' house to meet the rest of the family.
Less disciplining of the class. As you are teaching adults, you will not need to discipline students or correct their behaviour as compared to teaching children. If you ask your adult students to pay attention and keep quiet, then surely they will do as asked.
Learning the local culture. Not only does the student learn English, but often the teacher will learn about the culture and local way of life from students. So if you find yourself teaching in Taiwan for example, after a few months teaching adults, you most probably will know a lot about Taiwanese culture.
Ability to cancel classes or use substitute teachers. Teachers can more easily take holidays or cancel classes due to sickness or other reasons when teaching adults. Makeup classes can be scheduled or substitute teachers used where necessary. Adult students are more willing to accept such changes to their class.
No shows. Many teachers do like getting paid for sitting and waiting. There will be times when your adult students are late to class or even do not show. In this case, the teacher still gets paid just for waiting in the classroom.
Sit and talk. All that is required from some adult classes is for the teacher to sit and just engage in free flowing conversation with students. No getting up and jumping around as is the case with teaching children.

As you can see, teaching adults offers a whole lot of plusses that cannot be found when teaching children. If you place a lot of importance on the above points, then most probably you would be suited to teaching adults.

Thu 26-Oct-06, 11:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Niko Moderator Join Date: Mar 2006 Nationality: Australian Occupation: Editor Location: Posts: 220	Positives of Teaching Adults Teaching Adults - why some teachers love it! There are some teachers who only teach adults - not because of a lack of skills on how to teach children, but simply because they do not enjoy teaching children. What are the reasons why so many teachers prefer teaching adults? Why do even new teachers to the circuit not consider teaching children? Let's see what are some of the main reasons why teaching adults is preferred by many teachers. Deep and meaningful conversations. Of course this will depend on the student's English level. However, don't be surprised if you're having a debate on euthanasia, discussing life after death or analysing the changing world environment. For many teachers, such stimulating conversation is a big plus when teaching adults. Opportunities for friendship and romance. Participate in out-of-class activities and receive invitations to go drinking, eating or even visiting your students' house to meet the rest of the family. Less disciplining of the class. As you are teaching adults, you will not need to discipline students or correct their behaviour as compared to teaching children. If you ask your adult students to pay attention and keep quiet, then surely they will do as asked. Learning the local culture. Not only does the student learn English, but often the teacher will learn about the culture and local way of life from students. So if you find yourself teaching in Taiwan for example, after a few months teaching adults, you most probably will know a lot about Taiwanese culture. Ability to cancel classes or use substitute teachers. Teachers can more easily take holidays or cancel classes due to sickness or other reasons when teaching adults. Makeup classes can be scheduled or substitute teachers used where necessary. Adult students are more willing to accept such changes to their class. No shows. Many teachers do like getting paid for sitting and waiting. There will be times when your adult students are late to class or even do not show. In this case, the teacher still gets paid just for waiting in the classroom. Sit and talk. All that is required from some adult classes is for the teacher to sit and just engage in free flowing conversation with students. No getting up and jumping around as is the case with teaching children. As you can see, teaching adults offers a whole lot of plusses that cannot be found when teaching children. If you place a lot of importance on the above points, then most probably you would be suited to teaching adults. Attached Images To view attachments in this forum your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.