Adult Education Teacher how-to
How to Contextualize a Lesson to Real Life
Adults learn faster when lessons match their goals.
Quick answer
Adults learn faster when lessons match their goals. In short: ask; choose; teach, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Ask learners about their goals.
Choose real materials, such as job applications.
Teach vocabulary from the material.
Practice skills with real tasks.
Role-play situations.
Reflect on progress.
Safety reminders for adult education teachers
- Respect learner privacy
- Create a welcoming, respectful classroom
- Know emergency procedures
- Follow program policies for online safety
Key terms
ABE · ASE · ESL · GED · HiSET · TESOL: see the full adult education teacher glossary.