Hello readers,

This month, we have a question about teaching different levels and age groups. Thanks, Alex, for sending in the question!

Question:

I don’t have any teaching experience and was wondering what type of position you think is best for someone to start out with? I mean should I seek a position teaching beginner, intermediate, or advanced level? I do like children but…

…don’t know if that would be a good or bad choice to

start teaching also.

Thank you so much again and any suggestions or advice will be very much appreciated.

Regards, Alex

Hi Alex,

Each age group and language level has their pros and cons, so it might be a matter of trial and error for you.

While teaching children can be advantageous in that they tend to be more open to learning and trying out new activities, they also tend to require a lot of discipline. Adults on the other hand, will require more knowledge about the language and the language learning process but on the other hand could be more interesting to teach in the sense that you can cover a greater deal of topics in an adult class than you can with a young learners’ class.

When it comes to deciding which level to teach, I think the personality of the teacher can really be an important factor. For example, patience might be more of an important characteristic for teaching beginners than for teaching advanced level students. At the same time, while it might be more difficult to explain different vocabulary or grammar points to beginners, advanced learners tend to ask more questions and expect a greater background in language and language learning.

At many schools, you will be asked to teach all different levels, from beginner students to advanced students. Therefore, the only decision you are likely to have to make is whether you want to teach young learners or adults.

For more information about teaching ESL to young learners, go to: http://tesl-ej.org/ej39/f1.html

For more information about teaching ESL to adults, go to: http://www.teaching-esl-to-adults.com/teaching-esl-to-adults-blog.html

For tips on teaching beginners, go to: http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Andrews-Beginners.html

For more information about the needs of advanced level students, go to: http://www.jstor.org/view/00398322/ap060056/06a00090/0

What are some other differences in teaching different ages and levels? Which age group or level do you prefer? Why? Feel free to add your comments below.

Until next time…

Carol Rueckert
Writer, ESL Lesson Plan
E-mail: crueckert@eslemployment.com
Blog: www.esl-lesson-plan.com

“I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand.” - Chinese Proverb

*To read more ESL Questions and Answers, please click HERE!