There are so many adults who do not know how to read and write. When it comes to teaching adults, it can be quite tricky because they are not children. A specific set of skills are required to guide them. Consider the following:
Motivate the Student
It is vital to stimulate motivation in the student. From the first session, stress the benefits of learning to read and write, and encourage the student to set reasonable long- and short-term goals. Every now and then the student might lose motivation and begin to tell himself I’m too old for this thing. Be consistently encouraging and positive. Reading and writing skills are developed in small, sequential steps. The student should find satisfaction in his progress, especially when teaching adults. Teachers can build confidence and sustain interest by being quick to acknowledge and commend progress.
Encourage Them Often
Many adult illiterates possess unique talents and have succeeded in some areas of life; they simply have not developed the skills of reading and writing. The literacy teacher needs to encourage them to use the adaptability, creativity, and endurance they have demonstrated in other areas of life. It takes courage for an illiterate to admit his or her needs and ask for assistance. Although circumstances and individuals vary, many adults approach literacy training with apprehension and a lack of confidence. Some may have a long history of academic failure. Others may feel that they are too old to learn new things
Be Patient
To make progress the student should be instructed several times a week. Once a week is not enough. The student should do homework between lessons. Be consistently encouraging and positive. Reading and writing skills are developed in small, sequential steps. The student should find satisfaction in his progress. Progress in reading is often faster than progress in writing. Do not delay new reading lessons if the student is not able to perform the homework in writing. On the other hand, remember that new letters are learned and remembered more easily if the student practices writing them.
Be Alert to Individual Problems
The adults will not all learn at the same pace. A student may be unable to read small print because he needs glasses. Another may be hard of hearing and may thus find it difficult to hear the correct pronunciation. Always be respectful of the student, according to him the dignity he deserves. Never embarrass or belittle him. Yet, in order to progress, adults should not expect to be spoon-fed. They need to be willing to take responsibility for their own education and to work hard at learning.
Your goal is to notice little progress. Do not look out for immediate transformation. And do not compare students with others, both past and present. Do not waste time on side issues. Adults are busy people. Make the most of the instruction sessions to teach the essentials.
