Teacher Turesa Lewis tells us about her teaching and how she helps learners with their English language goals.
Over the past decade, I have had the privilege of working with students from all over the world, helping them achieve their English language goals. During our initial meeting, I take time to understand each student’s objectives by asking a key question: “I want to learn English so I can…?” This helps clarify their motivations, whether it is communicating with friends, improving workplace interactions, watching movies, or preparing for U.S. citizenship. When necessary, I provide examples to refine their goals further.
One student's goal was to speak with her children's teachers. By asking strategic questions, such as whether she had a school schedule, I identified her specific language challenges. From there, I designed lessons tailored to her needs, starting with listening and speaking exercises that included role-play for confidence-building. The curriculum expanded to incorporate grammar, reading, writing and life skills, culminating in composing emails to teachers.
Real world goals
What is life-skills, the daily abilities that enable individuals to effectively deal with the demand and challenges of life. They encompass a range of psychological and interpersonal skills that help in developing adaptive and positive behavior. Every student’s goal guides my lesson plans, ensuring a personalized approach that fosters practical language skills and real-world application. A real-world are those challenges the one would face in the real-world, this type of lesson is practical and helps with retention.
Additionally, I am also concerned about the student’s motivation which is considered during each lesson plan. I have found that keeping students engaged is key to effective learning. I use some of these strategies to boost engagement in my lessons.
Fun goals
I also make use of interactive activities such as role-playing, debates, storytelling, and games to make lessons dynamic and fun. I find games associated with the lesson to help introduce the lesson. Once I notice my student’s learning style, I make sure to include the fun stuff which also helps with retention.
I encourage students to choose the topic of the lesson along with learning materials. I feel that when a student feels ownership, they become more invested in their progress. At the conclusion of each lesson, I ask the student for feedback and what they would like to learn in the next lesson.
Breaking the lessons into small milestones so students can see tangible improvements. This will also help with retention of the lesson. We celebrate their successes together to maintain motivation.
The use of technology is incorporated in each lesson. As I prepare each lesson technology such as apps, videos and online exercises are explored and used that align with their goals. Interactive tools can make learning more engaging and accessible too.
Making mistakes as a goal
I foster a space where students feel safe making mistakes, asking questions, and participating without fear of judgment. This is what helps with their confidence which is always found as a barrier to learning.
During the lesson mistakes are gently correct which includes constructive feedback to help students improve while keeping their confidence intact. I learned that when working on grammar correcting mistakes is not the best tactic to use for fluency.
In each lesson I incorporate listening, speaking, reading, and writing to strengthen retention and engagement. Retention is important because it helps to ensure the information taught in the lesson is used in everyday life.
Including humor in the lesson helps to make the lesson more enjoyable and memorable. I feel humor will also help the learner to relax and feel comfortable.
Sometimes I may include an informal discussion as well as real-world practice to help keep the student engaged and not feel stuck in a routine.
Feeling confident with English
Applying engagement strategies can come with its own set of challenges, but being aware of them can help you adapt effectively. Here are some common obstacles and ways that I overcome them.
Confidence issues are often the top of the list and an obstacle that will require immediate attention. Many learners fear making mistakes. This is why I create a supportive environment where errors are seen as part of the learning process which can help ease their anxiety.
Some students may be highly motivated, while others might struggle with engagement. To address this, personalized goal-setting and real-life applications can help reignite their interest.
One of the challenges I found when I first started to teach adults students is their busy schedules may keep them from practicing and doing the homework. They might struggle to commit to regular lessons. Therefore, offering flexible learning formats like short sessions, recorded materials, or homework tailored to their needs can help.
While technology enhances engagement, some students may lack access or familiarity with digital tools. Providing simple alternatives, like printed materials or audio recordings, can ensure inclusivity.
I recognize students process information differently. Balancing visual, auditory, and hands-on activities ensures all learner’s benefit.
Another concern is some students may struggle to retain new concepts. Reinforcing learning through repetition, storytelling, and practical application makes knowledge stick.
Language learning is deeply connected to culture. Being mindful of cultural nuances and adapting content accordingly can make lessons more relatable. Some students may prefer traditional approaches over interactive learning. Introducing new strategies gradually and demonstrating their benefits can help ease resistance.
Keeping motivated
Long-term learners may experience motivation dips. Keeping lessons fresh, setting mini goals, and celebrating small successes can sustain enthusiasm. In these past years I learned about these challenges which allows me to work to overcome them for my students. As I meet a new student, I am careful of all these challenges, not always at once, but I am cognizant at all times.
If you want to work on your English language goals with Turesa, you can contact her in the Elevate directory of English teachers here
