How to Teach English to Adults: Effective Tips and Activities for ESL Teachers
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28.04.2025
Nowadays, the world is changing rapidly — and so is education. As teachers, we must adapt and respond to these changes, which means staying updated and equipped with the latest trends and technologies happening globally. But here’s a simple question:
Do we really have the time to keep up with everything that’s changing in the world?
Of course not! We don’t have personal assistants to brief us daily on what’s trending or how it could benefit our teaching. That’s why I’m here to give you some insights on how to stay in the loop without the overwhelm.
Another key point: learners are changing too.
Each new generation requires different approaches to learn effectively. That’s why we need to be aware of the latest recommendations from EFL professionals.
Say goodbye to challenging teen classes and teach with confidence
Education is a living, breathing thing — it evolves every second. It’s an essential part of society, and as people change, so do their needs for knowledge.
English is always in demand because it's a global language that enables travel, work, and exploration. Teaching English can even be a fulfilling and successful career (everyone wants to speak English, right?).
When it comes to teaching styles and approaches, it's normal to feel confused. You might ask yourself:
My answer? No, you don’t need to follow every trend or tool. You don’t have to chase interactivity just for the sake of it — especially if it doesn’t suit your students. But you should know what’s out there. That way, you’re prepared to adapt when the time is right.
Let’s dive into some of the most talked-about educational trends. You can decide what to try — or realize you’re already doing some of them and just need to take it a step further.
Adapting to the Alpha Generation’s Learning Style
Read nowAI is revolutionizing language education by enabling personalized learning. AI-driven platforms adapt to students’ needs, offering tailored content and instant feedback. For teachers, it’s like having a personal assistant — just typing in an idea, and AI can organize, analyze, and even generate full lessons for you in seconds.
Because it’s everywhere — and it works. Need a quick quiz? Just give a topic, and it’ll be ready before you blink. Most popular assessment tools already use AI to save time and customize content. Students also benefit from real-time feedback and more personalized support.
Virtual and Augmented Reality creates immersive environments where students can practice the language in real-life contexts. Not all students have access to native speakers, so immersive tools bridge that gap and make learning more memorable.
VR tools for language learners
They also support multi-sensory learning, which helps students retain information better. Immersive learning is not just about VR headsets — it’s about context, interaction, and collaborative experiences that reflect real life.
Adding game elements boosts engagement and motivation. While not everything needs to be gamified, many students agree that gamified tasks make learning more enjoyable and effective.
Games reduce stress and anxiety, while encouraging healthy competition and peer teaching. Plus, they provide instant feedback — which means teachers can quickly spot strengths and areas for improvement. It's convenient, fast, and fun.
Gamification strategies for engaging language learners
Read nowSince 2020, collaborative learning has remained essential. Social learning platforms and peer interactions help students build communication skills, cultural awareness, and confidence.
Sometimes, students explain concepts to each other better than any teacher can. Encourage collaboration both in and out of class — it boosts fluency and lowers anxiety. Many of us are already doing this without even realizing it's a top trend!
Teaching is rewarding — but it can also be overwhelming. Emotional and professional burnout is real. That’s why there’s a growing focus on flexible schedules, mental health support, and access to CPD (Continuing Professional Development) resources.
Remember: If you need a break, take it. Your well-being directly affects your teaching and your students' experience.
Blended learning and flipped classrooms have become essential, especially during global crises. These formats make learning more accessible and inclusive. They encourage autonomy and help students take responsibility for their own progress.
And yes — AI tools fit perfectly into these models, supporting both teachers and learners along the way.
Most EFL teachers are moving toward communicative approaches. This means less focus on rigid grammar rules and more on practical use and interaction.
Task-based learning allows students to apply knowledge in real-world scenarios. Teachers need support and training to get the most from this method, so if you’re interested, check out our resources and courses designed by experienced professionals.
Ever feel like you’re teaching more than just English?
That’s CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) — teaching other subjects like science or math through English.
It’s engaging, diverse, and gives students real-life language exposure. CLIL helps students develop academic English and a broader understanding of the world. It’s long-term learning at its best.
How to start with CLIL?
Here are some platforms I trust and recommend:
I don’t use them all in every lesson, but I love incorporating these tools to make even the trickiest topics more engaging.
The world is changing — and with it, the way we teach. There are endless opportunities to make learning more meaningful for students and less stressful for us.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, explore, and enjoy the adventure of modern teaching!
Yulia Popyk
Author
Teacher of General English & Young Learners, Exam Prep
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