Adult ESL : current communicative approaches

Abstract

Adult English learners comprise a large segment ofthe population that enrols in education programs in Canada. There has been an increased need for education programs that will meet the increased demand for English as a second language (ESL) instruction. The foci of this project are an examination of adult English language learners and the current ESL instructional methods employed. This project first provides an overview of adult ESL and adult learners, the principles of adult learning theory and second language acquisition theory, and implications for learning and teaching. Next, the project provides an historical background ofthe search for a language teaching methodology leading to a focus and exploration of contemporary communicative approaches to language teaching appropriate for adult ESL learners. Lastly, a discussion of the post-methods era is considered with an emphasis on formulating an informed, eclectic approach.