Prefeitura 2018 — Questão 43 · Língua Inglesa - Compreensão e Interpretação de Texto

Text 4 – Questions 41 to 43

How to Change Your Approach to ESL for Teen Students

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Remember, teenagers are going through a unique period of growth in their lives. They’re trying to make sense of the world around them. They enjoy learning and solving problems, but typically on their own terms.

Teenage students tend to have their own learning styles which differ from those of children and adults. Kids like activities and games, and they’re more likely to complete assignments just for your praise and recognition. Adults take a no-nonsense approach to learning – they’re learning English for a clear-cut reason, and they’d prefer that their time and money not be wasted.

Unlike children and adults, we often need to put in a bit more effort in order to motivate our classes of adolescent learners. These are some excellent steps that help capture the attention of teenage ESL students:

1. Build rapport — Even if they never admit it to you, adolescents are looking for a safe learning environment where they can feel comfortable and secure. They also greatly appreciate getting a sense of familiarity and belonging from their teachers, peers and surroundings. Help create such an environment by getting to know them and what they like.
2. Learn their interests — Build lessons based on their hobbies and interests to gain their undivided attention and make English class feel relevant. One of the easiest ways that I got teenage boys to speak more English was to have them talk about their favorite soccer players.
3. Use multimedia — Nobody, least of all a teenager, wants to read from a textbook all day. Excellent ESL lessons for teens involve videos and other exciting media involving technology, flashy visuals, fun topics and pop culture.

Many teenagers need to be sold on the idea that learning English is right for them. After all, many of them would rather do something more entertaining with their time than learning a new language.

Understand your students’ goals and objectives. Are they dreaming of studying certain subjects in college, or pursuing certain careers? Do they long to travel the Englishspeaking world? Try to create lessons to help them succeed. You can work in some great activities for students who are looking to learn survival English, and even more for students trying to boost their conversational skills.

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From: urlshortener.at/jrxMV. Accessed on 08/30/2018

One of the key elements to teach teenagers is: