The term adult learner can be applied to anyone from 18 to 108.
Usually, however, the term is used to mean adults who have not studied for since leaving school or college.
When teaching adults, remember that they don't have to come to your classes.
They will attend if they find the classes fun and interesting and they feel they are learning something.
My top tips are aimed at teachers working in a classic "Evening Class" situation.
Usually lessons once a week with each lesson lasting for about 2 hours.
Tip 1.
Encourage the members of your class to interact.
Tip 2.
Always have a refreshment break.
Adult students will be motivated to continue coming to your classes is that they are enjoying them and making friends.
A refreshment break and encouraging interaction helps the students to get to know each other.
No-one can concentrate fully for 2 hours anyway.
You may think a break is a waste of valuable teaching time, I can assure you that it is not.
Tip 3.
Make the classes fun.
Your students don't want to spend 2 hours each week in your company if you are straight faced, serious and boring.
Sound as if you enjoy your subject, then your students will enjoy it too.
Tip 4.
If at all possible, talk to your students on the phone before the first class.
Potential students who haven't studied for years, or have had a bad experience at school may be apprehensive and undecided about attending.
Talking to them allows you to explainthat the class will not be like school, it will be relaxed and friendly.
Really nervous students will be appreciate you taking time to talk to them.
It will help overcome their initial fear.
They will come to the first class feeling that they already know you.
Tip 5.
If you are holding your classes in a local school it is likely that some of your students attended there as youngsters.
They may find returning particularly daunting.
Be relaxed and friendly and relaxed, allow them time and space to settle, and allow them to talk about their previous experiences there.
Tip 6.
Make time in each class to talk to every student.
It is easy to allow your attention to be engaged by the assertive students and ignore the quiet ones.
Don't.
Even if a student says they don't need help, take time to sit with them, talk to them, get to know them, monitor their progress and encourage them.
Tip 7.
Remember that very much older students might learn more slowly.
This can be frustrating for the student - especially if the student was a fast learner in younger days.
Remind them learning more slowly is normal, assure them that you don't mind if they learn more slowly than younger members of the class and encourage them to reflect on what they have learnt.
Tip 8.
Remember that your students have lives.
If they are late arriving at your class there is probably a good reason.
It isn't helpful to be rude to them.
I well remember attending a course myself a few years ago.
I was delayed in a meeting at work and was late leaving.
Then I was caught in traffic.
As soon as I arrived home I ate a sandwich and went straight to my class.
Did the tutor look pleased to see me? No - all he said was "Do please try to be on time".
Needless to say I didn't return to the classes.
Tip 9.
Don't be afraid to ask your students how they feel the course is going.
If you have been friendly and got to know your students they should feel they will feel they can give you an honest answer.
I always try to allow my students to do this If they aren't happy, ask them what they would like you to change - and change it! Don't feel embarrassed, or feel you have been criticized.
It is a huge chance to improve your teaching and/or the content of your course.
You will be a better teacher and you will have happier students.