How do the principles of adult learning apply to adult English language learners?
Malcolm Knowles’ (1973) principles of andragogy, the art and science of facilitating adult learning, are still seminal to many of today’s theories about learning and instruction for adults. • Adults are self-directed in their learning. • Adults have reservoirs of experience that serve as resources as they learn. • Adults are practical, problem-solving-oriented learners. • Adults want their learning to be immediately applicable to their lives. • Adults want to know why something needs to be learned. In general, this picture of the practical, purposeful, self-directed learner is representative of adults, whether they are native or nonnative English speakers. All adult learners need adult-appropriate content, materials, and activities that speak to their needs and interests and allow them to demonstrate their knowledge and abilities. So what is different for English language learners? Obviously, they need help with the language as they learn content. Teachers working with English language
