Engaging Adult English Language Learners in Distance Education: An ESL Program’s Experience During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Traditionally, adult English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, also known as English as an Additional Language (EAL), deliver instruction through in-person classes rather than distance education, as was the case at Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC). However, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, distance education became a tool used at GPTC to engage students in learning while school campuses were closed. This paper gives details about how administrators, instructors, and staff at GPTC quickly built a distance education program for adult English language learners in response to the pandemic, including resulting challenges, insights, and successes. Research on the topic of distance education and its possible benefits for adult English language learners is explored in order to inform the efforts of building this type of program. The information provided can help guide other adult EAL programs seeking to incorporate distance education for adult English language learners. Keywords: adult ESL/EAL programs, language program administration, English language learners, distance education

Teaching Adult English Language Learners: A Practical Introduction

This new edition of Betsy Parrish's Teaching Adult ESL: A Practical Introduction, provides a comprehensive and accessible overview of teaching principles and practices for working with adult English language learners. It is a valuable guide for both novice and experienced teachers. It outlines good teaching practice and draws on classroom examples to offer practical guidance grounded in the latest research on language teaching. Addressing the diverse needs of adult English learners, it provides ideas on how to prepare all learners for the demands and opportunities of the 21st century. The book has been completely revised and updated for the second edition to reflect significant recent developments in the ESL landscape. Chapters are clear and informative. They include tasks and opportunities for teachers to reflect on and apply what they have learned. Each chapter also includes a list of recommended reading and resources to further develop knowledge of the subject.