About This Session
Description
Textbooks provide structure—but effective instruction requires flexibility, creativity, and a focus on student engagement.
This workshop addresses the critical challenge of keeping adult learners motivated and actively involved in their learning, especially in community-based and volunteer-taught settings. By emphasizing persistence, participation, and personalization, this session supports key outcomes in both ESL and literacy classrooms.
What we'll cover:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify key principles of active learning for adult literacy and ESL learners.
- Apply strategies that increase student interaction and reduce teacher talk time.
- Adapt textbook-based lessons to include movement, collaboration, and real-world application.
- Implement activities that support the 6 Drivers of Persistence in adult learning.
Topics & Focus
Primary Topic Area
Session will also cover:
Assigned by TCALL
Handouts & Materials
Presenter
David Coles
Adult Education Trainer & Coordinator
Memorial Assistance Ministries
Audience
Level
Case study?
Promotion?
Other info:
From the presenter:
“Harry Wong, First Days of School, said, “Those that do the work, do the learning.” My focus is on techniques that are easy to plan, implement, effective, relatable and well-liked by students.”
Breakout25 – COLES
Page checked or updated: 7/30/2025
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