This article examines how four teachers of ESOL selected and used instructional materials in courses for adult refugees and new migrants. To date, scholarly literature on this topic has largely comprised advice about the principles of teaching and second language learning on which materials should be based, and on-going debate about the merits and…

Adult language learners have specific learning goals that reflect their lives within a global society, and adults negotiate multiple and changing identities throughout their personal, academic, and professional lives. Chapters in "Authenticity in the Language Classroom and Beyond: Adult Learners" highlight how teachers have the ability…

A model of literacy instruction for limited-English-proficient (LEP) adults is described that is designed to increase effective parent involvement in children's education. Through the implementation of this model, LEP parents acquire language and parenting skills that allow them to participate more fully in their child's educational process. The…

A curriculum development project undertaken by English-as-a-second-language (ESL) teachers resulted in a major reorientation to reading instruction for adult ESL students. The course uses materials, often developed by the teachers, that systematically address reading problems, ongoing revision, and student interests. (Author/CB)

The aim of this article is to explain what the term "languages for special purposes" means and what it does not mean, to outline the rationale for such a branch of language teaching and to indcate some of the problems it poses for syllabus planners and course designers. Four principal types of problems and considerations are identified and…