Zashi --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Despite all the 'baggage' that comes with teaching adults ie refusal to accept that a language can be different to theirs, trying to reason too much, using age as an excuse for not learning, lack of time and energy to do homework properly, being set in their ways etc etc I actually prefer it to teaching kids. They have more life experience and you can incorporate more 'issues' into the lessons ie relationships, current affairs etc. Clearly you have to know your group before you start spouting off about tensions in the middle east, for example, but you can usually generate good discussions.
Yusuf --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Like most of you my vote went to the kids (elementary level) - their energy, openness and just plain cuteness make them a pleasure to teach. But there's something positive to be gained from teaching all the different age groups.
Each age group brings a different challenge and a different teaching experience. The skills and understanding of teaching I have learned from one group have enabled me to become a better teacher of another group. To be a fully professional, well-rounded teacher we have to learn and the best way to do that is to embrace a diverse range of teaching situations.
Mine ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ I really liked the little experience that i've had teaching adults. I am young, younger than most adult students, so i have to try and spin this into being a positive thing. I've never had a class that were afraid to talk. I teach adults in
much the same way that i teach kids, but i don't let them know that.
Claire --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I prefer university age. I have taught second graders (yeah, I loved the little shavers!) but also taught university in Indiana. The great difference for me is that in at least a general sense, the university level and even adult learners WANT to be in class. HS and under usually have to be there whether they want to be or not.
Mike ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
