On any given day, people exchange information in dozens of ways, from texting and social media to phone calls and face-to-face conversations. Communication happens so naturally and constantly that it often goes unnoticed.
Developing effective communication skills is important for everyone, but it can be especially important for adult English language learners (ELLs) who want to improve their English for education and employment. The strategies educators use to build those skills can make a meaningful difference in how quickly and confidently ELL students progress.
ELL educators who complete the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) – ELL program from Eastern Washington University (EWU) have the expertise to meet the particular needs of adult ELL students and foster communication skills for success in work and postsecondary education. The following are strategies educators can use to help ELL students improve their communication skills.
Use Real-World Content
It is no surprise that engaging students with authentic content encourages communication skills and better prepares learners for college and careers. Establishing students’ goals for learning English is the first step in selecting teaching materials.
Are students interested in current events, pop culture, sports or the latest technology? Prioritizing real-world communication and content can make learning more accessible and purposeful, which drives motivation. Tips for selecting content follow:
- With ready-to-use podcasts, blogs, videos, images and other digital content, there is almost no need to create new instructional materials.
- The news offers a great way to get conversations going with anyone, including adult English learners. Whether local, national or global, current events help learners develop listening and speaking skills in an immediately relevant context.
- Encouraging students to suggest materials they find interesting or useful can further personalize the experience.
Connect to Prior Knowledge
From preschool through postsecondary levels, connecting or activating prior knowledge is essential to academic achievement. This teaching strategy is exactly what it sounds like: accessing what students already know to support their understanding of new content.
Activating prior knowledge is especially important for ELLs as it values what they bring to the learning experience. Building on students’ prior knowledge can also:
- Boost confidence in using English
- Support vocabulary acquisition
- Facilitate learning new information
- Improve retention
The practice of connecting to prior knowledge and experience is one way to ensure that instruction is culturally relevant and responsive. Culturally responsive teaching (CRT) centers students’ cultural backgrounds and lived experiences as tools for learning, making instruction more meaningful and accessible for students from diverse backgrounds.
Rather than focusing on language as a barrier to learning, this asset-based approach connects with students in meaningful ways, valuing their experiences and increasing engagement. CRT also supports ELLs’ sense of belonging in the classroom. When students see their backgrounds reflected in instruction, they engage more confidently with new content and are more willing to take the risks that language learning requires.
Teach Active Listening Skills: A Foundation for ELL Communication
Knowing how to listen is an essential communication skill. However, it involves much more than “hearing.” For English language learners, active listening is a valuable strategy for improving understanding.
The internet offers abundant sources of real-world videos for listening practice. For example, YouTube videos cover almost any interest, such as sports, science, food, fashion, music, technology and travel. TedEd is another strong option. Educators can use the following listening strategies to structure effective video-based activities:
- Pre-teach vocabulary, including idioms and phrasal verbs students may not know
- Keep the focus on listening by having students listen the first time without subtitles or a transcript
- Allow students to listen a second time with subtitles or a transcript to reinforce comprehension
Listening activities also offer an opportunity to foster verbal skills. Educators can invite students to share their opinions about videos after listening, using follow-up questions to guide a discussion and reinforce vocabulary.
Multilingualism and Career Success: Why Language Skills Open Doors
Being multilingual is a professional asset worth emphasizing in the classroom. According to a 2024 report from the National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition (NCELA), over 68 million people in the U.S. speak a language other than English, and multilingual individuals tend to earn more and access wider employment opportunities than their monolingual peers.
Reminding students of these advantages reinforces the value of their language journey. The professional benefits of bilingualism can serve as a powerful motivator for ELL students working to strengthen their English communication skills.
A Rewarding Career Path: Teaching English Language Learners
For educators considering a career shift to teaching ELL, now is an opportune time to make that move. According to analysis from the Pew Research Center, more than 53 million immigrants lived in the U.S. as of January 2025, reflecting sustained growth in communities that depend on skilled ELL educators. Supporting adult English learners in building the communication skills they need for postsecondary and work-related success is among the most meaningful contributions an educator can make.
Developing the skills to help learners of all ages build these communication abilities requires comprehensive preparation in ELL pedagogy and instruction. EWU’s online M.Ed. – ELL degree equips educators with evidence-based strategies, culturally responsive approaches and the instructional tools needed to teach effectively in diverse learning settings.
Learn more about Eastern Washington University’s online M.Ed. – English Language Learners program.
