teaching grammar to adults

[Matt-Matt]

It's a common request that ESL/EFL teachers hear from conversation classes everywhere. Remember to ask yourself why the students are asking for more grammar:

In my experience, most students spend most of their time in the classroom at school studying grammar and vocabulary. Because most classes in state schools are very large things like conversation are not normally a realistic option. I believe most students are conditioned to equate learning English with studying grammar and vocabulary in a very abstract and academic way (i.e. Not much use for conversation!)

So what do you think of the idea that the students aren't really asking you to teach them grammar per say, but to give them something familiar and comfortable to work with?

Obviously, you know more about the class, the students and the situation than anyone here, so you have all the answers. It's just a matter of asking the right questions.

In my experience of trying to get conversation going in the classroom, it's been all about putting the students in charge and giving them the responsibility of making the conversations work. There are many ways of achieving this and variety will guarantee you continued success. Personally, I wouldn't rely on just one or two types of media for input, I regularly use video, articles, real objects, photos, music, drawing games, psychological puzzles, jokes, genuine word games (not ESL/EFL ones!), adapt drinking and forfeit games, etc.. I'd also try to get the students to provide as much input as possible from their perspectives (That's putting them in control) and get them to prepare their own presentations and ask their own questions and give their own answers.

Most kids at school love doing the good old "show and tell" classes and so do adults.
The expert game is another good example, where you get the student to present something that they know very well, such as their job or hobby and answer questions from their classmates.

Basically, anything which will get the students' heads up from the page in front of them and looking at each other and listening to each other will get them out of their "be a good student at school" conditioning and actually get them into some sincere, opinionated exchanges that they care about.