What Makes Learning English Hard for Adults?

What makes English hard for adults?

• Old habits drive 90% of outcomes. Past classroom experiences (being corrected mid‑sentence, harsh feedback) linger and shape behaviour.
• Fear of writing is common. Learners have ideas and words but hesitate, expecting criticism.

Create safety first

• Let learners finish full sentences/paragraphs; then give feedback.
• Use “sandwich” feedback (praise → suggestion → praise). Avoid “but”; try “you could also consider…”.
• Preserve face. When commenting in class, generalise to the group or use third‑person examples.
• Delay correction during speaking/writing tasks; correct afterwards with focus.