|Books & Reports| Do you have a question? Problem-Based Learning
and Adult English Language Learners (This brief is also
available in pdf format.) Background on Adult Learners Adult
education programs serve learners who are native English
speakers and those whose first, or native, language is not
English. Native English speakers attend adult basic education
(ABE) classes to learn the skills needed to earn high school
equivalency certificates or to achieve other goals related to
job, family, or further education. English language learners
attend English as a second language (ESL) or ABE classes to
improve their oral and written skills in English and to achieve
goals similar to those of native English speakers. Audience for
This Brief This brief is written for adult ESL teachers and
program administrators, as well as educational researchers,
policymakers, and stakeholders who work with adult English
language students in ESL classes or in mixed ABE classes (with
native English speakers and English language stude