•  Learners attend ESL classes because they choose to, not because they have to. If the class fails to satisfy the need that has motivated them to come, they will simply stop coming.

•  Some of the major motivating forces for the students in your class are the following:

•  1. Survival
   They realize that learning English is essential to satisfy their most basic physical and      social needs. They must speak it in order to get food, clothing, shelter, medical          attention, as well as to participate in social and political institutions.

•  2. Job Enhancement
  In many instances they need to be able to speak English in order to get a job.   Sometimes they have a job but need better English skills in order to keep the job or to   advance in their employment.

•  3. Education
  Many students attend ESL classes in order to complete their exams or, in some cases, to   attend college.

•  4. Social Interaction
  Some students attend ESL classes for social reasons. They enjoy meeting and getting to   know new people, and the ESL class is a place where they can fulfill those needs.
  One thing in general to remember about adult students is that they are much more likely   than younger students to come with specific purposes for their learning. They are more   likely to know what they want to learn and why they want to learn it.