摘要：AbstractIn close connection to the fact that, during the past few decades, globalization has grown significantly, more and more adults of different nationalities seek the help of English instructors because they want to find employment abroad, to communicate more effectively at work, to resort to overseas travels, or just to enjoy various types of social situations. In any of these cases, the English learners are highly motivated to study this particular subject. However, those who teach adults must be aware of the differences between the teaching – learning patterns specific to adults, on the one hand, and those that generally function with children, on the other. The paper will discuss the cognitive, attitudinal, behavioural and methodological characteristics presented by the adult learners of English in today's world, taking into account both theoretical and research data. The ultimate purpose of this paper is to arrive at conclusions that are relevant for the English teachers involved in the process of preparing adults for the different situations which require a good knowledge of this foreign language.
关键词：adult learners;challenges;teaching English to adults;methodological implications
