I think it's interesting to consider that many of these students may legitimately be caught between adolescence and adulthood.  I have encountered students in the past who are 16 or 17 and have produced documentation that shows that they have completed high school in their countries.  They are here, working with adults, as adults, perhaps living with cousins or friends and paying rent, bills, etc.  Some even have children already.  When they come into our classes, much of what we teach--language and content--seems relevant to them.  But developmentally, contextually, they are out of sync.  They aren't at the same place that our adult learners are.  Does anyone have any suggestions of how they work to mediate that?

Thanks!

MaryAnn Florez
Arlington, VA