Begin with a short activity as the adults walk in the door to get them focused. For example, if you are teaching an adult class about getting out of debt, an activity at the beginning may involve giving them a handout listing 10 ways they can get out of debt. Then have them discuss with a partner if there are any ways they are currently working on.
Write on the board what they will be working on during this class period. Explain what they will learn and how they will show what they have learned. For example, "Students will learn how to save $1,000 cash as a starter emergency fund." By the end of class, students will create a plan as to how they will save the money.
Write a list on the board of vocabulary words the class will be exposed to during the lesson. For example, if teaching how to start an emergency fund, list terms like "emergency fund."
Begin the lesson by modeling for students whatever it is you are teaching. For example, explain to them how to go about creating an emergency fund and what is required.
Let the students participate with you in the lesson by helping you. For example, once you introduce how to go about creating an emergency fund, the adults can give you ideas as examples.
Check the students' understanding by either asking them questions or listening to what they are offering to you with their responses. This tells you if they have an understanding of the content you are presenting.
Release the students to work on their own and apply what you have just taught. For example, if you are working on creating an emergency fund and you began to list how to do that together, and the students have a firm understanding, then have them complete their lists on their own.