As
children enter schooling age, they learn quickly as they adapt building knowledge and absorbing information to their environment. For adults, compared with
children, language acquisition is more difficult although they put a great deal more effort. What are some of the major differences to find between
young learners and adults? Why is it necessary to find out the differences between those two groups?
children learn new languages very easily just like they pick it up out of thin air. They may have had some prior learning experience but it is unlikely that their views are as fixed and they are more likely to have an open-minded approach to new learning experiences as well as methods. Adults have a store of knowledge and life experience; yet, tend to match new language to their native language then with the help of other materials they formulate concepts and generalizations in new situations. In other words, it is all play and no work for the
youngsters but it is a “work” for adults which doesn't seem fair to the adult learner.
It has long been believed that
children adopt a second language better but in fact, it is not that
children learn language better than adults but that they just learn language differently. They use different parts of their brains in order to process language. Therefore, it is important to define the difference between
young learners and adults because by instructors understanding the age concepts and so characteristics, the class would be presented by effective materials which stimulates as many senses as possible in order to increase their chances of classroom success.
Adults are self-directed as well as well-behaved while the young are totally dependent on the
teacher. As a result, fewer problems occur during the class for the
teacher regarding curriculum. Many adults, in fact, are goal-oriented while the young are at school because parents probably want them to be there whatsoever. Adults, on the other hand, know what they wish to achieve by attending classes while the younger do not. Thus, maturity brings unique characteristics that affect how adults get more motivation than
young learners. Furthermore, by appealing to the unique qualities of adult learners, the
teacher can design more effective and motivating class.
In summary, teaching
english to non-native speakers can be challenging not only adults but also
children.
english is indeed a fun and even more experience with games, songs or other fun activities which can be helpful for the students to develop
english skills like reading, speaking, listening and writing. Young leaners and adults vary in teaching styles; yet, both groups should deserve respect. For example, class games are a key teaching for those two barriers because it is not only new material but also the ability to speak
english in a relaxed and friendly. Most of all, if the
teacher realizes how to approach both groups with respect, patience and kindness, I believe that the same characteristic will be presented throughout the entire course.