Teach English in Athni - TEFL Courses

Learning Modes: young learners vs. Adults (16) Teaching children seems to be a wonderful idea. They are filled with curiosity and learning a second language will be intriguing so they'll be eager to learn. However one must remember most like children are required to take english classes so the unwillingness and lack of instant incentive can quickly zap and child's motivation and attentiveness in the classroom. On the other hand, Adults usually are attending class on their own free will and are most likely paying so the incentive is there. “Adult students for the most part are highly motivated. They attend class of their own free choice usually at some personal and financial sacrifice. Occasional absences are due more too family obligations rather than a lack of motivation.” (Graham & Walsh 1996) children tend to have fewer inhibitions so it is much easier to get young learner to jump right into an activity and open up. Many adults, if complete new to english, may seem silly having to learn such simple phrases and vocabulary. It may take a little more to get adults to open up and feel comfortable with participating. This can also be a concern for young learners since some children can be extremely shy and reserved. To remedy this problem there are some similar and different approaches to encourage participation. Overall group activities and games are extremely beneficial for adults and children; they promote a relaxed and friendly teaching/learning environment. However these group activities/games may vary greatly. Role-play games tend to go well with young learners and adults. Sing-Alongs and storytelling are great tools for quickly developing languages because the mirror how the child most likely learned there first language. “There are esl methods geared specifically towards teaching children, which are based upon a child's natural readiness to learn, and to try to recreate the conditions under which one would learn a first language.” (Ruttinger) children have great imaginations, so in order to grasp new ideas they thrive on visuals, audio, and repetition. Often these types of childish activities/games that work for young learners are just not suitable for adults. An adult may seem silly or embarrassed performing such juvenile tasks, they will not be amused or learn through these simple games they need to be challenged with skills that they can use daily. Adults follow the same queues but are much more logical and thrive on details so emphasis on lessons that will be immediately beneficial will be much more productive and interesting. “Most adults have outgrown the curiosity about everything that young children naturally have. As such, adults need an immediate sense of purpose to keep themselves motivated.” (Bailey) Lessons for children need to be very dynamic due to their short attention spans and adult's lesson can be a little more rigid and geared towards their specific situations or objectives, most likely work related. “Adult students usually have very specific and immediate goals. They are not looking forward to some long-range academic achievement; rather they need english today to get a job tomorrow.” (Graham & Walsh) In general there are many differences is approaching esl between young learners and adults but in the end the teacher's mission is no different. A teacher must develop well-planned and well-structured lessons appropriate for a student's age and language skill set. A student, whether young or old, deserves a well-prepared, professional, positive, and effective teaching.