Teach English in Xinqu Guanweihui - Yancheng Shi

The learning modes for English language learning show different ways in which learning occurs. Each of the modes requires constant and meaningful teacher-student and student-student interaction. Experienced teachers always decide in advance on how they want learning to occur and what type of the activities and space organization will best support the desired lesson objectives. During this complex decision-making process teachers should consider a number of factors, such as language level, culture, age, motivation, etc. In this essay we will focus on defining the difference between young learners and adults in terms of appropriate learning modes. Previous learning experience and language awareness can gradually affect the lesson flow. Adults usually have some learning experience and therefore fixed views on how lessons should be carried out. As a result, they will come into the classroom with certain attitude that used to bring them success and they will firmly believe that it is going to help them again. Also, they tend to compare new language to their native language and this can bring many problems, especially if their native language is completely different than the new one. One of the solutions may be to give them voice in what and how they learn. In this way you will engage and encourage them, make them feel important, but also control the main lesson activities from the background. On the other hand, young learners, regardless of the prior learning experience, are more open – minded and therefore adaptable to innovative learning modes. Children learn language from context, that is, they absorb it naturally, so they are unlikely to match their native and new language in any way. Children may also be included in the lesson activities, but in a different manner than adults. Teachers should give them opportunity to feel responsible for their own learning by asking them to prepare presentations, to lead a class discussion or to give instructions for the task they prepared. Another relevant factor that we have to consider is definitively motivation. Adult learners are often quite motivated, since they decide on their own to attend the classes. Even so, teachers have to give their best and use various activities and games that include all four language skills during the lessons. This should be done regardless of the presence or absence of motivation, because adult students are often tired and teachers need to keep their attention and trigger their minds for as long as it’s possible. On the contrary, young learners usually lack motivation. Most of them come to classes because their parents made them do so. It’s crucial for the teacher to be gentle and encouraging with these children and also to include wide range of learning modes, such as interactive games, songs, chants, picture cards or puzzles. Finally, wrong teaching and learning modes might lead to boredom and behavior problems in the classroom. It’s a well known fact that teachers easily build rapport with adult students as they have more life experience and high level of motivation. However, if we choose wrong activities and don’t pay attention on how learning is taking place, adult students won’t be interested in taking our course any more. Similarly, young learners can also get bored, but the consequence of their disinterest is almost always misbehavior. When faced with this kind of problem, in most cases, teachers try to punish their students and this produces adverse effect. Instead, students should be constantly occupied and given additional tasks. All in all, young students and adults are capable of learning, but in their own and different ways. When it comes to teachers, it’s always important to know how to handle and accept the differences between your students and how to successfully pick appropriate activities to make sure that learning actually occurs.