Teach English in LiujiAdian Zhen - Beijing

Learning Modes: young learners vs. Adults Whether teaching English at home or abroad, teachers will find themselves teaching to variety of students from all walks of life. Everyone from businessmen and university students to home workers and senior citizens may show an interest in learning English. One group of people, however, is growing in numbers and is often looked at as one of the most rewarding group of learners. This group is younger learners, or children. Teaching children presents unique challenges, such as motivational or disciplinary issues, to the teacher but again, can be very rewarding. As children learn in a different way than adults, even biologically, the English teacher should recognize this and adapt their lesson appropriately. There will always be pros and cons to teaching both younger learners and adults. The reasons, or motivations, for being in class may differ greatly for younger learners and adults. Adults are usually in an English class because that is where they want to be and have a clear goal in mind. They have made a conscious decision to study English and no one is forcing them to be there. Odds are they enjoy studying English and are happy to be in class. Also, adults typically are paying to study English. Younger learners, on the other hand, may often be registered for the class because they ?have to?. They are not often there on their own free will. Their parents may have made them sign up for the class or it might be a part of their school curriculum. As such, adults may be more motivated to learn as opposed to younger learners who may need an extra ?push? at times. In the class, the teacher may also have to adapt his/her teaching style to adults and children. Children are often more visual. This may mean a more decorative classroom or environment or it may mean more art or drawing projects. The teacher may also need to be more physical when working with younger learners, perhaps acting in a fun or silly manner at times. Adults, on the other hand, may feel more comfortable with a straight-forward teacher to student lecture and generally are more appreciative of a less structured class. Another issue that may come up more often in class with younger learners is that of discipline. Younger learners may be more prone to disruptive behavior and, as such, the teacher may to spend more time on disciplinary matters. Again, going back to motivation, adults are generally in class because they want to be and younger learners, often not wanting to be there, may be more easily distracted. This lack of motivation, coupled with a natural immaturity, may be what leads to increased behavioral problems. Younger learners may also be seeking attention or facing peer pressure to act a certain way. When it comes to processing the information learned in class, studies have shown that younger learners and adults are also different in this manner. Studies have shown that when learning a second language, younger learners tend to use a part of their brain called the ?deep motor? area. This area is used for processes or actions that are not consciously thought about such as putting on clothes or brushing your teeth for example. Adults, on the other hand process the language in a more active part of the brain, as they are thinking about the learning more consciously. In conclusion, younger learners and adults differ in many ways when it comes to learning English. Adults may be motivated than younger learners who, as a result, may have more disciplinary issues. Younger learners may also require a more visual or hands-on learning experience than their adult counterparts. Even biologically, there are differences. Younger learner or adult, however, both can provide very rewarding experiences for the teacher. Sources used: ITTT tesol Certificate Course Unit 19-Teaching Special Groups http://www.livestrong.com/article/244792-children-vs-adult-learning/ http://www.ehow.com/about_6635123_young-adults-learning-second-language.html