Teaching To Different Ages

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Is very important that we know how to teaching different ages, children, young, teenegers, adults,

and therefore we should to compare the way they learn more about the learning strategies.

Adults are self directed learners, whereas younger students are adult dependent learners. This
therefore means that adults often challenge new information with the younger age group simply
accepting it. The way adults and young learn best is by challenging new ideas and comparing them
to their own set notion.

Another major difference I have found having is that adults come to learn English with a clear
purpose in mind and it is usually to enhance their careers and by contrast younger children do not
have a clear sense of direction. This has a knock on effect on motivation levels as it is evident that
each age group has different reasons for being in class.

I found adult learners to have high motivational levels since they are committed to improving
their English.

With regards to content, the children classes are fairly simple and focused on basic things like
numbers, the alphabet and colours etc.

I realize that introducing some fun and games is an important teaching tool here. Conversely adult
lessons are less energetic but the lessons are structured very well to concentrate on reading,
writing and speaking. Often adults come with complex questions about grammar and I also found
some of the adults and particularly the teenagers would often be slow in responding to the
questions as they have afraid of making mistakes, even happens to me... The lessons for the
adults are challenging and it also became apparent that each adult learner has a different learner
style and some for example sare stronger in accuracy than fluency this also became more
apparent with the adult and young learners.

Children and adults have different motivations

Children don’t have a driving motivation to learn languages. Their attention is fueled by curiosity
and imagination. Adults, on the other hand, will have very specific reasons for learning English.
They might be preparing for university abroad, or are just trying to gain a new skill for their career
at home. Your job will become more strategic, and you’ll need to closely monitor their progress to
help them reach their specific goals.
Here are some things to keep in mind when teaching children.

2. Don’t over-correct

Young children learn English just as they learned their native language: through experience and
interaction. They aren’t consciously studying structure and grammar rules, so keep your
corrections natural. If they make a mistake, just repeat back the correct sentence. For example, if
your student says, “He goed to the park,” you could respond, “Yes, he goes to the park.”

3. Movement and activity is key

4. Use songs

5. Remember classroom management

Now for young learners

Young learners are in the middle of figuring out their personal identities, and these transformative
years will definitely impact your classroom. It’s an interesting experience. You may have classes
with students who sit motionless, in absolute apathy, along with students who are extremely
inquisitive and curious. Your biggest challenge is planning activities that engage everyone.

1. Their interests are key

,plann activities using the most popular music and lyrics. Other great topics to dive into are their
favorite sports teams, recent movies, celebrities, pop culture, and current events.

Start the class with a Youtube clip from a funny TV show, or get a debate going about social media.

3. Create a strong rapport

It’s surprising how something as simple as asking a student how their day is going can open up so
much. It breaks down this invisible barrier. Talk with them after class if you notice they’re lingering
at your desk.

And finishing with the adults

A diverse kaleidoscope of experiences and backgrounds, a classroom of adults offers a complex


but very rewarding teaching experience. Your students will come to you from all walks of life, and
you’ll be adapting your lessons to suit their needs. Therefore, classes will be more formal and
structured. You’ll be focusing on improving their English for a specific reason, be it conversational
business lingo or preparing for a job interview.

1. Never equate language ability with intelligence


If your student is struggling to understand something that you think is a simple concept, make sure
you’re responding with patience and respect. Your tone, body language, and actions will all reveal
your attitude. Students pick up on this, no matter how little English they know.

2. Teach casual language and idioms

Many students are interested in getting practice with everyday, colloquial phrases. This kind of
language, ever-changing, can’t be taught in textbooks, and many adults need it for professional
(and personal) situations. If you’re teaching business English, for example, make it a point to
practice common workplace phrases, such as “on the ball” and “kept under wraps.”

3. Use age-appropriate activities

Even if your adult students are basic beginners, make sure your lessons are relevant to their lives.

4. Provide detailed and encouraging feedback

Encouragement is paramount with adults. They may be easily discouraged if they feel like they’re
struggling. Before beginning to teach, get a clear picture of your student’s language level, and use
what they already know to help build their confidence

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