Developing efficient foreign language classroom environment for older adult learners

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs20192.189.200

Keywords:

University of the Third Age,, foreign language geragogy, Older adults, classroom environment, SLA

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the research is to present which elements related to teaching English to older adult learners have the greatest influence on creating a propitious and friendly learning environment. In order to achieve this firstly, I wish to present older adults’ observations regarding problems encountered in the classroom environment related to the lack of teaching materials, mixed age and ability groups or being discriminated against by fellow students and teachers. Secondly, I would like to propose some solutions to improve the efficiency of both students and teachers in the classroom environment.

Methods: The subjects of the study were 40 older adult learners of English who attended the classes at the University of the Third Age in Wrocław. In the study the participants were asked to choose the answers which, according to them, have the greatest influence on their learning the foreign language in later life. The participants also wrote additional comments that explained their choices. The analysis was qualitative in nature.

Results: The analysis shows that teachers (n=35) and teaching materials (n=31) are considered to be the two most important factors in learning a language in later life. The third most vital factor in creating a good classroom environment is related to other students (n=17). The subjects’ comments, however, point to numerous problems encountered in the aforementioned areas that affect the process of foreign language learning in later life.

Conclusions: Older adult learners’ needs, abilities and learning preferences should be taken into account while designing language courses as, according to the subjects of the study, at present it is not the case. Moreover, there should be more awareness on behalf of the teachers as to the age-related changes that make certain tasks difficult and the learning environment unnecessarily hostile.

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Author Biography

Agata Słowik-Krogulec, Institute of English Studies, University of Wrocław ul. Kuźnicza 22, Wrocław, Poland

A doctoral student in the Institute of English Studies at the University of Wrocław, Poland. She specializes in teaching and assessment techniques in teaching English to older adult learners. Her academic interests include L2 teaching and learning, SLA studies, the differences in teaching younger and older adult students, the use of students’ L1 in the language classroom, intercultural competence and foreign language teacher training.

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Published

2019-09-02

How to Cite

Słowik-Krogulec, A. (2019). Developing efficient foreign language classroom environment for older adult learners. Journal of Education Culture and Society, 10(2), 189–200. https://doi.org/10.15503/jecs20192.189.200