James will go over the words. After that, practice the words with a partner.
III Discussion
Five statements about young language learners (Ages 3 – 11)
In pairs, please discuss what you think the answer to the following statements is (from Ur, 1999, p.130). Answer the questions in the form below.
Younger children learn languages better than older ones; children learn better than adults.
Foreign language learning in school should be started at as early an age as possible.
Children and adults learn languages in the same way.
Adults have a longer attention span than children.
It is easier to interest and motivate children than adults.
Answer: False!
Young children’s cognitive skills are still developing. This means that it is difficult for them to recognize patterns and learn grammar explicitly*. Also, young children do not have the same kind of self-discipline as adults. However, young children can be very successful at language learning if they do immersion. That is, they study English in an English-speaking environment. Also, young children can develop better pronunciation than adults.
*明示的
Answer: It depends!
Immersion education can be very effective for young learners. However, studying a foreign language for two or three hours a week will not make children proficient in the language. If children’s learning in elementary school is reinforced in junior high school, though, it can be effective. That is, if children review what they learned in elementary school when they are in high school, they have a better chance of acquiring the knowledge.
Answer: It depends!
In natural settings, children and adults learn language in the same way. In classroom settings, children and adults learn languages in different ways. Adults are better at logical thinking. Also, adults are studying voluntarily while children are in class because they have to be there. Also, adults can do cooperative learning and group work, while doing this is more challenging for young children.
Answer: It depends!
Children can spend hours on something that interests them. The difference between adults and children is that adults can persevere and continue an activity even if it does not interest them.
Answer: Yes
Children can become easily motivated by interesting activities or songs. On the other hand, they can also lose their motivation more easily than adults if the activity is monotonous.
Today’s key concepts
Do not look at this until the end of today’s lesson.
Younger children do not necessarily learn better than older children or adults. Older children and adults can learn faster, initially, then younger children. However, if younger children spend a year or more in the second language environment, they can learn to speak the second language like their first language.
Many people think that foreign language learning should start early but that is not necessarily true. If children study the foreign language only one to three hours a week, they will not become fluent in the language.
In classroom settings, children and adults learn the language differently. In natural settings, they might learn it in the same way.
Adults do not necessarily have a longer attention span than children but they can persevere when they get bored. Children, on the other hand, cannot concentrate when they are bored.
Student-teachers from Iwate University are often surprised when they teach a class at an elementary school and see how enthusiastic the children are. Interesting activities will motivate children in a way that you do not see in adults or older children. However, they will lose their motivation when activities become monotonous.
(3) Differences between younger and older learners
Try the practice test about the differences between younger and older young learners.
Below are characteristics of children 5 to 7 and children 10 to 12. Which characteristics belong to which group?
Assignments
(1) Reflection
What are words that you remember from studying English in elementary school? Why do you think you have been able to remember these words?
(2) Update your profile and account
Please write a brief self-introduction on “biography” in your profile and add a profile picture so the other instructors can get to know you! Lastly, please write your nickname so we know what to call you!
Step 1
“Choose “My Profile” from the menu. Then, click on the wheel to the right of your picture and choose “Edit Profile”.
Step 2
Choose a picture/ avatar and write a simple self-introduction
2. On your Account page, please write your first and last name.
References
Ur, P. (1999). A Course in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press.
Harmer, J. (2012). Essential Teacher Knowledge. Pearson Education.
