Teaching young EFL learners; factors that make a difference

Tan Mee Chin

Adapted from:
Petrides J. R. (PhD) Presented at Egypt TESOL conference, December 2005.

what makes language teaching successful and how young learners learn.

Factors that influence language learning (Skehan 1989).

    

Classroom and materials Social context Opportunities for target language use The learner Learning according to strategies and processes.

Why these components?



they associate with the young learner and it is crucial to remember that the child should always be at the center of the learning process ; they can associate with the teacher and enable them to create conditions that promote successful learning.

The research


Sample : 250 year six children (12 different groups) from public primary schools in Cyprus. Aim: to measure the performance in EFL; to identify the factors that had an impact on performance.

tapescript
Some children are calling you, who are they? I love chocolates. Which is your favorite color? What tie do you go to school every morning? How do people go from Cyprus to England? I love winter, what about you? When will you start high school? How often do you go to the cinema? What do you want to do tonight? What can I do to feel healthy? Whats wrong with you? What do you think of your new neighbors?

Variables that might be involved in foreign language learning.

Attitudes and motivation (Learner and Social Context) Needs (instrumental ) Attitudes towards the target language and the target language community (integrative) A result of success or failure. Teachers associate motivation to the behavior of learners.

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2. L1 ability and performance



ones skills in their native language affect their ability to learn a foreign language Schooling success and academic experience are significant aspects in language learning.

3. Opportunities for target language use.



learning a foreign language should be primarily a matter for learning for communication. Maximum exposure to and involvement in spoken and written language with the pupils grasp are the basis for effective learning. (Sharpe 1994 in Trafford :17)

Suggestions
 

 

Frequency aids learning; Pleasant and enjoyable atmosphere is necessary; A plethora of activities need to be involved in EFL teaching; Learners need access to authentic material; Learners need to associate with native speaker models.

Suggestions for the young learner EFL classroom



Books and material ought to be designed according to the needs, age and interest of the learners ___ GIVES motivated and happy learners
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 Visual material can aid comprehension and  . communication

Audio material is a useful tool for reading and listening comprehension can offer access to native speaker models

Learners need a plethora of activities in order to practice all four language skills.

Communicative and cooperative activities can make a difference.

The computer can be an excellent tool if used correctly.

Promotes a pleasant environment Individualization of the work of children Acquire new knowledge in pleasant ways Communication in real life situations (internet) Eg: Digital Story telling

Access to authentic materials and native speaker models Integrates the benefits of audio and video materials Opportunities to practice all 4 language skills It enhances the resources available in the classroom It offers a variety of options