Effective Language Teaching Strategies for All Ages

Core Learning Strategies

Cognitive Strategies

Cognitive strategies involve perceiving patterns, reviewing (memory), problem solving, and concentrating.

Socio-Affective Strategies

Socio-affective strategies include adapting to new ideas, embracing difference, persevering, taking risks, working with others (in pairs or groups), being aware of others' needs, and being open to new ideas.

Meta-Cognitive Strategies

Meta-cognitive strategies consist of knowing about knowing, being in control of your own learning, learning how to learn effectively, and knowing how and when to apply your knowledge.

Effective Methods for Teaching Children

Grammar and Instruction

• Don’t explain grammar using terms like “present continuous.”
• Certain more difficult concepts require more repetition than adults.
• Some grammatical concepts can be called to learners' attention by showing them certain patterns.
• Rules stated in abstract terms should be avoided.

Managing Attention Span

• Children are focused on the here and now and immediate interest.
• Use a variety of activities to maintain engagement.
• The teacher needs to be animated, lively, and enthusiastic.
• Make sure you tap into their curiosity whenever possible.
• A sense of humor will go a long way in keeping children laughing and learning.

Sensory Input and Physicality

• Incorporate physical activities, such as role play, games, or TPR (Total Physical Response) activities.
• Sensory aids help children to internalize concepts.
• Project and other hands-on activities go a long way toward helping children to internalize language.
• The teacher's own nonverbal language is important, including facial gestures and body language.

Affective Factors

• Help your students to laugh with each other at various mistakes that they all make.
• Be patient and supportive to build self-esteem.
• Elicit as much oral participation as possible, especially from the quieter students.

Authentic, Meaningful Language

• A whole language approach is essential.
• Language needs to be context-embedded, using storylines, familiar situations, and real-life conversations.

Strategies for Teaching Adult Learners

• Adults are more able to handle abstract rules and concepts.
• They have longer attention spans for material that may not be intrinsically interesting for them.
• Sensory input need not always be as varied as it is for children.
• Adults often bring a modicum of general self-confidence into the class.
• With their more developed abstract thinking ability, adults are better able to understand a context-reduced segment of language.

Approaches for Teaching Teenagers

• Complex problems can be solved with logical thinking.
• Varieties of sensory input are still important for this age group.
• Factors surrounding ego, self-image, and self-esteem are at their pinnacle. This includes avoiding the embarrassment of students, affirming talents and strengths, allowing mistakes, and encouraging small group work where risks can be taken more easily by a teen.