Affiliation:
1. Baikal State University
Abstract
Adult learners are a growing segment of the educational market, while foreign languages, and primarily English, are among the most popular classes as they contribute to both professional and personal growth. Teachers and educational establishments face the need of adapting the teaching methods and practices traditionally oriented at children to the psychological and pedagogical characteristics of adult learners. The author considers such basic methodologies as andragogy, self-directed learning and transformative learning, studies the psychological features of adult learners, and presents the ensuing general principles of teaching foreign languages to adults. Having analyzed theoretical publications, works of other teachers of English, and her own experience, the author presents a number of practical recommendations aimed at improving both adult learners’ motivation and the effectiveness of English language classes.
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