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Adult & Secondary Language Education: Where, How, Why?
"Anyone who stops learning is old whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."
Henry Ford (1863-1947), American Industrialist
Whether enrolled in secondary, continuation, or community schools, adults and people approaching adulthood have a variety of language-learning needs and purposes. They might be attending formal or informal courses at college extensions, career training or lifelong learning centers, public libraries, or other nonprofit organizations. They could be studying online, taking advantage of distance learning opportunities, and/or getting what they need independently from multiple sources. They might be working alone, with a tutor or family member, in a learning group, or in a structured class with a set curriculum.
Both native and non-native speakers may require or benefit from English-language instruction for literacy, acculturation, or citizenship; to complete their GED (high school equivalency); to get a job or advance in their careers; to tutor or help their children at home; and/or to improve their minds, work, and lives through self-study. No matter what their age, most people would like to learn how to learn more easily, faster, and more effectively. And they'd like to advance in their use of the English language.
Speakers of native languages other than English may need or want additional training in the four language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing. Some wish to improve the clarity or effectiveness of their accents. Almost everyone can enjoy and benefit from an update of their grammar, vocabulary, self-expression, and communication abilities. Individuals may want to learn better and more on their own; to stay current; to teach and help others; and/or to grow personally, professionally, and socially.
In contrast to children, what older learners seem to have in common is that [1] they have accumulated know-how and experience, [2] their continuing education is often voluntary and self-motivated, [3] they are prepared to apply what they learn in practical, goal-oriented ways, and [4] they appreciate and make good use of instruction, activity, information, and interaction that works.
For decades, the creators of Authors & Editors have focused their teaching, thinking, materials design, and innovative ideas on secondary and adult teachers and learners. The titles of our durable print products appear in an Alphabetized Authors & Editors Product List. These student texts, workbooks, card and board games (with accompanying Activity & idea Books), teaching / learning resources, and more can be purchased online at the Authors & Editors Online Store --or by FAX, mail, or phone.
More information about products is available in the print or Online Authors & Editors Creative Language Teaching & Learning Catalog. For other no-cost materials based on the same pedagogy, concepts, principles, or ideas, click on Teaching Tools, Tips, & Techniques.
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