TEACHERS’ STRATEGIES IN TEACHING ENGLISH TO YOUNG LEARNERS

Abstract

This study aims to examine and describe the strategies used by English language teachers in teaching young learners, specifically at Kumon School in Makassar Indonesia. The methods applied in this study are peer observations, and interview methods. The results showed that based on the fifteen principles of teaching English to young learners, the three teachers successfully conducted the fourteen of the principles. The last principle examined was inapplicable in the institution. This study also revealed that the main obstacle in teaching young learners at this institution were; the unequal number of students for each classroom at the same levels, students grouping especially in competitive activities and teachers preferences on teaching aids and facilities. The research is concluded that to ensure the successful teaching and learning process at the early stage or young learners, particularly at this English institution, the continuous teacher training programs; pre-service and in-service are one of the key element. Furthermore, teachers’ creativity of using and selecting teaching strategies in teaching young learners and school’s supports in the form of classroom facilities and teaching materials