The Adult Foreign Language Learner Some Proposals for Andragogical Language Teaching

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of what it means to explore, from an andragogical approach, the process of foreign language learning and teaching. The relationship between adults and learning experiences is complex and multifaceted. The conceptual categories of multiplicity and diversity of motivations, needs, expectations, and strategies to which the teaching principles of multiplicity and flexibility of methods and techniques can be applied are relevant. Teaching adults requires assuming new roles and adopting novel teaching methods. On a methodological level, language activities must be linked to the needs, interests, and experiences of the adult, provide appropriate language models, vary in the methods, tools, and materials used, and guarantee greater awareness and autonomy.