Adult Learners Research Articles

The Competition Model and Adult Second Language Learning: Cross-Language Similarity and L2 Morphosyntax Learning

Adult second language learners arrive at the language learning situation with an already formed first language grammar system in place. The study of cross-language similarity across the first and second languages explores how the similarities and differences in the two languages make learning more or less difficult, particularly for adult learners. From a Competition Model (MacWhinney, 1997) framework, the authors and their colleagues have conducted research examining the relationship between cross-language similarity and adult second language learning and processing with actual learners and in training paradigms with naïve learners; converging methodological approaches have been used (eye tracking, event related brain potentials, self- paced reading, and grammaticality judgments). We review these studies and describe the predictions derived from the Competition Model framework as a function of whether grammatical constructions are formed similarly or differently in the two languages or are unique to the second language. We conclude with a description of Brian MacWhinney’s influence on this body of research.

Chunking in the Second Language: Implications for Language Learning and Teaching

Among the various challenges that adult and other late language learners face on their journey to achieving nativelike proficiency, chunking has been identified as one of the most difficult tasks to master. Language users are able to derive and utilize chunks during language processing—both in the first (L1) and the second language (L2)—yet the extent to which the L2 learners utilize and benefit from chunking is not on a par with L1 speakers. L2 learners are generally less sensitive to the statistical regularities in the linguistic input and possess a smaller repertoire of multiword expressions, leaving them susceptible to slower real-time language processing, hampered comprehension during conversation, and distinct production errors. Drawing on insights from Brian MacWhinney's Unified Competition Model of L1 and L2 acquisition, this review examines these unique challenges in L2 chunking as a function of differences between L1 and L2 learning. According to the Unified Competition Model, the existence of deeply entrenched L1 linguistic representations may hinder effective L2 chunking by encouraging over-segmentation in favor of L1 transference at the lexical level and diverting the necessary attention away from the grammatical elements in prefabricated multiword units. Based on these observations, we offer practical suggestions for educators to facilitate chunking in L2 learners and bring them closer to nativelike fluency.

Языковое образование онлайн: принципы создания размеченного корпуса ошибок в специализированном английском языке русскоязычных работников IT-сферы

Today, academic corpora are a matter of great interest to many linguists. The article examines the importance of academic corpora in modern linguistics and pedagogy as a tool for identifying typical errors in the speech of foreign language students. They reveal problems in foreign language acquisition and create new teaching methods. The paper reviews the existing academic corpora and error classifications. The authors developed a corpus of oral speech errors typical of Russian-speaking IT students that study English for IT purposes. The corpus relied on 50 video recordings of in-class activities in which students communicated with English-speaking IT specialists and made up dialogues in English. The corpus made it possible to identify the main difficulties experienced by adult learners of English for IT purposes. It involves a tagged classification of typical errors divided by language level into morphological, syntactic, lexical, and phonetic ones. The research demonstrated good prospects for developing other academic speech corpora with automated error tagging based on the speech of English learners.

ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION FACTORS AND ADULT LITERACY LEARNING OUTCOMES IN RWANDAA CASE OF GICUMBI DISTRICT

The research assessed adult education program implementation factorsand adult literacy learning outcomes in GicumbiDistrict, Rwanda. Specifically, the research identified teaching methods that affect adult literacy learning outcomes in GicumbiDistrict, Rwanda, established the extent of adult literacy learning outcomes in GicumbiDistrict, Rwanda and assessed the relationship between adult education program implementation factors and adult literacy learning outcomes in GicumbiDistrict, Rwanda. The population in this study consisted of 4625 respondents, while their sample size was 368. Sample size determination was done by using Yamane formula.Descriptive survey design was adopted by the researcher as the study wanted to obtain insight for basic information provision in the study area. This study used questionnaire, interview, and observation to gather data. The questionnaire was administered to instructors and learners while the interview was given to District Director of Education, District Education Officer and Sector Education Officers. It usedpurposive, simple random sampling and stratified methods. The data of the study were analyzed in tables and charts by relying on descriptive statistics. The researcher used statistical tools like means, percentages, standarddeviations, correlation coefficients and coefficients as regression models.IBM SPSS Version 21 was used to organize and summarize data with accuracy and finding evidences assurance. Both quantitative and qualitative methodologies were used, including content analysis. Regarding the first objective, results indicate that 74.9% strongly agreed that their instructor puts them in a small group to complete tasks, 64.2% strongly agreed that they take an active role in their learning by setting their own goals, 75.6% strongly agreed that their instructor uses games to increase their motivation, and 88.1% strongly agreed that they act out specific roles to learn different concepts.The implication of this is that the instructors use learner-centered teaching methods in order to improve adult literacy learning outcomes. For the second objective, 86.6% strongly agreed that improved learners living standards indicate adult literacy learning outcomes 74.9% strongly agreed that an increased number of small businesses indicates adult literacy learning outcomes 75.6% strongly agreed that increased digital communication indicates adult literacy learning outcomes and 63.2% strongly agreed that improved health practices indicate adult literacy learning outcomes. Results on the effects of teaching methods on adult literacy learning outcomes in public adult literacy centres in Gicumbi District. The study revealed a strong positive relationship between group learning, self-directed learning, and role-playing, as well as between game-based learning and improved learners living standards, small business growth, and digital communication. The positive correlation was less than 0.05, indicating that adjustments in group learning and self-directed learning positively impacted these factors. The study also found a significant positive correlation between game-based learning and improved learners living standards, small business growth, and high attractiveness rate. This implied that there is a positive correlation among adult education factors and adult literacy learning outcomes. The Pearsons p value was than 0.05. The researcher recommended that the Ministry of Education should provide robust government, support, clear guidelines, and infrastructure for adult education programs. Rwanda Basic Education Board should involve NGOs and local communities and authorities in monitoring and evaluating the functioning of adult education at grass root level. Gicumbi District should use quality materials, well-trained teachers for improved effectiveness.

성인학습자의 무형식학습 참여 결정요인 분석: 랜덤 포레스트와 SHAP 적용

The purpose of this study is to identify the key determinants that predict adult learners' participation in informal learning based on different types. The analysis was conducted on a sample of 9,949 adult learners extracted from the 2022 Korean Adult Lifelong Learning Survey. The types of informal learning were categorized into (a) traditional method-dependent learning and (b) online media-based learning. For the analysis, we applied explainable machine learning (XML) techniques, including random forest and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) algorithms. The results showed that the top determinants predicting participation in traditional method-dependent learning for adult learners were perceived lifelong learning effectiveness, job-related goal orientation, learning orientation, lifelong learning accessibility, and age. In contrast, for online media-based learning, the top determinants predicting adult learners' participation were age, job-related goal orientation, learning orientation, perceived lifelong learning effectiveness, and educational level. Lastly, while the relationships between each predictor and participation in informal learning were generally positive, a deeper interpretation is required depending on the type and measurement method of each variable. These findings suggest that adult learners' participation in informal learning can be considered a reflection of their demographic factors, as well as their perceptions and expectations regarding lifelong learning. Based on these results, we discussed implications for promoting lifelong learning participation among adult learners.

Experiences of Adult Learners Engaged in Blended Learning beyond COVID-19 in Ghana

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the educational landscape, making exploration of blended learning (BL) instructional delivery important. Higher education institutions are navigating the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on instructional delivery. Using Accra Learning Centre as a case study, this article explores the experiences of adult learners engaged in BL after the COVID-19 crisis in Ghana. A qualitative research method was employed, and a purposive sampling procedure was used to select 15 adult learners. An in-depth interview guide was developed to garner data. Thematic, narrative, and interpretivist analytical approaches were adopted in presenting the results. Participants’ voices, experiences, and meanings were sought. It emerged that BL promotes inquiry-based, self-directed, and constructivist learning rather than using conventional face-to-face teaching and learning, though conventional teaching and learning cannot be discounted, BL fosters self-paced learning among adult learners. It recommends that faculty continue to sharpen their skills in BL instructional delivery and adult learners should be equipped with skills in time management, and effective digital tools used to engage in BL.

대학의 지원에 대한 성인학습자의 인식: 잠재집단 분류 및 영향요인

The purpose of this study is to identify types of perceived institutional support among adult learners at four-year universities in Korea and to investigate how predictors and outcomes of institutional support vary across different groups. A latent profile analysis was employed to analyze data of 465 adult learners, sourced from the Korea-National Survey of Student Engagement surveyed in 2023. The main findings are as follows. First, four distinct types of perceived institutional support were identified: (a) unsatisfactory and avoidance, (b) ordinary and casual, (c) satisfactory and engagement, and (d) relationship-oriented. Second, significant factors differentiating the latent profile membership probabilities included grade, university admission type, type of high school, collaborative behavior, academic self-efficacy, and career maturity. Lastly, institutional commitment, as an outcome of university experience, was found to be higher in the ‘satisfactory and engagement’ group compared to others. Based on the findings, we discussed academic and practical implications for building adult-friendly university support systems that enrich adult learners’ student engagement and institutional commitment.

Diskurser om att lära sig läsa och skriva som vuxen

This article investigates discourses about basic literacy learning for adult second language learners in the program Swedish for Immigrants (SFI), study path one, which is for students with little or no prior schooling. The study has its theoretical basis in nexus analysis, which here means that literacy education is studied as a social act through these three discourses: discourses in place, historical bodies, and interaction order. These are investigated through the analysis and study of current policy documents, teacher interviews, and classroom observations. Current documents emphasize that the design of teaching programs should be functional. This corresponds with teachers’ views about how literacy education forms part of general education in Swedish and how it has clear ties with what students perceive they need on an everyday basis. At the same time, the shortcomings pointed out in audits and reports that look at procedures to adapt teaching to individual needs correspond with the findings of the observation and interview data in the present study. There is a clear need for improvement both in this area and in the teaching of the alphabet, which does not have a prominent place in current policy documents and which appears to be taught separately. Currently, knowledge about the early literacy development of adult second language learners is not a formal requirement in teacher education, and only one of the 24 teachers in this study claims to have such knowledge. Usually, the acquisition of knowledge about early literacy development is included in the training of primary school student teachers and is foremostly in the teaching of first language learners. This study, however, shows the need for increased knowledge about initial literacy development for adults as part of the professional development of SFI teachers.

CONTEXTUAL DISTANCE TEACHING TO IMPROVE TOURIST DRIVERS' ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXPRESSION

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Contextual Distance Teaching (CDT) in improving driver’s English language expression and enhancing motivation, while also evaluating its significant influence on their English proficiency. Utilizing an action research approach conducted via the WhatsApp online platform, this study engaged 10 tourist drivers associated with the Bali Transport group, aged between 22 and 50. The study comprised two cycles, each consisting of three sessions. Data collection involved administering tests and questionnaires, including pretest, post-test 1, and post-test 2. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests. The initial findings indicate that CDT effectively enhances the language expression of drivers in service-related contexts. The average pretest score, initially categorized as "poor" at 39, improved to 65 in post-test 1 and further increased to 75.8 in post-test 2, now categorized as "fair.", The main score of the questionnaire was 4.4 of 0-5 Likert scale implying the drivers had positive motivation and perception on the strategy apllied. The second statistic finding indicated a significant difference in the mean between the pre-test (Sig. and the post-test 1 (0.000 < 0.05) and post-test 2 (0.000 < 0.05). This study suggests that the implementation of CBT has a positive influence on reducing the number of language expression errors made by drivers as adult learners, leading to better English proficiency.

The Impact of College Adult Learners’ Resilience on Interpersonal Problems

The Impact of College Adult Learners’ Resilience on Interpersonal Problems

Every voice counts – Embedding the principles of Universal Design for Learning into higher education online course design

University classrooms are diverse settings. With online courses becoming increasingly more common instructors in post-secondary institutions must create inclusive learning environments that meet the needs of adult learners with exceptionalities. Goldberg et al. (2003) asserted that innovative technological tools can be used to promote student engagement, motivation, and enhance the quality of learning for students with disabilities. One such tool is the Voice Thread which can be thoughtfully and intentionally incorporated into the course design phase. Friedman and Lee (2009) contend that using visual images to present content is a necessary pedagogical strategy and provides an opportunity to reduce visual clutter. Making content visual and auditory rather than exclusively in print is a Universal Design for Learning strategy that makes the information more accessible to all students not just those who struggle with reading. Hampton and Mason (2003) reminded us that many students with learning disabilities require additional time to formulate their thoughts to make meaningful contributions to an online discussion. The features of the program offer a comfortable way for students to share their knowledge and understanding, analytical skills and personal reflections related to a particular concept. Offering a choice in the response format allows students to utilize their strengths and concentrate more fully on demonstrating their learning. Fostering an inclusive learning environment using innovative technologies, such as Voice Thread, offers online instructors a meaningful way to adopt inclusive approaches to curriculum and assessment. Pre-existing structures such as the Community of Practice (Lave & Wenger, 1991) provide inclusive leaders the opportunity to share these innovations with colleagues and ensure that every voice counts.

A Comparison of the Experiences of Adult Learners in Lifelong Education Colleges and Traditional College Learners in Using Generative AI

A Comparison of the Experiences of Adult Learners in Lifelong Education Colleges and Traditional College Learners in Using Generative AI

Older Adult Education in the Context of Psychological Theories of Ageing

In gerontology, the essence of ageing is traditionally equated with decline and degradation, it is considered a purposeful process of loss of the body's adaptive capacity. Psychologists, in particular representatives of behaviorism, deny this position, instead they consider ageing to be an integral part of the general process of human development. Theories of ageing have progressed from focusing on individuals’ declines and losses in later phase of their life course to considering ageing as a continuous process of human development. Psychological theories of ageing are crucial to understanding older adults as learners ‒ their needs, abilities, motivation of learning and expectations from educational activity. They help us to develop comprehensive approaches to building an effective educational environment and improving the learning process of that age and social group aiming to adapt that environment to the needs of older adult learners. The article analyzes the main provisions of psychological theories of ageing, which substantiate the importance and even the necessity of involving older adults in educational activities, because firstly, mental activity contributes to the preservation and even development of a person’s intellectual capabilities until old age; secondly, in older people (compared to young people), changes in the ability to learn are insignificant and relate rather to the sphere of perception, attention, motivation, and the physiological state of the body; and thirdly, older people have a growing need for a sense of security, which has a significant impact on their quality of life and is largely realized through communication and learning activities. Based on the main tenets of psychological theories of ageing, in our research we consider older adults as a resource and human capital. We believe that the approach to the problem of ageing and old age from the resource perspective, which is based on the ideas of theories of activity and lifelong personality development, allows us to justify the need for education of older adults and is the basis of educational gerontology.

Navigating Virtual Halls: Stories of Online Transfer, Working Adult Learners’ Journeys with Student Services

Navigating Virtual Halls: Stories of Online Transfer, Working Adult Learners’ Journeys with Student Services

The Relationship between Growth Mindset and Self-regulated Learning of Adult Learners in a Distance University: Moderated Mediating Effect of Task Value through Academic Self-efficacy

The Relationship between Growth Mindset and Self-regulated Learning of Adult Learners in a Distance University: Moderated Mediating Effect of Task Value through Academic Self-efficacy

Does academic writing coaching with genre pedagogy work with teachers? A case study of public school teachers in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Recent studies in academic writing have used coaching to develop specific skills and affective variables. There are limited studies on coaching academic writing using genre pedagogy (GP) with adult learners, specifically Indonesian EFL teachers. This study investigated how academic writing coaching activities (AWCA) that implement GP could help develop the writing skills of public school teachers in Ketapang Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. This qualitative case study involved fifty-seven participants who attended the coaching. Data obtained from participant observations and open-ended questionnaires were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, and the participants’ texts were analyzed using genre analysis. The analysis results were triangulated to obtain valid findings. The results show that scaffolding, explicit teaching, and customized teaching stages could help develop the participants' writing skills. Then, the participants’ texts followed the schematic structure of the academic genre and implemented relevant linguistic features. These findings provide insight into how genre-based academic writing activities could enhance public school teachers' writing skills who are adult learners, an area with scant research. Furthermore, it is proposed that this methodology be applied across different regions and abroad to better assess its effects on the professional growth of teachers.

An Ethnographic Case Study: Exploring an Adult ESL Learner’s BICS and CALP Proficiency Disparity

This ethnographic case study investigated the disparity in an adult learner's second language (L2) proficiency between basic interpersonal communication skills (BICS) and cognitive academic language proficiency (CALP). The learner, well-educated in his first language (L1) Italian, demonstrated higher CALP but lower BICS in L2 English. Data collection spanned 15 weeks and included classroom observations, in-class artifacts, and semi-formal interviews. Two main factors were identified as contributing to the disparity: (1) unbalanced language exposure favoring CALP over BICS and (2) the positive transfer of CALP from L1 outweighing that of BICS. The study found that teacher instruction and learner's language engagement and investment increased exposure to grammar and literacy, thereby enhancing CALP development and facilitating CALP transfer from L1 to L2. However, limited exposure to interpersonal communication practices both inside and outside the classroom led to his underdeveloped BICS. Consequently, the unbalanced proficiency further influenced his second language acquisition. The learner's low BICS level resulted in negative self-positioning, increasing fear of interacting with English speakers and reducing opportunities to acquire the target language in natural interactive environments. Pedagogical implications are provided for adult EFL teaching, emphasizing balanced instruction and interactive and multilingual approaches. The research suggests future directions for supporting bi-/multilingual adults in developing balanced language proficiency and a positive language identity effectively.

Application of andragogy principles in teaching foreign language (using English as the example)

Developing methods and ways of teaching for adult learners is one of the main tasks in modern higher educational institutions and extended educational systems, because a specialist of the modern progressive society must be not only a professional in his field and possess a number of skills and abilities necessary for work, but be proficient in one or more foreign languages. However, in ourexperience many specialists neither speak a foreign language at all, nor know it at a high enough level to run professional operations in a foreign language, whether it is negotiating or writing a business letter. For this reason, this article analyses the works of many scientists studying the problems of andragogy, ascience dealing with the specificities of adult education. Not only main negative psychological factors, interfering the effectiveness of foreign language learning byadults, are identified but also positive ones, among which there is a high degree of motivation and the ability to independently control their learning process, evaluate learning results. A teacher plays an important role in a learning process, whose main task is to plan a course so that adult learners can achieve by the end their goals and can apply their knowledge in practice. Therefore, variouscommunicative methods in teaching adult learners are used to develop speaking,reading, listening and writing skills, as well as to form a number of competenciesnecessary for professional activities and process of communication in a foreignlanguage. The main objective of this article is to find the effective ways, methodsand strategies in teaching adult learners. The relevance of the study is explainedby the need of specialists with a foreign language knowledge in the modern labormarket; hence, a language learning by adults is highly demanded.

EXPERIENCE OF APPLYING NEUROSCIENCE IN TEACHING KAZAKH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE

Teaching and learning the Kazakh language as a second language are one of the main state issues in Kazakhstan. In the modern realities we need very efficient and sufficient approaches and methods of teaching the Kazakh language to non-natives living in Kazakhstan. Teachers and educators are looking for different ways to teach Kazakhas a second language. Nowadays there are not many researches related to the application of the advanced methods of teaching it. This article aims to establish the connection between neuroscience and the teaching of Kazakh as a second language. The articlepresents the theoretical basis of neuroscience and its basic concepts. This article represents results of conducting an experiment of teaching Kazakh as a second language to adults. Based on these neuroscientific concepts and strategies for teaching Kazakh as a second language, we designed and applied a Kazakh language course as a second language for adults. At the end of the course adult learners passed a final test according to the Kaztest system. During and at the end of the experiment course there was not any special preparation for the final test. The results of the experiment showed that implementation of the neuroscientific concepts and strategies was efficient. According to the results of the experiment course we state that we can effectively construct the Kazakh language teaching course by having a thorough understanding of the brain function that neuroscience studies. Using the results of this experiment, educators and teachers of the Kazakh language can improve their methodology and contribute to the effective learning of the language by learners.

Critical reflections of emerging farmers’ individual perspective towards assessments in recognition of prior learning for unit standards credit of agricultural courses

Interventions to redress the apartheid education’s negative impact on the education and training systems of the previously disadvantaged groups in South Africa include the implementation of recognition of prior learning (RPL). The paper attempts to qualitatively assess emerging farmers’ individual perspectives by analysing their cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics during RPL credit assessment sessions. A total of 200 Free State province emerging farmers participated in an RPL credit assessment session of the unit standards to be recognised for two agricultural qualifications. The RPL unit standards credit assessment sessions for two agricultural courses were conducted in a classroom for 3 months. The data generated from text, video, and voice recordings was processed and analysed using critical discourse analysis. What emerged from the discussions was that emerging farmers were appreciative of the opportunity to embrace spontaneity during training. The study found that embracing adult learning principles had a positive effect on the cognitive and non-cognitive characteristics of emerging farmers during training. The findings of this paper will help strengthen the understanding of how RPL is implemented in the context of emerging farmers and further development of what needs to be done to further improve RPL procedure.