Date Approved
5-31-2024
Embargo Period
6-3-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (M.A.) Higher Education
Department
Educational Leadership, Administration, and Research
College
College of Education
Advisor
Stephanie Lezotte, Ph.D.
Committee Member 1
Tyrone McCombs, Ph.D.
Committee Member 2
Andrew Tinnin, Ed.D.
Subject(s)
Language and languages--Study and teaching; Second language acquisition
Disciplines
Higher Education | Language and Literacy Education
Abstract
The purpose of this research study is to understand the adult language learners in formal learning setting and know what do they perceive as the main methods of teaching and what do they prefer instead. If there is a gap between preferred methods of learning and perceived methods of learning, then there is a need that needs to be addressed. This is important because many students find language learning at best ineffective and at worst impossible. I hypothesize that there will be a difference between adult student perception and preference because student focuses more on speaking and listening skill over reading and writing skill. Likewise, I predict that students prefer entertaining media as lessons materials over traditional forms of learning. To conduct this research, I e-mailed students enrolled in language courses at Rowan University and invited them to fill out a quantitative survey. The results came back with most students placing pronunciation practice, talking to other speakers, and translating as their top methods of learning. This aligns with the hypothesis that adult students prefer speaking and listening skills over reading and writing skills. However, the use of entertainment media has shown mixed results, with the use of social media scoring lower than anticipated at near end of the list often times. Comparing preferences across different types of learners based on number of languages known and the script of the language they are learning has revealed that different groups have different preferences. It would be beneficial for instructors to adjust accordingly based on the student composition in the classroom.
Recommended Citation
Tse, Suzie, "Perceived and Preferred Methods to Adult Language Learning" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 3227.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/3227
