DOCUMENT RESUME ED 192 627 FL 011 921 AUTHOR Roumani, Judith TITLE Foreign Language Learning for Older Learners: Problems and Approaches. INSTITUTION Peace Corps, Washington, D.C. Poe DATE 10 Apr 78 NOTE 13p.: Not available in paper copy because of faint type in original document. EDES PRICE DESCRIPTORS MFO1 Plus Postage. PC Not Available from EDRS. Individualized Instruction: *Middle Aged Adults: *Older Adults: Postsecondary Education: *Second Language Instruction: Second Language Learning; Teaching Methods ABSTRACT An examination of some of the learning difficulties of Peace Corps volunteers 45 years of age and older who have attempted to learn a second language, combined with a review of research findings on the learning capacity of older learners, reveals areas in which the older learner can be helped to more complete success in fcreign language study. Specific recommendations begin with the adjustment of physical classroom conditions such as lighting, temperature, seating, and acoustics. Individual needs and abilities should be defined in terms cf prior education, sex, time elapsed since formal education, and previous exposure to foreign languages. Individualized instruction should be emphasized. Instruction will be relevant to older learners if material is drawn from the lives of people their age. Self-pacing should be emphasized instead cf speed. The contract approach to attainable short-term goals can be useful. Concentration will be enhanced by breaking material and study periods into short units. Visual and vocal reinforcement will facilitate memorization, and new structures will be absorbed if they are integrated into those already known. Finally, the teacher may find that anxieties will be reduced if he /she is ready to take on the role of counselor and is sensitive to difficulties. (JB) ***** ********** * * ******* ********* ***** ** ********* Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ************* ********* *************************************