Learning and teaching English at Tartu Vocational School: comparing mature and regular learners
Date
2016
Authors
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Publisher
Tartu Ülikool
Abstract
The purpose of the present MA thesis is to compare mature and regular learners of
English at Tartu Vocational School. In recent years increasingly more adult learners have
entered the educational system; therefore, the focus on mature learners is justified.
The thesis is divided into three chapters. The first chapter provides a literature
overview of the characteristics of mature students. The second chapter focuses on motivation
and teaching methods.
Chapter three focuses on the analysis of the results of the self-reported questionnaire,
which was completed by 191 respondents. The questionnaire consisted of 44 questions. The
respondents were divided into three age groups – aged 16–19, 20–24, and 25–53 years..The
findings of the study show that age and sex of the learners are important factors in the
learning and teaching of English The mature students value experience more than the younger
ones. The youngest and the oldest age groups prefer more group and pair work. The middle
group prefers more digital lessons. The overall motivational levels were low in all of the age
groups. Age and sex have also a great influence on where and how students are exposed to
English outside school.
Description
Keywords
inglise keel, täiskasvanud õpilased, õpimotivatsioon, kutseharidus, õppimine