Faculty Publications

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The article, Gabriela Olivares-Cuhat. "Maximizing Learning of L2 Adult Learners in Higher Education," was published in Maximizing the Power of Proficiency, 2022 Report of the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, pages 133-150.

Document Type

Article

Publication Version

Published Version

Journal/Book/Conference Title

Maximizing the Power of Proficiency, 2022 Report of the Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages

Volume

2022

First Page

133

Last Page

150

Abstract

In the fall of 2019, the age of 33.5% of students enrolled in US institutions of higher education was 25 and above. However, research in the fields of adult learning, developmental, cognitive, and socio-cognitive theories suggests that this group of students presents L2 instructors with a set of strengths and challenges. One specific concern is that empirical studies have indicated a steady decline in L2 success along with the age of the adult learners (Hakuta et al., 2003). The aim of this article is to examine how teaching practices may be derived from research findings, with a view to better supporting the development of L2 communicative competence among adult learners. As a result, guidelines for L2 instructional practices are proposed in alignment with the macro-strategies theoretical framework suggested by Kumaravadivelu (2006). In doing so, this study also recognizes the central role played by teachers, as they are uniquely positioned to identify challenges and strengths facing adult learners and adapt their instruction accordingly.

Department

Department of Languages and Literatures

Original Publication Date

2022

Object Description

1 PDF file

Repository

UNI ScholarWorks, Rod Library, University of Northern Iowa

Copyright

©2022 Central States Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Posted with permission.

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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