Literature Review

 

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Along with this paper, we can check some topics related to the learning of language in elderly people. Although there is not much information about it in countries like Colombia. We can bring some others from European countries and the Brazilian context. To be more specific in Budapest there is a university for the third age which did an interesting study about this population learning English; at the same time this paper wants to show a study done in Brazil in Pontificia Universidad Catolica.

Previous studies and objectives 

- Determined if training the memory can affect positively the seniors’ learning of a foreign language (Agata Kozak,2012, p.2). This objective was proposed in the Hungarian University study and they bear in mind some variables that will be shown along with this document. 

- “Researched motivational factors and language learning strategies involved in the process of learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in the elderly” (Vitor Monticelli, 2017, p.1). This was the purpose of the Brazilian university and it found interesting facts that might be useful for the learning with this population.

Methods 

The Hungarian university gathered 24 students from the same university, They decided to divide into two groups called experimental and the control group. The experimental group consisted of beginners and intermediate with a total number of 10 students. While the control group involved intermediate and upper intermediate with a total number of 14 students. All learners mentioned are in a range from 60 years old to 95 years old. 

On one hand, the experimental group was exposed to memory sessions integrated with English classes, in contrast, the control group was exposed to English classes specifically. For the experimental group was designed some memory training workshops to stimulate memorizing, creativity, imagination, and bringing information back. There were different methods in the memory workshops like the chain method, the lap method, the Roman method, The method of memorizing words and phrases, and mind maps. Understanding that intentional training create habits in people (Skibińska 2005, p. 213) 

On the other hand, the control group had English classes and assignments focused on asking about and expressing peoples’ opinión, discussion, typical phrases, prior ideas of some topics, classes focus on culture reading and talking about poetry, art, reading; leisure activities, Culture of native speakers like English poetry, news, as well as distinction in vocabulary, spelling and pronunciation. (Journal of Education Culture and Society, 2012, p.5)

The second study done by the University of Brazil showed the instruments used during the process. The first tool was a placement test developed by English teachers of the same university with 35 questions to determine the level of the students. According to the test they were divides into two groups basic and intermediate 

The second tool was the background questionnaire that was adapted from the model provided by Oxford (1990,p. 282) which identified the relation of participants with the process of learning English focused on likes and dislikes of learning a new language and the reason to study it (motivations). 

During the process, they had another instrument that was the Strategy Inventory for Language learning to evaluate some statements in their learning process. This second test was focused on identifying the learning strategies that fitted this population support by the direct and indirect strategies provided by (Oxford, op. cit., p. 144-147) 

The study counted 25 elderly students ranging from 60 to 81 years old, the average age of the group was 68,9 years. All of them have a basic level of English with at least a high school education completed, and Portuguese language as their mother tongue. (Brazilian English teaching Journal, (8), page 245)