Abstract:

Language skills in the 21st century are essential prerequisite not only for a successful career, but in many cases also to ensure social integration. Along with lifelong learning courses in which adults learn the language, new solutions are being sought to ensure a learning environment that encourages language learning. One such solution are language clubs, in which the native language speakers participate together with foreign language learners. Unlike language courses, in which language learning takes place according to the basic principles of formal education, language clubs are favorable for the implementation of informal learning and are based on the personal experience of adults. In language clubs, language is both a teaching tool and a learning goal, and language learning is integrated with the learning of important content for foreign language learners .
The aim of the study is to describe the experience of the Lifelong Learning Center in the use of language clubs in Latvian languages as a foreign language for adults. Analyzing the content of the language club program, observing 8 groups of language club lessons and interviewing one of foreign language learner in each observed group, qualitative data was obtained. The obtained data allow us to conclude that it is important to involve adults in planning the content of language clubs, as well as to regularly get feedback from them. The study describes the methodological techniques used in language clubs and concludes that adults admit that the most effective techniques are ones, in which they have the opportunity to learn in cooperation and from each other.

Keywords:

Language club, language learning, informal education, learning process, assessment of learning outcomes.