THE NEEDS OF YOUNG LEARNERS IN EFL CLASSROOMS

Teaching English to young learners has been one of the most important issues in EFL field recently. Young children need more motivation, enjoyable activities and peaceful atmosphere than adults and their concentration span is very short. They can lose their concentration after ten minutes. Therefore, foreign language teachers who work with young learners should give importance to children’s needs. Teachers should plan and prepare their activities as young learners wish in the classroom.

This research paper arises from a qualitative study, the purpose of which is to investigate the needs of young learners. in EFL classes. It contains a semi-structured interview with 7 young learners from Turkey and 7 young learners (aged 11-12) from England. Data collection was achieved by preparing 6 questions and interviewed with the children by the help of their language teachers. The data were analysed by 2 language experts in EFL field and 1 pedagogue for young learners. Young learners’ answers were examined and some suggestions that focused on their needs were put forward.