Kids do NOT learn languages faster than adults. That's a MYTH - Dr. Karen Lichtman

14/10/2025 1h 24min Episodio 116
Kids do NOT learn languages faster than adults. That's a MYTH - Dr. Karen Lichtman

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Episode Synopsis

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"There's this myth that kids learn faster than adults. Research shows it's not true; adults are actually better language learners" - Dr. Karen Lichtman. 
Dr. Karen Lichtman recently moved to Binghamton University after ten years training language teachers at Northern Illinois University.  Her research focuses on instructed second language acquisition, including age differences in language learning and implicit vs. explicit language teaching. Karen presents nationally and internationally to audiences of teachers and researchers.
 
In this episode, we dive into:

the bad teaching that exists and how to address it
the myth of children learning faster than adults
why adults make better language learners
why easier materials is almost always better
designing a beginner course from scratch
balancing implicit & explicit teaching
addressing skeptical teachers
the role of TPRS in language learning (Teaching Proficiency through Reading and Storytelling) 

 
FOR MORE FROM KAREN LICHTMAN:
1. Connect on LinkedIn
2. Her website 
3. Her publications 
4. Her book "Teaching Proficiency Through Reading and Storytelling (TPRS): An Input-Based Approach to Second Language Instruction."
 
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