Unit 14 - Learner needs

What are learner needs?

When a learner learns a foreign language he or she has various kinds of needs which influence his/hers learning. They could be personal needs such as a need for praise, learning need to become more fluent, or professional needs such as a need to learn English for giving presentations. Recognising and trying to meet learner needs are part of being a good teacher.

Kind of needs	Reason for needs
Personal needs e.g. security, challenge, support, praise, movement, goals, learning expectations, other psychological or physical needs	Age Gender Cultural background Interests Educational background Motivation Personality
Learning needs e.g. specific ways of learning, specific target language, specific language subskills, exam strategies, learner autonomy, working at a suitable level	Learning styles Past language learning experience Learning gap (gap between the learner’s present level and the target level of language proficiency) Learning goals and expectations for the course Level of skill and knowledge Availability of time Exams
(Future) professional needs e.g. specific subskills, specific vocabulary and grammar, specific functions, specific text types	Professional language requirements for employment, training or education

Reference:

Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2012). The TKT Teaching Knowledge Test Course Modules 1,2 and 3 (Vol. Second edition). United Kingdom: Cambridge English.