Learner needs and characteristics are two separate areas of the TKT syllabus which can best be understood by contrasting and synthesising them. This task integrates both needs and characteristics into a single language-learner profile, and then asks trainees to consider implications for teaching/learning.

Instructions

1. Explain to the class that they are going to design a course for an individual learner. Elicit:

• what they would need to know about a learner before designing a course for them, and

• how a teacher could adapt a course to help meet those needs. Build up a framework similar to the one below on the board:

• What you need to know: Needs: Personal ∼ Future professional ∼ Learning Characteristics: Learning style ∼ Learning strategies ∼ Age ∼ Level ∼ Maturity ∼ Past learning experience ∼ Motivation ∼ Personality

• How to meet needs: Materials ∼ Topics ∼ Pace ∼ Activities ∼ Approach Language ∼ Skills ∼ Interaction Patterns ∼ Level Feedback ∼ Learning Strategies ∼ Workload

2. Divide the class into groups of four to six trainees. Hand out one learner profile to each group. (If you have more than three to four groups, give two groups the same profile.)

3. Explain that each group should use the framework on the board to design a course for their learner. Each group will then produce a poster advertising their course.

4. If necessary, check understanding of some of the listed needs, characteristics and other concepts, either before the group begins work or as the groups are working.

5. Monitor while groups brainstorm ideas and work on posters, answering questions and prompting trainees where necessary.

6. Have the groups present their language course to the class (two to three minutes each), explaining any key features in relation to the needs and characteristics discovered, e.g. Cathy's a group learner so we included lots

of social activities.

Variation

Try this alternative with groups who are very close and uninhibited. Rather than using the profiles provided, have trainees create profiles of each other by interviewing each other about their learning needs and characteristics. Trainees can then use their notes from the interview to design a course and create a course poster.