Retrieval Practice in Goreign Language Pedagogy to Seniors

Abstract

Introduction: At the beginning of the 21st century, older adults have become another group with special educational needs, not only because of their social and neuropsychological conditions, but also because of the growing number of people aged 60+. One of the fields that responds to those needs is foreign language geragogy. Research Aim: The aim of the paper is to draw attention to retrieval practice (RP) strategy as an applicable method in teaching languages to older adults for maintaining their cognitive skills and to suggest some concrete solutions of the RP implementation in the language education. Method: This study is of a theoretical-conceptual nature. The literature review was conducted in the fields of neurological and psychological characteristics of third-agers, as well as with reference to RP experiences in teaching children and teenagers. Own two-stages research focused on lecturers’ perspective explored through online surveys and a group interview. Results: The RP strategy is an educational need reported by late L2 learners and their teachers. Due to its proven neurocognitive support of people aged 60+, the strategy is a valuable method of working with older adults. Results have allowed for proposing an applicable aspect. A few RP language practice models were offered as a tool facilitating learning, which is a novelty as for many years it was behind the interests of researchers and practitioners working with thirdagers. Conclusion: The RP strategy is a technique worthy of attention because of the goals accompanying language learning in older age, such as cognitive development, supporting memory processes and maintaining social contacts. The use of RP strategies in language exercises allows to diversify the process of language education in a way that is adequate to the late L2 learners’ potential. All of these factors are undoubtedly crucial in the context of seniors’ well-being. This allows us to conclude that the benefits of language learning can have a holistic dimension for older adults, as long as the learning is carried out using appropriate methods.