LIGHTING THE SPARK: MAKING ENGLISH EXCITING FOR TEEN BEGINNERS
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Keywords

підлітки-початківці, комунікативне навчання, мотивація учня, гейміфікація, залученість у класі, емоційний зв’язок, впевненість у мовленні teenage beginners, communicative teaching, learner motivation, gamification, classroom engagement, emotional connection, language confidence

How to Cite

KOROVII Д. М. (2025). LIGHTING THE SPARK: MAKING ENGLISH EXCITING FOR TEEN BEGINNERS. ACADEMIC STUDIES. SERIES “PEDAGOGY”, (2), 99–105. https://doi.org/10.52726/as.pedagogy/2025.2.13

Abstract

The article is focused on the analysis of teaching English to beginner teenagers and the unique challenges and opportunities this task presents. Teaching English to teenage beginners is often underestimated in terms of its complexity. While itmay initially appear less demanding than instructing more advanced learners, educators soon discover that working withadolescents at the beginner stage requires a nuanced understanding of both pedagogy and psychology. This demographicgroup, with limited or no prior exposure to the English language, brings a distinctive combination of emotional sensitivity, curiosity, and vulnerability to the classroom.The article explores effective teaching strategies that go beyond traditional instruction, aiming to transform earlylanguage encounters into rich, memorable, and motivating experiences. It draws on the principles of communicativelanguage teaching (CLT), placing a strong emphasis on emotional engagement, building positive teacher-studentrapport, and encouraging learner autonomy from the outset. Among the practical tools and methodologies discussedare gamification techniques, the integration of multimedia resources, personalisation of classroom content, task-based learning, and the use of positive reinforcement. These approaches aim not only to improve language acquisition but also to support the development of confidence and intrinsic motivation in young learners.Furthermore, the article delves into common obstacles faced by educators, such as student anxiety, low participation,and the psychological gap between teacher and adolescent. It offers practical, experience-based solutions for overcomingthese barriers, including creating a safe and supportive learning environment, managing classroom dynamics with empathy, and designing lessons that are linguistically accessible yet personally meaningful. Overall, the article highlightsthe importance of viewing beginner-level teaching as a professional and creative endeavour that requires adaptability,patience, and genuine understanding of the adolescent learner.

https://doi.org/10.52726/as.pedagogy/2025.2.13
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References

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