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

Update: 2025-10-14

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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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