Which approach is known for teaching older students and adults?

The whole language approach is particularly suited for teaching older students and adults because it emphasizes immersing learners in the use of language within meaningful contexts. This approach integrates reading, writing, speaking, and listening, allowing older students to see language as a tool for communication and understanding rather than just a set of isolated skills or rules.

By using authentic materials such as literature, articles, and real-world documents, older learners can engage with content that is relevant to their lives and interests. This not only helps in promoting motivation but also supports the development of critical thinking and comprehension skills through exploration and discussion.

In contrast, the phonics approach tends to focus on the relationship between letters and sounds, which is foundational in early literacy but may not be as engaging or applicable for older learners who are looking for more contextualized or application-based learning experiences. The skills/balanced approach involves a mix of skills-based instruction and whole-language methods, but it may not fully embrace the complexities and needs of adult learners who require an integrated understanding of language use. The analytic approach typically analyzes smaller components of language skills separately, which may not be as beneficial for mature learners who can handle more complex language interactions and require a holistic approach to learning.