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B. Learning
According to Kimble Garmezy learning is a relatively permanent change in a behavioral tendency and is the result of reinforced practice Kimble
Gormezy, 1963:133 While according to Harmer Learning can be defined as “the process of
accepting the knowledge” Harmer, 1998:33. Learning can be defined as an experiential process resulting in a relatively
permanent change in behavior that can not be explained by temporary states, maturation or innate respond and tendencies Stephen. B. Klein: 1996.
From the statements above we can conclude that in learning there is a process of giving and receiving knowledge from learner and teacher. There is also
a change in behavior of the learner. Teaching and learning can be influenced by two factors, i.e. internal and
external factors. 1. Internal Factors
a. Age Language learning will be better if it begins under eleven years old.
b. Motivation The children need motivation to get success in English learning.
c. First language background The different system in the first language will make the students
difficult to learn a second language d. Experience
16 The success or failure in the previous learning affects students’
expectation in the next learning. 2. External factors
a. Language Environment Children can be supported by the environment around them in
English learning, such as: a calm situation and condition, family and peer supports
b. Teacher The success of children learning is determined by the role of the
teachers in the teaching activities c. Facilities
Complete facilities, like: the library, language laboratory, tape recorder etc, can help the children to drill their abilities in learning
language.
D. Young Learners
According to Sarah Philips young learners mean children from the first year of formal schooling five or six years old to eleven or twelve years of age
Philips: 1996 From the definition above we can conclude that young learners are
children who learn something in the first year of the formal schooling and they like to play and have fun.
According to Christopher Brumfit, there are some characteristics which young learners share, namely
17 1. Young learners are only just beginning their schooling, so that teachers
have a wide opportunity to mould their expectations of life in school. 2. As a group, young learners are potentially more differentiated than
secondary or adult learners. 3. They tend to be keen and enthusiastic learners, without the inhibitions
which older children sometimes bring to their schooling. 4. Their learning can be closely linked with their development of ideas
and concepts, because it is close to their initial experience of formal schooling.
5. They need physical movement and activity as much as stimulation for their thinking and the closer together these can be the better
From the statements above, in fact young learners are different from secondary or adult learners. They are enthusiastic learners and they need physical
movements and activities to stimulate their thinking.
D. SDN Sragen 3
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