A Study on Adult English Training Modes under the backdrop of Free Trade Areas

Abstract

As the society stands ready to embrace the notion of lifelong learning, adult English training is touted by society and sweeping through market. However, problems existed in this industry may backfire since the improper training modes will put a dent in learners' motivation. This study is developed into 3 parts, consisting of the findings of people's view on adult English training, the status quo and problems of adult English training so as to illustrate the effective ways including customized course setting and coverage, the improvement of teaching modes, and means of Internet-assisted learning as well as applying the brand effect to counter the quality problem to better adult English training. 2. THE BACKGROUND OF STUDY 2.1. Political Background "China's Education Modernization 2035" noted that China should establish a modern education system of lifelong learning in a bid to make China a powerhouse in terms of education，human resources and talents in 2035. One of the implementations is to set an overall plan while laying down plans in accordance with the regional differences. In the running-up to education modernization, lifelong study and sustainable development of people are hailed by the whole society, the need of learning society emerges. English, a global lingua franca, is vital to economic development and exchanges across the globe. The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stated that China has pursued reform in a more systematic, holistic, and coordinated way, increasing its breadth and depth. As China is committed to intensify the reform in an all-round way, we should also build an enabling English learning society. 2.2. Theoretical Background Many renowned figures in China featured on the motivation of the learners, of which Wen Qiufang (2001) conducted a research between motivation, concept and strategies and led to a conclusion that there is a stable relationship among them. Dai Weidong (2015) pointed out that from learners' perspectives the motivational strategies are effective. There are some researches done to elaborate on the problems of English training market and some attempts to provide some solutions. Peng Hongbing(2007), Cao Hua'e(2008), and Chen Hongguang (2008) pointed out the low market entry access and false advertising being the core problems. Through a comparison between English classes of middle school and that of training institutions, Chen Lei (2016) summarized the differences in teaching focus, method and advantages of each Marina Falasca (2011) explored the main barriers to adult learning discussed in the literature.