Case Analysis of the Language for Young Adults Program: An Investigation into the Language, Social and Emotional Learning Needs of Refugee Youth

Abstract

The goal of this study was to understand how social and emotional factors shape and inform language learning experiences from the student perspective while highlighting the resilience and resilience of newcomer youth in Canada. This qualitative exploratory study interviewed 21 newcomer youth and young adults (ages 16-29) during the summer in an intensive language learning program. Key findings related to the youths' developmental trajectory mapping onto their adolescence and early adult years impacting how they expressed and pursued their present and future aspirations. The youth emphasized the importance of a comfortable learning context, facilitated through kindness from teacher and student relationships. The youth recognized supportive feedback as essential when practicing their language skills.