'Focus on strategies should lead us to learner autonomy.' David Little, Centre for Language and Communication Studies, Trinity College, Dublin

It is important for language teachers to use a range of strategies to ensure that all learners are able to achieve their full potential and to become independent and motivated language learners.

Any language classroom will contain learners of all abilities even if setting is in place.  Differentiation is essential if every learner is to make maximum progress. Some groups may contain gifted and talented learners or those with special educational needs and these learners will need additional materials and different approaches to extend or support their language learning. Regardless of learner ability, extensive use of the target language by the teacher and encouraging learners to use the target language themselves as much as possible is  vitally important in the 14-19 classroom if students are to improve their listening and speaking skills. 

Time pressure in language groups of 14-19 learners can mean that creative approaches are neglected but if students are to enjoy their language learning, it is important to make it fun.