They are more at ease with the language and have better fluency and pronunciation. These are both motivational factors and the basis for further development. In the early stages of second language study, it is inevitable that students will make mistakes when attempting to use the language in free speech. Over-generalizations occur just as they do in the mother tongue. Younger students readily accept the fact that errors will occur and correct them.
Older students are often afraid to risk making errors in front of their peers.
This inhibits participation and motivation, both key factors in second language learning. Middle Year Students Middle year students need above all else to feel secure and confident. When involved in learning a second language, these students are painfully aware of the gap between what they would like to express and their level of competence in the new language. Thought processes and language patterns are complex and cannot be adequately expressed with a very limited vocabulary. Younger students have fewer language needs.