Well, he answered his own questions. If he knows the difference, even if those are general elements of what make up an anime character, then he already has something to work towards.
The only other things I could suggest are for him to just keep working more on his proportions and try to draw different expressions. If hes going to try and go totally anime with some of his pictures, then hes going to need to learn how to not draw the way hes used to drawing. But, he has what it takes, so I know he can do it with some effort. Anime/manga style is easier than the professionals make it seem.
- Damien