Multimodal Literacies MOOC’s Updates

Second Language Learner Differences

As teachers, we all know that learners have different personalities and styles as each individual is different from the other. The differences that a learner can explore are: - Age - Sex - Aptitude - Motivation -Learning Styles -Learning Strategies -Personality These differences play important roles in language learning. Compared to the linguistics factors, these nonlinguistic factors are also very important to learn a foreign language.

I would like to give information about Learning Styles. There are four common learning styles. These are;

1. Concrete learning style Learners with a concrete learning style use active and direct means of taking in and processing information. They are interested in information that has immediate value. They are curious, spontaneous, and willing to take risks. They like variety and a constant change of pace. They dislike routine learning and written work, and prefer verbal or visual experiences. They like to be entertained, and like to be physically involved in learning. 2. Analytical learning style Learners with an analytical style are independent, like to solve problems, and enjoy tracking down ideas and developing principles on their own. Such learners prefer a logical, systematic presentation of new learning material with opportunities for learners to follow up on their own. Analytical learners are serious, push themselves hard, and are vulnerable to failure. 3. Communicative learning style Learners with a communicative learning style prefer a social approach to learning. They need personal feedback and interaction, and learn well from discussion and group activities. They thrive in a democratically run class. 4. Authority-oriented learning style Learners with an authority-oriented style are said to be responsible and dependable. They like and need structure and sequential progression. They relate well to a traditional classroom. They prefer the teacher as an authority figure. They like to have clear instructions and to know exactly what they are doing; they are not comfortable with consensus-building discussion.

A language teacher, must be a psychologist who can modify his/ her teaching methodology according to the factors related to the individual differences of his/ her students. It is not enough to just know that all students are different from each other. The teacher should also be skilled and willing enough to help the students use these differences to their advantage in the process of second language acquisition.

Source: https://www.academypublication.com/issues/past/jltr/vol03/04/07.pdf

  • Edison Tan