This article was basically composed of a bunch of research work done by different experts in these fields, but I’m going to summarize the main points and give an overview of the topics discussed. The article was based on three different aspects of learning a language; learning styles, the learning strategies students use to make those styles successful, and affective variables, or the things that will effect a student’s learning as well.
Learning Styles…
· The authors have used different learning style research combined with a student’s own personality and person learning styles in order to find out more about their ability as a learner and actually predict how well that student may perform. This allows for better teaching within the classroom because the teachers will know exactly how the student learns and will be able to focus their lesson plan on accommodating each student’s personal learning style.
· The Ehrman and Leaver model identifies two types of learners: the ecentic learner and the synoptic learner. The ecentic learner needs to constantly be aware of their styles and strategies, while the synoptic learner is not so much aware of these things, and does not pay as much attention to their strategies.
· This means that synoptic learners often process thoughts and ideas very quickly, while the ecentic learners spend more time concentrating on the actual thought process.
Learning Strategies…
· Styles and strategies are similar in a lot of ways.
· Learning styles often produce specific learning strategies.
· In order for a strategy to be useful to the student, it must: correlate to the lesson or material, match their learning style well and it must be used effectively, of course.
· Strategies make learning the material much more gratifying for students. They can also be dependent learners if they are able to employ those strategies on their own without aid from the teacher.
· Each strategy allows a student to move closer to their goal.
· “Strategy Chains” are lists of strategies that students have that build off one another.
Oxford’s “Strategy Inventory for Language Learning”… Oxford has put strategies into six categories…
1. “Cognitive Strategies”- The student is able to take notes on the language and use it in practical ways, such as to reason with someone and for discussion.
2. “Metacognitive Strategies”- Being aware of the student’s own struggles with the material and using that awareness to improve.
3. “Memory Strategies”- Using rhyming, acronyms, pictures, and vocab memorization in order to learn the material.
4. “Compensatory Strategies”- Using the words around it in order to guess the word, using gestures as well. This helps the student account for anything they do not know.
5. “Affective strategies”- Keeping their mood and emotions in check, as well as their personal motivations, whether they are intrinsic or extrinsic.
6. “Social Strategies”- A native speaker will help the student. This helps with conversation skills.
“Deep processing vs. surface processing”…
· During “deep processing”, a student will build upon what they already know, and will be introduced to new material, while keeping that old and familiar material in mind. This helps the student to build upon the older material while paying close attention to the new material. The student can also relate their personal experiences.
· During “surface processing”, the student will put in a small amount of effort and will in turn, be able to memorize much less.
Affective Factors…
· Motivation is key in having effective learning styles and strategies.
· There are two different types of motivation as discussed in this article…
· “intrinsic motivation” has to do with the student’s actual drive to learn something for their own good.
· “extrinsic motivation” is when a student learns material simply because they are going to be rewarded with something at the end.
Overall…
· A student must be in a comfortable environment for their learning styles and strategies to take place. This environment must give them little anxiety and must be a place where they are able to be productive.
· Having a specific learning style can shape what a student uses as their learning strategies.
· Having a well qualified and dedicated teacher who motivates their students will always be important in order for these styles and strategies to be successful.
Task…
· Which of Oxford’s learning strategies do you think is the most useful? Which one have you used? Do you have a specific learning style in learning a new language and in a future classroom, what style or strategies would you suggest to your students?
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