This book contributes to the body of knowledge concerning individual learner differences by addressing the issue of learning styles in developing a second language. It comprises five chapters. The notion of style, together with its place among other individual differences and its relation to learning strategies, is presented in Chapter 1. The reasons for researching styles are also delineated in this chapter. Chapter 2 describes simple (one-dimensional) models of learning styles, contrary to Chapter 3, in which two-dimensional (compound) models are presented. Multi-dimensional (complex) models of learning styles are the focus of Chapter 4. Each model discussed in Chapters 2 through 4 is accompanied by an outline of its significance to second language educators, as demonstrated in earlier studies. The final, fifth chapter is devoted to the discussion of the practical exploitation of the learning style awareness in second language education. The options suggested include accommodating learners’ styles, stretching them (by exposing the students to the less familiar and less preferred options), and mixtures of both approaches. The book will be of interest to applied linguists, psycholinguists and language teaching practitioners, as well as tertiary level students interested in finding out the ways in which learning styles account for linguistic achievement.

This book presents a nuanced look at the relationship between language learning styles and culture to illuminate how these important constructs are understood, employed and play out in the real world. Through the lens of different learning style dimensions—cognitive, affective, process-centred, environment-centred and cultural—Li unpacks and examines the commonly accepted tensions between learning styles, culture, teacher assumptions and teaching approaches. With a focus on Asian learning styles and Chinese learners, Li addresses the past and current debates and reconceptualises the roles and tensions between students’ learning, students’ cultural backgrounds and teaching styles. Li adeptly navigates this controversial arena to demystify preconceptions and provide avenues for innovative and effective classroom practices in language teaching. Ideal for pre-service ESL/EFL teachers, researchers and scholars, this book bridges the gap between research and practice on culture and language learning in the classroom.

Publisher Description

A review of the literature on learning strategies, describing and classifying learning strategies in second language learning.

Second Language Learning and Language Teaching provides an introduction to the application of second language acquisition research to language teaching. Assuming no previous background in second language acquisition or language teaching methods, this text starts by introducing readers to the basic issues of second language acquisition research. It then examines how people learn particular aspects of the second language, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation and the writing system, and at the strategies they adopt in their learning and the differences between individuals. Final chapters look at second language learning in a broader context – the goals of language teaching and how teaching methods relate to SLA research. This newly updated fifth edition builds on the comprehensive scope of earlier editions while also addressing more recent developments in the field, particularly multilingual approaches to language teaching.

Understanding the way in which learners differ from one another is of fundamental concern to those involved in second-language acquisition, either as researchers or teachers. This account is the first to review at book length the important research into differences, considering matters such as aptitude, motivation, learner strategies, personality and interaction between learner characteristics and types of instruction.

Beginning from the conflict between individual learner differences and the institutionalized, often inflexible character of formal language instruction, Individual Learner Differences in SLA addresses the fact that despite this apparent conflict, ultimate success in learning a language is widespread. Starting with theoretically-based chapters, the book follows the thread of learner differences through sections devoted to learner autonomy; differentiated application of learning strategies; diagnostic studies of experienced learners’ management of the learning process; and reports on phonological attainment and development of language skills. Rather than providing an overview of all individual variables, the book reveals how some of them shape and affect the processes of language acquisition and use in particular settings.

In recent years traditional, classroom-based language tuition has been increasingly overshadowed by innovative approaches, such as distance learning, supported independent learning and blended learning (with an online component). This timely volume examines the use of language learning strategies in a range of independent settings, and addresses key issues for independent learners such as autonomy, strategic awareness and self-regulation.

Ehrman presents the insights, techniques and skills needed to understand why some adult students have difficulties with learning a second language, emphasising the importance of careful investigation and correct diagnosis of the cause.