Learning Styles P. 59 (How languages are learned) p. 119-129 (Principles of language learning

Defining Learning Styles Each individual’s preferred way of processing and retaining new information. (p.59) General characteristics and preferences of intellectual functions that are different from one person to another. (p.119)

Types of Styles COGNITIVE LEARNING STYLES LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRAIN 1 COGNITIVE LEARNING STYLES Field independent Vs Field dependent 2 LEFT BRAIN RIGHT BRAIN 3 PERCEPTUAL LEARNING STYLES Visual - Auditory - Kenisthetic

COGNITIVE STYLES FIELD INDEPENDANT FIELD DEPENDENT Ability to observe parts and details from a whole. Personality: independent/ confident SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING: successful learning through class exercises, activities Ability to observe the whole picture and general ideas. Personality: social/ sympathetic SECOND LANGUAGE LEARNING: successful learning through communication.

THE BRAIN p.125 LEFT BRAIN DOMINANCE Logical, analytic, mathematical processing. FIELD INDEPENDENT Deductive teaching in the classroom. Old teaching methods failed because they relied on left-brain processes. RIGHT BRAIN DOMINANCE Visual, images, holistic, emotional information. FIELD DEPENDENT Inductive teaching.

PERCEPTUAL STYLES p.129 VISUAL: leaners prefer reading charts, drawings, graphics. AUDITORY: Prefer listening to lectures and audio studying. KENISTHETIC: Learners prefer to act, demonstrate, physical activity, movement.

HOW DOES RESEARCH ON STYLES GUIDE TEACHERS? Teachers should help student become aware of their learning styles (by using questionnaires, informing) Encourage students to expand their style preference and try other styles. Help students take charge of their own learning and know their strengths (Autonomy) Eventually leading students to take appropriate actions in their language learning challenges. Teachers must know that a single method or book will never suit the needs of all learners. Thus the need to vary methods.