Individual Differences in Second Language Learning Intelligence Aptitude Learning styles Personality Motivation and Attitudes Identity and ethnic group affiliation Learner beliefs Age of acquisition

A good language learner: a)is a willing and accurate guesser b)tries to get a message across even if specific language knowledge is lacking c)is willing to make mistakes d)constantly looks for patterns in the language e)practices as often as possible f)analyzes his or her own speech and the speech of others g)attends to whether his or her performance meets the standards he or she has learned h)enjoys grammar exercises i)begins learning in childhood j)has an above-average IQ k)has good academic skills l)has a good self-image and lots of confidence 2

Intelligence (I) Intelligence has multiple types: –Traditionally, intelligence refers to the mental abilities that are measured by an IQ (intelligence quotient) test. It usually measures only two types of intelligence: verbal/linguistic and mathematical/logical intelligence. –There are other types of intelligence such as spatial intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, musical intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and intrapersonal intelligence. 6

Multiple Intelligences (Howard Gardner, 1993) Linguistic intelligence: speaking, using words, writing, giving presentations, solving word problems. Logical-mathematical intelligence: using numbers, logic, calculations; learning and understanding grammar rules. Spatial intelligence: drawing, painting, using color, art, graphics, pictures, maps, and charts. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: muscular coordination, athletic skill, body language, drama and theater. Musical intelligence: using music, tones, hearing; producing the intonation and rhythm of a language. Interpersonal intelligence: talking with other people, understanding them, using language to communicate. Intrapersonal intelligence: self-knowledge, self-confidence, using language to analyze yourself. 7

Aptitude (I) Aptitude refers to the ability to learn quickly (Carroll, 1991) and is thought to predict success in learning. It is hypothesized that a learner with high aptitude may learn with greater ease and speed. (But other learners may also be successful if they persevere). Language aptitude tests usually measure the ability to: 1)identify and memorize new sounds 2)understand the function of particular words in sentences 3)figure out grammatical rules from language samples 4)memorize new words 5

Learning Styles Learning style refers to an individual’s natural, habitual, and preferred way of absorbing, processing, and retaining new information and skills (Reid 1995). Types of learning styles related to L2 learning: 1.Perceptual learning styles: visual, aural/auditory, and haptic (kinesthetic & tactile) 2.Cognitive learning styles: field-independent vs. field-dependent (tendency to see the trees or the forest) right-brain dominance vs. left-brain dominance 6

Learning Styles field-independent vs. field-dependent Here’s a puzzle for you. Look at the row of strange shapes below. Can you find what the message is? 7

Can you find the hidden pictures?

Learning Styles field-independent: see things more analytically field-dependent: see things more holistically Research findings: –FI is related to classroom language learning that involves analysis, attention to details, and mastering of exercise, drills, and other focused activities. –FD is related to the communicative aspects of language learning that require social outreach, empathy, perception of other people, and communicative skills. –FI/FD may also prove to be a valuable tool for differentiating child and adult language acquisition due to the fact that FI increases as a child matures to adulthood. 9

Learning Styles right-brain vs. left-brain dominance –The right brain perceives and remembers visual, tactile, and auditory images. It is more efficient in processing holistic, integrative, and emotional information. –The left brain is associated with logical, analytical thought, with mathematical and linear processing of information. Though we all tend to have one hemisphere that is more dominant, it is important to remember that the left and right hemispheres need to operate together as a “team”. 10