scholarly journals Individual Differences in Language Learning and Teaching: a Complex/Dynamic/Socio-Ecological/Holistic View

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol Griffiths ◽  
Adem Soruç
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Holistic View ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Teachers Perspectives

AbstractThis article begins by outlining the development of the individual difference concept, considering what should be included as an individual difference, and suggesting a definition. The authors then suggest 11 individual differences which occur regularly in the literature and which they have found to be salient features in their own classrooms. A brief overview of these 11 factors is provided, along with theoretical perspectives relevant to the individual differences issue. The article concludes with a small-scale investigation of teachers’ perspectives of the importance of individual differences in language learning. According to the results, teachers consider motivation and strategy use the most important variables, but that all 11 factors are at least somewhat important. This conclusion emphasizes the need for a holistic view of these complex/dynamic, socio-ecologically influenced phenomena.

scholarly journals Finding the key to successful L2 learning in groups and individuals

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 127-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wander Lowie ◽  
Marijn Van Dijk ◽  
Huiping Chan ◽  
Marjolijn Verspoor
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Development ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Individual Characteristics ◽  
Learner Characteristics ◽  
Complex Dynamic ◽  
Over Time

A large body studies into individual differences in second language learning has shown that success in second language learning is strongly affected by a set of relevant learner characteristics ranging from the age of onset to motivation, aptitude, and personality. Most studies have concentrated on a limited number of learner characteristics and have argued for the relative importance of some of these factors. Clearly, some learners are more successful than others, and it is tempting to try to find the factor or combination of factors that can crack the code to success. However, isolating one or several global individual characteristics can only give a partial explanation of success in second language learning. The limitation of this approach is that it only reflects on rather general personality characteristics of learners at one point in time, while both language development and the factors affecting it are instances of complex dynamic processes that develop over time. Factors that have been labelled as “individual differences” as well as the development of proficiency are characterized by nonlinear relationships in the time domain, due to which the rate of success cannot be simply deduced from a combination of factors. Moreover, in complex dynamic systems theory (CDST) literature it has been argued that a generalization about the interaction of variables across individuals is not warranted when we acknowledge that language development is essentially an individual process (Molenaar, 2015). In this paper, the viability of these generalizations is investigated by exploring the L2 development over time for two identical twins in Taiwan who can be expected to be highly similar in all respects, from their environment to their level of English proficiency, to their exposure to English, and to their individual differences. In spite of the striking similarities between these learners, the development of their L2 English over time was very different. Developmental patterns for spoken and written language even showed opposite tendencies. These observations underline the individual nature of the process of second language development.

scholarly journals A Study of Educational Achievement of Standard XI Students in Context of their Learning Style in Reference to Area

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay B. Raval
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Learning Style ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Educational Achievement ◽  
Visual Learning ◽  
Learning Style Inventory ◽  
Kinesthetic Learning ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Selection Of

In the Era of Change, teacher should consider the individual differences while teaching in the classroom. In fact teacher must keep in mind the individual differences for teaching. Students have so many talent, we as a teacher must have that angel of view of identifying it. This individual difference can be divided in dimension of Learning Style, too. Researcher was giving service in High School as a teacher, he observe such an Individual difference in context to learning style in class room. Is there any relationship between Educational Achievement and Learning Style? Is there any effect of Learning Style on Educational Achievement in reference to Area? To find the answer of this question present study was conducted. Population & Sample: Population for present study was students studying in Standard-XI of Gujarati Medium School of Gandhinagar District. The selection of schools was by Stratified Randomization Technique and selection of students was selected by Cluster Method. In last, the Sample size was 607. Method: Survey Method was used for Data Collection. Tool: Self constructed Learning Style Inventory (L.S.I.) was used for Data Collection. Learning Style Inventory (L.S.I.) was three Point Likert type Scale. Findings: 1) There was no significance different in educational achievement among students having Visual Learning Style, Auditorial Learning Style and Kinesthetic Learning Style. 2) In matter of educational achievement, students of Rural are superior to students of Urban among students having Visual Learning Style. 3) In matter of educational achievement, students of Rural are superior to students of Urban among students having Auditorial Learning Style. 4) In matter of educational achievement, students of Urban are superior to students of Rural among students having Kinesthetic Learning Style.

scholarly journals Stylistics, Literary Criticism, Linguistics and Discourse Analysis

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 412
Author(s):  
Saleh Ahmed Saif Abdulmughni
Keyword(s):  
Discourse Analysis ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Literary Criticism ◽  
Clear Distinction ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Value Judgments ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
English Major ◽  
Similarities And Differences

There is confusion regarding the differences between linguistics, stylistics, literary criticism, and discourse analysis (DA) among teachers and learners of the English Major due to their overlapping natures, blurred boundaries, and analysis approaches. Therefore, the present study examines the similarities and differences of these four fields to make a clear demarcation between them. A descriptive and comparative approach using exemplary text was used in the study and the stylistics were thoroughly investigated, analyzed and exemplified in small-scale (one phrase, clause or sentence) or wider-scale (a paragraph). Finally, value judgments on the importance and value of the stylistics were furnished. This research enhances the prospects of pedagogical studies of different language learning and teaching of these four fields. This has opened the window for teacher-oriented studies and presented valid and genuine analytical and diagnostic studies of the related issues to enhance the accessibility of a clear distinction of the above stated fields.

scholarly journals C2+-DaF-Lernende reflektieren über eine perfekte Sprachbeherrschung – ist diese vor dem Hintergrund der postulierten funktionalen Mehrsprachigkeit in Alltag und Beruf künftig noch gefragt?

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Monika Schumacher
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Foreign Language Education ◽  
Third Language ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Oriented Approach

AbstractBy adopting “functional plurilingualism” – a recurring concept in its new curriculum, “Lehrplan 21” – Switzerland is pursuing new avenues in foreign language education. The term refers to a goal-oriented approach to foreign language learning and teaching in primary and secondary schools, and implies that barriers to communication can be overcome by exploiting the sum of the individual’s linguistic capacities. In future, language learners will be expected to build on the interrelatedness of languages instead of developing abilities in languages that they keep separate from one another. This view of foreign language education coincides with the recommendations of the Council of Europe’sHaving reached the highest level specified by the CEFR, some learners continue their studies, seeking to maintain or reinforce their competences or to address individual weaknesses. In this article, a group of C2+ learners of German as a foreign language reflect on their desire for linguistic perfection and the notion of “functional plurilingualism” against the background of their own biographies. These learners have a high awareness and knowledge of German (often their third language) and of the learning process, which allows them to make informative statements. The data was analysed qualitatively and subjective theories were reconstructed – an approach that took account both of the multiperspectivity of the topic and of the uniqueness of the individual cases.

Individual differences in negotiation: A relational process model

2020 ◽  
pp. 204138662096255
Author(s):  
Hillary Anger Elfenbein
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Individual Difference ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Past Research ◽  
Complex Interplay ◽  
Traditional Treatment ◽  
Behavioral Dynamics ◽  
Negotiation Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Relational Process

Intuition suggests that individual differences should play an important role in negotiation performance, and yet empirical results have been relatively weak. Because negotiations are inherently dyadic, the dyad needs to feature prominently in theorizing. In expanding the traditional treatment of individual differences to two systematically interconnected parties, a relational process model (RPM) emerges. The RPM illustrates how the individual differences of both negotiators spark complex behavioral dynamics through five distinct theoretical mechanisms. Individuals (a) select each other, (b) set expectancies for each other, (c) serve as behavioral triggers and affordances for each other, (d) reciprocate and complement each other’s behaviors, and (e) vary in their responses to identical behaviors. It also directs attention to new classes and dimensions of individual difference factors. The RPM helps explain why past research has been highly conservative. A more complete picture needs to incorporate the complex interplay starting with parties’ individual differences.

Individual differences in second language acquisition

AILA Review ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 19 ◽  
pp. 42-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoltán Dörnyei
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Learning Styles ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Human Mind ◽  
Prominent Feature ◽  
Learner Characteristics ◽  
The Individual

Ever since the early days of its existence, the field of psychology has been trying to achieve two different and somewhat contradictory objectives: to understand the general principles of the human mind and to explore the uniqueness of the individual mind. The latter direction has formed an independent subdiscipline within the field, usually referred to as individual difference (ID) research. IDs are a prominent feature of SLA because a great deal of the variation in language learning outcomes is attributable, either directly or indirectly, to various learner characteristics. This paper first provides an overview of the five most important ID variables (personality, aptitude, motivation, learning styles and learning strategies) and then concludes by describing certain common themes in contemporary ID research.

scholarly journals Main Factors That Facilitate Second Language Learning With Learning and Teaching Experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 35
Author(s):  
Wenyi Li
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Second Language Learning ◽  
Extrinsic Motivation ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Individual Factors ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Negative Factor ◽  
Main Factors

There are many factors that influence and promote second language learning and this research examines how to promote second language learning and teaching by exploring three main individual factors, namely motivation, anxiety and enjoyment. By understanding students' extrinsic motivation, teachers can use rewards or foster a sense of responsibility in learners to stimulate their latent interest. Although anxiety is generally regarded as a negative factor in learning, it can be reduced and language learning facilitated by studying the mechanisms of anxiety. The opposite of anxiety is enjoyment, and teachers can find a rewarding and enjoyable way to encourage students to make progress. Second language learning can therefore be facilitated through a range of research into the three important individual differences in motivation, anxiety and enjoyment.

scholarly journals A Review of Language Learning Strategy Research

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 522
Author(s):  
Yanfei Su
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Individual Differences ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Strategy Research ◽  
Language Learning Strategy

Language learning strategy, a crucial variable of individual differences in second language acquisition (SLA), has been a fiercely discussed topic since 1970s, attracting a large number of researchers and teachers who have already made great achievements. This article aims to conduct a small-scale review of studies concerning language learning strategy, finding that studies in this respect were done mainly from perspectives of definition, identification and classification, usage and assessment and instruction of language learning strategy, and factors which exert influences on it. It is plausible to say that research on this issue is comparatively comprehensive, appreciating wide coverage and great achievements, but certain points are still in controversy. Although there are many related studies, rare studies were devoted to language learning strategy under the context of learners in mainland China. Subsequently, implications for further research and pedagogy in terms of language learning strategy are discussed.

scholarly journals Theoretical perspectives and new practices in audio-graphic conferencing for language learning

ReCALL ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
REGINE HAMPEL
Keyword(s):  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Open University ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Communicative Skills ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Conferencing System

This article will start with the situation at the Open University, where languages are taught at a distance. Online tuition using an audio-graphic Internet-based conferencing system called Lyceum is one of the ways used to develop students’ communicative skills.Following Garrett’s call for an integration of research and practice at EUROCALL 1997 (Garrett, 1998) – a call which is still valid today – the present article proposes a conceptual framework which can support the use of conferencing systems such as Lyceum in language learning and teaching. In the first part of the article, I examine several pedagogical theories supporting language learning, that is, second language acquisition and sociocultural theories, and multimodality, and apply them to the practice of audio-graphic computer-mediated communication (CMC) as used at the Open University. I also build on previous research, which, however, is still dominated by written CMC. What Erben stated in 1999 is still true: that audio-graphic technology “remains under-researched and under-theorised.” (Erben, 1999:230). Firstly, I therefore examine studies on written CMC and secondly those that have been conducted on audio-graphic CMC in order to identify the benefits and challenges of these media.Both the pedagogical theory and previous studies of CMC have informed the design and implementation of online tuition at the Open University. Thus the second part of the article reports on a research project on Lyceum, which took place in 2002. The goal of the project was to evaluate the use of audio-graphic conferencing in practice, and this in turn has instigated both improvements in the software used and in student support as well as further changes to the task design. I present some findings and discuss both the challenges of audio-graphic conferencing that were encountered and the benefits that were identified.

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