Abstract
It is also hypothesized that proficiency level may have a voice with respect to learning styles. Therefore, to throw light on this issue, the present investigation targeted the relationship between Iranian English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners’ learning styles and their levels of proficiency at Golestan University, Gorgan, Iran. To this end, 120 EFL learners majoring in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) and English Literature were randomly selected based on the Rubrics of Common European Framework of Reference (A1-C2) to participate in this study. They were then divided into low-proficient (A2-B1) and high-proficient (B2-C1) learners. The instruments used in this study were an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Mock exam through which the participants’ levels of proficiency were determined and Reid’s Perceptual Learning Style Questionnaire to identify learners’ perceptual learning style preferences. The questionnaire enclosed 30 statements allocated to each modality based on a five point Likert scale, ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree. The results of independent samples t-test and Spearman correlation coefficient revealed that there existed some significant relationships between students’ learning style preferences and levels of proficiency. It was found that learners with high levels of proficiency favored Kinesthetic and Tactile learning styles more than other preferences, namely, Auditory, Visual, Group, and Individual learning style preferences. In addition, the low-level students were much inclined toward Visual and Group styles. Regarding the necessity of understanding learners’ different styles, the implications of the study are discussed to consider the importance of individual differences.
Highlights
Gaining a special attention from investigators and practitioners, learning styles are still a growing area in second language acquisition
The results revealed that tactile learners could hardly pass the course while auditory/verbal learners could pass the course without any failure
It is vital for teachers to be more conscious of the differences in students’ learning styles and ensure that their syllabus presents information that appeal to students in different proficiency levels
Summary
Gaining a special attention from investigators and practitioners, learning styles are still a growing area in second language acquisition. Learning style entails individual’s method or style of learning. Learning style is a method for students to concentrate and obtain knowledge, information, and experience, though from the cognitive point of view, learning styles refer to different ways for comprehending the process of information and creation to form meaning and principles (Fleming & Baume, 2006). Learning styles enhance individuals’ comprehension of the process of learning from experience and increase the awareness of learners Learning styles can help learners to choose learning approaches based on which they perform better in different situations. In learning styles and learning processes, instructors and learners are both aware of how to create the best and the most useful learning situation
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