Developing English Learning Skills in Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment

Abstract

Enhancing university students’ ability to learn foreign/second language through learning styles preference-based instruction (LSPBI) is the focus of this paper. The Felder-Solomon Index of Learning Styles (ILS) was administered to a group of 223 bachelor students of Tourism Management to detect learning style preferences. Descriptive statistics identified that our students do vary in their preference for particular learning styles with a great variety of learning style preferences. Nevertheless, a large number of students showed mild preference to Visual and Sensing learning styles. Based on the fact that most of the students appear to be visuals and sensors, new relevant study materials were implemented into the professional English language course in BB with the aim to enable students to become more involved, effective and efficient foreign language learners. The latest questionnaire results prove that students highly appreciate and prioritize the innovated study materials in BB.