Lecture 4 - Individual Differences in language learning

Question 1

What makes successful a language learner? (7 things)

Answer 1

1. language aptitude, 2. language learnign motivation, 3. age, 4. personality, 5. language learning styles 6. language learner beliefs 7. language learning startegies

Question 2

it is the capacity that enhances the rate and ease of learning

Answer 2

language aptitude

Question 3

Modern Language Aptitude Test (4)

Answer 3

1. phonetic coding
2. grammar sensitivity
3. rote learning
4. inductive learning

Question 4

Mindset

Answer 4

a language learning mindset reflects the extent to which a person believes that language learning ability is dependent on some immutable, innate talent or is the result of controllable factors such as effort and conscious hard work

Question 5

Fixed Mindset

Answer 5

widespread belief in the existence and importance of a natural talent or aptitude for language learning –> demotivation or low standards

Question 6

Growth Mindset

Answer 6

not a gift given at birth it is rather complex, ongoing process of multiple developeal skills

Question 7

Canadian Model - Gardner and Lambert

Answer 7

student’s attitude towards the linguistic community of the target langusge

Question 8

learning the language of the valued community in order to faciliate communication with the group – > leraning for personal growth and cultural enrichment

Answer 8

Integrate Motive

Question 9

learning language for benefits like higher salary or getting a better job

Answer 9

Instrumental Motive

Question 10

there is a time in human development when the brain is predisposed for success in language learning

Answer 10

Critical Period Hypothesis (CPH)

Question 11

learners, too, bring to their learning their own beliefs, goals, attitudes and decisions, which in turn influence how they approach their learning

Answer 11

language learner beliefs

Question 12

Dörnyei and Ottó’s Process Model

Answer 12

Pre-actional Stage: choice motivation (first getting started and setting goals)
Actional Stage: executive motivation (about carrying out the necessary tasks to maintain motivation)
Post-actional Stage: Motivational retrospection (reaction to their performance)

Question 13

‘an individual’s natural, habitual, and preferred way(s) of absorbing, processing, and retaining new information skills’

Answer 13

language learning style

Question 14

-field-dependent and field-independent
-deductive and inductive
-analytical /global
-reflective/impulsive
-sequential/random
-concrete/abstract

Answer 14

Cognitive learning style

Question 15

When working with new material with additional subject matter around it, I comfortably find and use what is most important. I also like out-of-context material like grammar rules. You could say I make a lot of use of a spotlight to learn.

Answer 15

Field-independent

Question 16

When there is a lot of information that comes with what I need to learn, it’s hard to tell what’s most important. It all seems to fall together sometimes, and it’s hard work to sort things out

Answer 16

field-dependent

Question 17

I learn best when I can work out for myself the best sequence to use, even if it’s different from the one in the book or lesson

Answer 17

Sequential

Question 18

I learn best when there is a sequence of steps provided, so I can do things in order. Textbooks and lesson plans really help me.

Answer 18

Random

Question 19

When I learn, I mostly start with examples or my experience and make generalisations or rules.

Answer 19

Inductive

Question 20

When I learn, I mostly start with rules and generalisations and apply them to my experience to learn.

Answer 20

Deductive

Question 21

‘specific actions, behaviours, steps, or techniques that students use to improve their own progress in developing skills in a second or foreign language’

Answer 21

Language Learning Strategies

Question 22

introverted/extraverted
tolerance/intolerance of ambiguity

Answer 22

Personality learning style

Question 23

enable the learner to manipulate the language material in direct ways (e.g., through reasoning, analysis, note-taking, and synthesizing)

Answer 23

Cognitive strategies

Question 24

are used to manage the learning process overall (e.g., identifying one’s own preferences and needs, planning, monitoring mistakes, and evaluating task success)

Answer 24

Metacognitive strategies

Question 25

help learners link one L2 item or concept with another but do not necessarily involve deep understanding (e.g., acronyms, sound similarities, images, key words)

Answer 25

Memory-related strategies

Question 26

help make up for missing knowledge (e.g., guessing from the context; circumlocution; and gestures and pause words)

Answer 26

Compensatery strategies

Question 27

help learners manage their emotions and motivation level (e.g., identifying one’s mood and anxiety level, talking about feelings, rewarding oneself, and using deep breathing or positive self-talk)

Answer 27

Affective strategies

Question 28

enable the learner to learn via interaction with others and understand the target culture (e.g., asking questions, asking for clarification, asking for help, talking with a native-speaking conversation partner, and exploring cultural and social norms)

Answer 28

Social strategies