Individual differences in second language learning

Résumé du document

Understanding students' individual difference is a key factor in predetermining the success of the learning experience. Actually, EFL learners differ from one another in terms of race, colour, religion, identity, ethnicity, language, social class, cultural background, intelligence, learning strategies, level of interest and aptitude for learning, etc. Generally, there are three approaches for dealing with students' individual differences, namely modifying events of instruction to respond to students' distinctive learning strategies, putting kids into different groups helps them learn according to their pace, as well as using a variety of activities that match the leaners' various ways of acquiring knowledge.

Extraits

[...] Individual differences in second language learning Understanding students' individual difference is a key factor in predetermining the success of the learning experience. Actually, EFL learners differ from one another in terms of race, colour, religion, identity, ethnicity, language, social class, cultural background, intelligence, learning strategies, level of interest and aptitude for learning, etc. Generally, there are three approaches for dealing with students' individual differences, namely modifying events of instruction to respond to students' distinctive learning strategies, putting kids into different groups helps them learn according to their pace, as well as using a variety of activities that match the leaners' various ways of acquiring knowledge. [...]

[...] Moreover, learns come to school bearing different cultural backgrounds and some of them feel difficult mingling with the whole class. Also, Gardner in his book ‘frames of mind' states that learners possess a range of intelligence such as musical/rhythmic; verbal/linguistic; bodily/kinesthetic; visual/Auditory; logical/Mathematical; interpersonal/intrapersonal. In brief, pupils are different in many features that should be taken into consideration while planning and manipulating learning. II. Strategies coping with leaners' individual differences Taking the learners' variations into consideration paves the way for a successful learning process. [...]

[...] In fact, taking into account the learners' individual differences pave the way for a successful learning and teaching processes as we knew beforehand that our students are, what are their needs and interests and therefore designing tasks and activities that cope with their individual variations. References ‒ Psychology for language teachers, Williams 1999. ‒ Language leaners strategies (Oxford Rebecca). ‒ Psychology for teachers (Dr. Fontana). Essay outline Strategies for dealing with leaners' individual differences Thesis statement: understanding the individual differences among EFL learners is a key factor in helping EFL teachers think about the appropriate strategies for coping with these differences for a successful learning process. Paragraph Manifestations of individual differences. [...]

[...] In the same context, instructors should use different techniques materials while teaching such as visual aids, diagrams, charts, equations, maps, verbal explanation, questures, acting out, etc., to respond to students' distinctive learning strategies. In addition to this, EFL teacher should associate the content of instruction to pupils' interest, daily life and experiences to boost students' sense of achievement. Mastery of learning is another dynamic for dealing with students' variations. The teacher should by no means moves from one unit of instruction to another till the previous one is mastered. [...]

[...] Supporting idea Students are different in terms of intelligence they use while learning. Paragraph Strategies coping with leaners' individual differences. Supporting idea Modifying events of instruction to match pupils' distinctive ways of learning. Supporting idea Putting students in different groups according to their learning strategies. Supporting idea using a variety of activities to match pupils' learning style. Conclusion Being aware of the students' individual differences helps EFL teachers design appropriate activities to cope with the pupils' variations so that the majority of learners can achieve wholly or partly preset learning goals. [...]