English Language Learning Styles

In an English as a Second Language or English as a Foreign Language classroom, teaching is far more effective when the instructor takes multiple learning styles into consideration. Not only do English language learning styles affect students' comprehension of the course material, but they also can steer English teachers toward appropriate modes of ongoing assessment.

History

One of the key figures in early research on the concept of learning styles was professor and early childhood development expert Howard Gardner. He developed the theory of multiple intelligences, stressing that all students have different methods for interpreting new information. His list of intelligences is comprised of linguistic, mathematical or logical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial, interpersonal and intrapersonal.

Function

The multiple learning styles have several functions in the English language-learning classroom. For example, musical, linguistic and interpersonal learners typically process oral lessons and instructions well. They enjoy curriculum involving reports, debates, dialogs and discussions. Spatial learners prefer a written or symbolic reinforcement to lessons. They function well in assignments utilizing graphics, maps, art, cartoons and video. Kinesthetic learners appreciate lessons that use realia, manipulatives, movement and the creation of things. Logical and intrapersonal learners often require additional time to process information. Mathematical learners appreciate processes, formulas, directions, diagrams and instructions.

Effects

Integrating techniques that support different learning styles produces various opportunities for authentic assessment. Some ESL teachers use rubrics, portfolios, interviews or projects as tools for measuring student progress.

Time Frame

The key concern about teaching English to multiple learning styles is in regard to time allotment. Rarely does a teacher have time to individualize instruction and assessment to each student's learning style. Many ESL and EFL instructors address this issue by introducing multi-modal and open-ended projects that integrate different learning styles.

Considerations

Other educators classify learning styles in different ways, and Gardner's initial list is by no means exhaustive. For example, Gloria Ladson-Billings devised a methodology called Culturally Responsive Teaching that takes into account student's specific cultural and linguistic backgrounds and encourages teachers to bring more of students' home cultures into the classroom culture. In this model, a student's culture is part of his learning style.