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Learning styles and the potential for learning on institution-wide language programmes: an assessment of the results of a pilot study.

Learning styles and the potential for learning on institution-wide language programmes: an assessment of the results of a pilot study.
Learning styles and the potential for learning on institution-wide language programmes: an assessment of the results of a pilot study.
Institution wide language programmes are now widespread in UK institutions of higher education and offer students, regardless of discipline, the opportunity of enhancing their curriculum vitae through the development of communication skills in a foreign language. However, this facility for non-specialist language learners requires careful consideration to be given to learning style and related factors that may contribute to successful language learning. To explore some of the issues, an action research pilot study utilising qualitative research tools has been undertaken at Sheffield Hallam University. The findings provide various insights into the factors that impact upon non-specialist language learning. Although inconclusive with respect to learning style, they suggest that more can be done to maximise student achievement, such as providing students with opportunities for exploring the process of learning. They also indicate that further research should be undertaken focusing specifically on the nature of the interface between language learning and other components of the student’s learning experience and the identification of opportunities for cross-fertilisation between subject areas.
learning styles, institution-wide language programmes
0957-1736
11-18
Drew, Fiona
14127558-4166-4863-95f7-50dc10c8a875
Ottewill, Roger
6aff3585-9ea4-4ae2-a3c0-101c10333a20
Drew, Fiona
14127558-4166-4863-95f7-50dc10c8a875
Ottewill, Roger
6aff3585-9ea4-4ae2-a3c0-101c10333a20

Drew, Fiona and Ottewill, Roger (2002) Learning styles and the potential for learning on institution-wide language programmes: an assessment of the results of a pilot study. Language Learning Journal, (26), 11-18.

Record type: Article

Abstract

Institution wide language programmes are now widespread in UK institutions of higher education and offer students, regardless of discipline, the opportunity of enhancing their curriculum vitae through the development of communication skills in a foreign language. However, this facility for non-specialist language learners requires careful consideration to be given to learning style and related factors that may contribute to successful language learning. To explore some of the issues, an action research pilot study utilising qualitative research tools has been undertaken at Sheffield Hallam University. The findings provide various insights into the factors that impact upon non-specialist language learning. Although inconclusive with respect to learning style, they suggest that more can be done to maximise student achievement, such as providing students with opportunities for exploring the process of learning. They also indicate that further research should be undertaken focusing specifically on the nature of the interface between language learning and other components of the student’s learning experience and the identification of opportunities for cross-fertilisation between subject areas.

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More information

Published date: 2002
Keywords: learning styles, institution-wide language programmes

Identifiers

Local EPrints ID: 12466
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/12466
ISSN: 0957-1736
PURE UUID: 72349c58-5ca4-4358-8003-6c8eac451812

Catalogue record

Date deposited: 17 Nov 2004
Last modified: 24 Jun 2022 17:31

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Contributors

Author: Fiona Drew
Author: Roger Ottewill

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