Learning Styles and Strategies in Second Language Learning

Nurul Hamida Politeknik Negeri Semarang nurulpolines@yahoo.com Abstract. Students learn in many different ways, such as by seeing and hearing; reflecting and acting; reasoning logically and intuitively. Similarly, teaching methods also vary. The ways in which a student characteristically acquires, retains, and retrieves information are considered learning style. Language learning has certain characteristics which are different from other learning. Consequently, although some theorists proposed learning styles, only some of them fit in second or foreign language learning. Since mismatches often occur between student learning styles and teacher teaching styles, this paper defines several dimensions of learning style thought to be particularly relevant to foreign and second language learning. This paper also tries to outline ways in which certain learning styles are favored by most language teachers, and suggests steps to address the educational needs of all students in foreign language classes. Key-words: Learning style, teaching style, second language learning.

Ragam Jurnal Pengembangan Humaniora Vol. 12 No. 1, April 2012