Cognitive and Learning Styles and Second Language Aquisition

BUCKLEDEE, STEPHEN JOHN

2009-01-01

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Abstract

After defining the essential terminology, the paper will proceed with a summary of the most thoroughly researched area of investigation with regard to cognitive styles and second language acquisition: the field-dependent (FD) and field-independent (FI) dichotomy. Attention will then switch to learning styles, with a concrete example of how the acquisition of a linguistic feature may develop according to Kolb's model of the learning circle. Finally, the insights from research into learning styles will be evaluated in relation to: (i) how styles are reflected in specific learning strategies; (ii) the teachability of strategies; (iii) the match or mismatch of learning and teaching styles; (iv) very recent developments in language teaching methodology.