Cebu International EFL Conference

Abstract of paper

Author

Dr. Ma Qing
Assistant Professor
Department of English
The Hong Kong Institute of Education
. Hong Kong

Title
Looking into the relationship between language learning styles and vocabulary learning strategies in a Chinese University EFL context

Abstract
This article reports an investigation into Chinese University EFL learners’ language learning style preference and vocabulary learning strategy use. A questionnaire was given to each participant that measures their vocabulary strategy use and learning style preference. Various statistical tests were used to analyse the data, including ANOVA, multiple regression, MANOVA, etc. The results show that participants largely rely on “shallow” or convenient vocabulary learning strategies, such as mechanical repetition, instead of “deep” strategies that require more mental effort.

This calls for teacher strategy training in order that teachers may bring to their students’ attention different kinds of strategies and make them aware of those from which they can derive benefit. Among all dimensions of learning styles, one cognitive learning style, namely, analytical learning style, positively predicts strategy use not only quantitatively, in terms of frequency, but also qualitatively, in terms of those “deep” vocabulary learning strategies that involve more mental effort. It is suggested that students be instructed in these deep strategies first in the training program.

BIODATA

Qing Ma received her Ph.D. in applied linguistics at the University of Louvain, Belgium. She is currently assistant professor at the Department of English, The Hong Kong Institute of Education. Her main research interests include second language vocabulary acquisition, research methodology, corpus linguistics, and computer assisted language earning.