EFL Learning Styles and Strategies of University Students

Abstract

Each of us has our own preferred way of learning that is determined by our cultural and educational background and our personalities. We have often wondered why we have difficulties learning a foreign language from a particular teacher, whereas others seem to explain things in just the right way. There is a question why the course that someone recommends as an easy one turns into a very complicated one for another person. The reason for these discrepancies may be the differences in learning styles. People learn most effectively when the strategies used are closely matched with their preferred learning style. Sometimes we can improve our learning by knowing our strengths and then doing more of what we are good at. But it is also important to know our weaknesses in order to enhance our skills in these areas. When English teachers try to improve the effectiveness of students’ work, they should be aware of the main learning strategies that best match the way students like to learn and check to see if they follow suggested strategies. Thus, teachers can help foreign language students develop their natural style of learning. The current study investigates the diverse learning styles and strategies employed by EFL students at the researched Lithuanian university. The research reveals that students employ the perceptual learning style and the compensation language learning strategy prevails among students.