A Research On Perceptual Learning Styles And Learning Strategies Of Non-English Major Students

Based on the development of learning style and learning strategy theories, the writer has conducted a tentative study on sophomores of non-English majors at a local university in Shandong Province. There are altogether 195 participants majoring in six different disciplines. In this study, questionnaire is the main research method used to collect data and it comprises three parts: Personal Information Background, Reid's (1984) Perceptual Learning Style Preference Questionnaire (PLSP) and Oxford's (1989) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL), version, 7.0. It sets out to empirically examine three questions raised by the writer: 1. what is the perceptual learning style preference of non-English major students? 2. what is the frequency of language learning strategy use of non-English major students? 3. what is the correlation between perceptual learning styles and language learning strategy use and what is the most preferred language learning strategy use under the influence of each learning style among non-English major students?Final data are collected and analyzed by SPSS. It has been found that, firstly, non-English major students employ multi-dimensional learning style preference, and they prefer tactile learning style most. Secondly, learning strategy use of non-English major students is in medium level, and among all the learning strategies, metacognitive and compensation strategies are the most preferred learning strategies. Thirdly, correlation does exist between perceptual learning styles and language learning strategies, and students of each learning style have the most preferred learning strategy use during their learning process. After data analysis, the writer discusses the significance and implications of this study and emphasizes the necessity of introducing theories of perceptual learning styles and learning strategies in later classroom...