Songyut Akkakoson. Research report a study of perceptual learning style preferences of Thai EFL university students of science and technology disciplines. (). King Mongkut University of Technology North Bangkok. Central Library. : , 2556.
Research report a study of perceptual learning style preferences of Thai EFL university students of science and technology disciplines
Abstract:
In the contemporary practices in the tertiary education, students learning styles have
at times been overlooked and teachers are likely to be unaware of their own teaching styles
and a match between teaching and learning style preferences. As a result, students may not
gain a deep understanding of the lessons due to the instructional methods, which may not
correspond to their learning style preferences. This study, therefore, aims to identify the
learning style preferences of Thai EFL university students of science and technology
disciplines and to investigate the differences in their learning styles. It further examines the
relationships between leaning styles and some other target variablesdiscipline, gender, age,
length of time studying English and pre-existing English proficiency. It also looks at the
fluctuations in learning style preferences within a specific course. Whether there is a match
between students learning styles and teachers teaching styles is another attempt of this study
to explore.
Data were collected through Reids (1987) questionnaire (PLSPQ) and a written
response form, using 237 students and five teachers of English of an EFL reading course in
the first term of the academic years 2011 and 2012 at King Mongkuts University of
Technology North Bangkok (KMUTNB). The results indicate that Thai EFL learners of
science and technology disciplines have identifiable learning styles that differ among
students. They favour Group learning style the most and Individual learning style the least.
Not all of the factors studied in this research are found to contribute to the choice of learning
styles; only the age and English learning experience are. Preferences for learning styles
actually fluctuate within the course of this subject. Thai teachers of English are found to be
Visual learners/teachers and Group learning is their least favourite style. Interestingly, a
mismatch between student learning styles and teacher teaching styles is found. Both the students and the teachers unanimously agree on further views on learning and teaching styles,
and the teachers generally agree on Reid's (1987, 1995) major and minor hypotheses. A
balanced style of teaching in order to accommodate diverse learning styles in the classroom is
highly recommended. The study takes the first step towards learner autonomy or developing
the ability to take charge of learners' own learning for lifelong learning.