Question:
How do individual learning styles affect how one learns a foreign language.
What's Your Learning Style?
Learning experts recognize two distinct styles of learning. The "top down" model likes to start with the big picture, sampling here and there seemingly at random and gradually building a picture of the subject. By contract the "bottom up" learner likes things very structured and proceeds step-by-step. Most subjects in school are taught in a way that favors "bottom up" learners. But languages are usually learned more effectively using "top down" models, which is also why most traditional language classes are notoriously ineffective. The bottom up style does give a distinct advantage to the “bottom up” learners if they have already learned at least one foreign language before, or if they have a reasonable working knowledge of general grammatical principles.
Learning Languages Frequently Asked Questions
How do individual learning styles affect how one learns a foreign language.
How do I create an optimal environment for learning languages?
What should I look for if I want to learn a foreign language on my own?
Which is a more effective way to learn a language, traditional classes or self-study?
How do I use a pocket foreign language dictionary?
Do Children Learn Languages Faster Than Adults
Do people have a natural ability for learning languages?
How can I help my kids learn a foreign language?
What are "Immersion" language programs and how effective are they?
How can I teach my kids foreign languages at home more effectively?
How can I get my child more engaged in studying a foreign language.
Why do most people fail at learning a new language?
How long will it take before I can speak a new language?
Will learning a foreign language help my kids do better in school?
Will studying a foreign language help my child get better SAT scores?
Can learning a language improve my social life?
Can learning a foreign language help me better express myself in my own language?
How much foreign language study do I need to benefit from it?
Can learning a foreign language help me find a better job?
What are the key factors that determine success in learning a foreign language?
How should I set my goals for learning a language?
How can setting goals help me succeed in learning a language?
How can I build a support network to help my language learning?
What can I read to help improve my foreign vocabulary?
Should I buy ready-made flash cards or make my own?
How do I use flash cards effectively?
Should I buy a large foreign dictionary or a smaller pocket dictionary?
Which vocabulary words should I try to learn first?
How Much Vocabulary Do I Need?
Will knowing a language similar to the one I'm studying be any help?
What are some tricks I can use to help me memorize new vocabulary?
How do people learn new words?
Can foreign films help me in my language study?
I'd like to practice my language by watching movies but foreign films bore me. What else can I try?
Should I join a foreign conversation group?
Can listening to foreign music help my language study?
Can I start a foreign language conversation group?
What is the advantage of corresponding with a foreign pen pal?
Can I practice my language on the Internet?
Should I look for ethnic festivals I can attend in my area?
Are ethnic restaurants a useful supplement to my language study?
How can I make the most of my language study when I travel?
How can I find foreign magazines about my personal interests?
What advantages are there to subscribing to a foreign newspaper or magazine?
What do foreign language search engines offer?
Can I use a vacation abroad to learn a new language?
Can I do a "study abroad" program?
How do I learn about mannerisms and gestures that are part of a foreign culture?
What do I need this new language for?
How can I practice my new language?
What is an easy way to build my vocabulary?
How do I know my spelling is correct?
Is every excercise fit for me?
Do I need to understand my language to be able to listen to it?
| Guru Spotlight |
| William Pirraglia |
