1. Running Head: STUDY STRATEGIES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 1
Literature Review:
Study Strategies in Foreign Language Acquisition
Sayed Nazari
IST 511
Dr. Tourtellotte
December 14, 2017
2. STUDY STRATEGIES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 2
Yang, Hwang, Yang (2013) discussed the rules and impacts of the personalized model
and suggested that it would effectively contribute in “developing adaptive learning systems
based on the field dependent/independent cognitive style model and the eight dimensions of
Felder-Silverman's learning style” (Yang et al., 2013). This approach was conducted and tested
in the computer science course to see how the suggested model resulted in terms of performance.
After the test and the evaluation, the results were positive and showed optimism that this
approach for sure develops students’ learning performances and cognitive skills by incorporating
multiple learning styles and dimensions into an adaptive learning system.
The application of behavioral and cognitive theories in the classroom helps to overcome
existing learning challenges. It focuses on a significant role in identifying and incorporating
multiple intelligences for better learning acquisition. For instance, in language acquisition,
behavioral view of learning in the first semester is important and must be practiced to master the
basic concepts of the language.
Furthermore, instructors should provide students with learning strategies to engage their
cognitive learning styles. Yang et al., (2013) “suggested that teachers and course designers pay
attention to students’ learning styles and design teaching and learning interventions accordingly.”
Thus, it helps students’ learning motivation and influences their capacity to develop effective
study strategies.
The Cognitive Learning Theory explains how brains are connecting, processing and
acquiring information as we learn things. This theory is made of two main theories, Social
Cognitive and Cognitive Behavioral Theories focusing on different aspects of brain’s functions.
Cognitive processes are connected brains functions and activities that exert direct influence
3. STUDY STRATEGIES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 3
(Bandura, 2001, p. 4). When we talk about children and their cognitive learning skills, we mean
to think using right and left hemisphere of the brains.
Macaro (2006) also argues that “skills that involve manipulation or transformation of the
language in some direct way, e.g., through reasoning, analysis, note taking, functional practice in
naturalistic settings, formal practice with structures and sounds, etc.” The theory helps readers
understand that mental processes and functionalities as they are influenced by both internal and
external (environmental and personal factors).
The intrinsic and extrinsic factors play a significant role in children’s brains development
and learning abilities. If ineffective cognitive processes were inherited in children, they result in
learning difficulties or disabilities that can be revealed anytime at any stage of life of an
individual. To further understand and know human’s behavior and learning, it is best to use the
Behavioral Learning Theory to know how knowledge or behavior is acquired through practice as
stated in the theory of self-efficacy. “Self-efficacy beliefs usually affect cognitive functioning
through the joint influence of motivational and information-processing operations” (Bandura,
1989, p. 2).
Behavioral Learning Theory disconnects any independent activities of mind involving both
left and right brains hemisphere and mainly focuses on impartial, personal and discernable
behaviors. Behaviorists define learning as acquisition and adopting new behavior based on
intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Learning is a personal act that children would come with their own
learning styles when they learn.
Oxford and Nyikos (1989) states that learning strategies, including cognitive strategies
for associating new information with existing information in long-term memory and for forming
and revising internal mental models; meta cognitive strategies for exercising "executive control"
4. STUDY STRATEGIES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 4
through planning, arranging, focusing, and evaluating their own learning.” Thus, I believe that
incorporating multiple intelligence, cognitive and behavioral learning skills would be one of the
best ways to help children learn.
Moreover, the authors further explained the impacts of the rapid growth of technologies
and an immense amount information that the students process on daily basis. This has become a
challenge in the current world of technology and has encouraged the researchers to develop
learning strategies that support technology-based learning activities. The available of
technologies and worldwide access to them have developed inclusive learning contents. This
approach has attracted researchers to develop an adaptive learning system that values diverse
learning styles “based on an object-oriented framework that composes personalized learning
content by considering individuals' knowledge level and the difficulty level of the learning
objects” (Yang et al., 2013).
5. STUDY STRATEGIES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION 5
References
Bandura, A. (1989). Human agency in social cognitive theory. American Psychologist, 44(9),
1175.
Bandura, A. (2001). Social cognitive theory: An agentic perspective. Annual review of
psychology, 52(1), 1-26.
Macaro, E. (2006). Strategies for language learning and for language use: Revising the
theoretical framework. The Modern Language Journal, 90(3), 320-337.
Oxford, R., & Nyikos, M. (1989). Variables affecting choice of language learning strategies by
university students. The modern language journal, 73(3), 291-300.
Tzu-Chi Yang1, t., Gwo-Jen Hwang2, g., & Jen-Hwa Yang, S. j. (2013). Development of an
Adaptive Learning System with Multiple Perspectives based on Students' Learning Styles
and Cognitive Styles. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 16(4), 185-200.
