The document discusses what makes a good language learner. It states that there is no single strategy for success, but rather it requires consistently using a variety of strategies. Some successful learners use strategies subconsciously, while others consciously apply different strategies. Learning a language is one of the most complex skills, so learners must invest in developing multiple layers of strategies. Successful language learners can manage their learning styles and strategies when encountering the language on a daily basis. Learning styles are not fixed, and learners can take steps to change traits that may hinder their learning through self-awareness and reflection.

1. Instituto Superior Antonio Ruiz de Montoya Profesorado de Inglés

2. What makes a good language learner? “ There is no single magic formula for successful foreign language learning [. . .]. What is required for success is the persistent use of a whole battery of strategies for language learning”

3. “ Some successful learners are not aware of the strategies they subconsciously put into play when learning but many have achieved their goals through conscious, systematic application of a battery of strategies.”

4. “ A language is probably the most complex set of skills one could ever seek to acquire; therefore, and investment is necessary in the form of developing multiple layers of strategies for getting language into one’s brain.”

5. Learning styles and strategies Learning styles consist of traits, tendencies or preferences that make one learner (or person) from the other. Strategies are specific methods of approaching a problem or task, modes of operation for achieving a particular aim or how we control specific information.

6. Styles can be related to: personal factors (extroversion, self-esteem, anxiety) cognition (such as left/right brain dominance, ambiguity tolerance, field sensitivity)

7. Successful language learners are those that can manage styles and strategies in the day-to-day encounters with the language.

8. Very important : “ styles are not by any means immutable tendencies .” Learners can take steps to change traits that may be hindering their learning

9. A process of self awareness to understand who you are includes reflexion and discovery

10. With the following checklists you can take the first step We will take some minutes to read and complete them

11. Thank you! References Brown, H. D. (2001) Teaching by Principles. An interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy . 2nd Ed. Chapter 14 (pp. 207-229) N.Y., Pearson Longman.